Thursday night the world lost a man, a legend, and a king. His name was Riley B. King also known as BB King. King has been deemed one of the greatest blues artist of all time, and today it was announced that he died at the age of 89 in Las Vegas after being put into home hospice two weeks ago.

King’s career spanned over more than six decades, and in that time he earned countless Grammy awards, and Honors. King received Kennedy Center Honors in 1995, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006. Also, King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

King was born September 16, 1925 on a cotton plantation in Mississippi. As a young child, King sang in the church choir and learned how to play the guitar from his uncle. Also as a child he performed on street corners for money.

In King’s career he had many great songs such as: Thrill is Gone, You Upset Me Baby, and Three O’Clock Blues. King also performed with many other great artist such as Eric Clapton, U2, and Bobby Blue Bland.

The death of BB King has affected people all over the world, and I am glad to say I am one. Even though I am only 16 years young, I grew up listening to the blues and to performers like BB King, Bobby Blue Bland, and John Lee Hooker. When I heard the news that King was dead, I felt as if a part of me was gone.