American Masters Season 29 Episode 2
American Masters
Season 29

Ep 2. B.B. King

  • February 12, 2016

American Masters season 29 episode 2 is all about the legendary guitarist B.B. King. The documentary explores King's life and times, with a focus on his groundbreaking contributions to the blues genre. It features interviews with King himself, as well as with musicians, family members, and other experts who offer insights into his life and legacy.

The episode begins with King's childhood in the Mississippi Delta, where he was born in 1925. We learn about his early experiences with music, including his first guitar, which he bought for $15 when he was 12 years old. From there, we follow King's career as he rises to fame, playing on street corners and in local juke joints before eventually making his way to Memphis, where he gets his first big break.

Along the way, we hear about King's influences, including T-Bone Walker and Blind Lemon Jefferson, and we learn about the challenges he faced as a black musician trying to make it in a white-dominated industry. We also hear about his famous guitar, Lucille, which he saved from a burning building and named after a woman who was the cause of the fire.

The episode also explores King's personal life, including his two marriages and his struggles with alcoholism and diabetes. Despite these challenges, however, King remained one of the most beloved and respected musicians of his time, and his impact on the blues and rock-and-roll is still felt today.

Throughout the episode, we hear from a wide range of people who knew and worked with King, including artist and producer T-Bone Burnett, musician and actor Keith Richards, fellow blues musician Buddy Guy, and King's longtime manager, Sid Seidenberg. We also see archival footage of King's performances, including his famous appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1993.

Overall, American Masters season 29 episode 2 offers a fascinating look at the life and career of one of the most important and influential musicians of the 20th century. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves the blues, rock-and-roll, or music in general.

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Description
  • First Aired
    February 12, 2016
  • Language
    English