RIP Riley B. King

Riley B. King, aka "Blues Boy," aka B.B., passed away today, 5/15/15 after 89 years on earth.

B.B. will always be special to me because not only was his tone and vocals an important inflection point in my joy of the blues, but also because my father gave me as a graduation present a copy of King's signature Gibson ES-355 solid body guitar. I'll never, ever part with it, with the exception of passing it on to my children one day in the distant future.

One of the things I enjoyed most about King was his willingness to share the stage.

I didn't expect it, but I wept today.