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Remembering B.B. King, an Icon of the Blues

1 minute read
Portrait musician B.B. King in 1972.
Portrait of musician B.B. King in 1972.John Shearer—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
By TIME Staff

One of the most celebrated figures in the world of music, blues master B.B. King, died in Las Vegas on Thursday at the age of 89, according to the Associated Press, citing King’s lawyer.

The leading bluesman of his generation sold millions of albums over the course of his phenomenal career and was an inductee in both the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

His 2009 album, “One Kind Favor,” earned him his 15th Grammy.

Liz Ronk, who edited this gallery, is the Photo Editor for LIFE.com. Follow her on Twitter @lizabethronk.

Portrait of musician B.B. King in 1972.
Portrait of musician B.B. King in 1972.John Shearer—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Portrait musician B.B. King in 1972.
Portrait of musician B.B. King in 1972.John Shearer—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Portrait musician B.B. King in 1972.
Portrait of musician B.B. King in 1972.John Shearer—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Portrait musician B.B. King in 1972.
Portrait of musician B.B. King in 1972.John Shearer—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Portrait musician B.B. King in 1972.
Portrait of musician B.B. King in 1972.John Shearer—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Portrait musician B.B. King in 1972.
Portrait of musician B.B. King in 1972.John Shearer—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Portrait musician B.B. King in 1972.
Portrait of musician B.B. King in 1972.John Shearer—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

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