Ep 2. B.B. King: The Life of Riley

This episode of American Masters delves deep into the life and career of one of the most significant musicians of the 20th century: B.B. King. Known as the "King of the Blues," King's influence on the genre is immeasurable, and this documentary seeks to uncover the man behind the music.

The film explores King's beginnings in the Mississippi Delta, where he was born into poverty and raised by his grandmother. Despite a childhood of hardship and tragedy that included the loss of his mother and sister and a stint of working in the cotton fields, King developed a deep love for music that would become his lifeline.

Through interviews with family, friends, and fellow musicians, the documentary sheds light on King's early years as a performer, including his first gigs on Beale Street in Memphis. It also reveals the struggles King faced as a black artist during a time of racial segregation, when he often played to entirely white audiences in towns that were still segregated.

The film moves chronologically through King's life, touching on significant moments such as his breakout hit "Three O'Clock Blues," recorded in 1951. It also explores his often tumultuous personal life, including his failed marriage and struggles with addiction.

Throughout its runtime, the documentary relies heavily on archival footage of King's performances, showcasing his incredible talent as a guitarist and singer. But in addition to celebrating his musical contributions, the film also addresses King's impact as a civil rights activist and philanthropist.

The interviews are particularly illuminating, with contributions from not only King's closest confidantes but also fellow musicians like Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, and Eric Clapton. Through their accounts, we gain a sense of the gravity of King's influence on the Blues and on the music industry as a whole.

Overall, B.B. King: The Life of Riley is a loving tribute to one of the most important figures in American music history. It shines a light on the man behind the music, laying bare the struggles and triumphs that made him the icon we know him as.