The Great B.B. King

A small tribute today to the fine guitarist and singer B.B. King, who passed away last week. It's in the form of a 1960 Crown LP with the bonus of one of King's best known singles.

1954 ad

Crown was a budget label owned by the Bihari brothers, who had issued King's single records throughout the 1950s on their RPM label and its successor, Kent. These sides made King's reputation; before joining RPM in 1950, his sole efforts were two unsuccessful singles for Bullet in 1949.

The Crown LP collates sides dating from 1952 (an alternate take of "Someday, Baby") to 1959 (the double-sided "Sweet Sixteen"). I've added King's 1956 78 of "Sweet Little Angel," one of his best known songs, and the terrific "Bad Luck."

In fact, the whole set is terrific. King's inspiration was T-Bone Walker, and these records show the influence of that guitarist's big-band blues approach, which was popular and influential in the 1940s. That's not to say that King was not an inspired performer himself - these records swing and rock in an irresistible fashion.

Crown was infamous for its poor quality control, but these recordings sound fairly good, although there is surface noise on "I Was Blind." The best sound, however, is found on the original RPM 78.

I am sure I have some of King's Kent 45s somewhere, but rather than wait until I find those items (which may never happen), let me just post what's at hand. Hope you enjoy these excellent records from this beloved artist.