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BB King to stop touring overseas
BBC ^ | 1/21/06 | n/a

Posted on 01/21/2006 12:06:36 PM PST by kiriath_jearim

BB King to stop touring overseas

BB King recently celebrated his 80th birthday

Blues legend BB King will embark on his last international tour on 16 February, he has announced, although he said he will still make US concert appearances.

The singer, 80, will start his Farewell Tour in Chicago and it also includes a five-date tour in the UK starting at the end of March.

King has been performing since his big break in 1948, scoring two US number ones and numerous other hits.

"I hardly remember I'm 80 unless I have to run up a hill or stairs," he said.

"As long as people buy my records and come to my concerts, I don't see anything else I'd like to do."

'Clock is ticking'

His publicist said he had toured every year for 60 years.

"I think the clock is ticking, yes," King said.

"In fact, I know it is. Frank Sinatra sang about the September of (his) years. I think I'm in the November of my years."

During the 1950s King was averaging 275 concerts a year, while in 1956 he notched up 342 gigs.

On an album to celebrate his 80th birthday he was joined by Eric Clapton and Sir Elton John on duets.

A $10m (£5.6m) museum is set to open later this year in the Grammy winner's native Mississippi.


TOPICS: Music/Entertainment
KEYWORDS: bbking; blues; music
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To: LIBERATENJ
"I was there when they crucified my Lord I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword I threw the dice when they pierced his side But I've seen love conquer the great divide"

Amazing

21 posted on 01/21/2006 1:10:59 PM PST by ARealMothersSonForever
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To: buffyt

About ten years ago, I was working on a TV show where B.B. guested. One of our crew had brought in a couple of records in hopes of getting his autograph. When he asked, B.B. said he was a little nervous and focussed on getting his lines straight, but he'd get to it after the show. That's a common "go away kid, you bother me" routine, and the crew member figured he'd been shined on.

After the show, B.B's manager pointed out to him that their flight was due. He started for the door, then stopped and said, "wait a minute, what about the guy with the records?" Everything came to a halt while we located the crew member and B.B. autographed the albums for him.

Truly a decent, humble, guy, and a great musician. May we keep hearing Lucille as long as he wants to share her.


22 posted on 01/21/2006 1:16:33 PM PST by ArmstedFragg
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To: nutmeg
I was a sailor, I was lost at sea I was under the waves Before love rescued me I was a fighter, I could turn on a thread Now I stand accused of the things I've said

Love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down But I did what I did before love came to town

I used to make love under a red sunset I was making promises I was soon to forget She was pale as the lace of her wedding gown But I left her standing before love came to town

I ran into a juke joint when I heard a guitar scream The notes were turning blue, I was dazing in a dream As the music played I saw my life turn around That was the day before love came to town

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down But I did what I did before love came to town

I was there when they crucified my Lord I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword I threw the dice when they pierced his side But I've seen love conquer the great divide

When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that train When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down But I did what I did before love came to town

23 posted on 01/21/2006 1:17:15 PM PST by ARealMothersSonForever
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To: kiriath_jearim

I caught him a few years ago @ the Indy Jazz Fest,
What can I say but wow....any FReepers out there that like jazz, the Indy Jazz Fest is great

http://www.indyjazzfest.net/lineup.html


24 posted on 01/21/2006 1:22:08 PM PST by Kimmers
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To: nutmeg

That's probably close to what it cost to get into the Golden Bear, which was a small club. Very intimate space- we saw a lot of people there, who went on to fame and fortune...including Steve Martin, Martin Mull, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Emmylou Harris, Linda Rondstadt(back when she just sang and didn't lecture her audience). Seeing BB was the best.


25 posted on 01/21/2006 1:58:33 PM PST by antceecee (Reagan Democrat and now a Bush Republican...)
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To: glock rocks
Hummingbird.

Great song. Written by Leon Russell.

26 posted on 01/21/2006 2:31:44 PM PST by rogue yam
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To: antceecee
Ahhh... the Golden Bear. When short of funds you could creatively hang outside and listen to the music for free. I saw (actually inside) Flo and Eddie [the Turtles], Tom Waits, Dwight Twilly (we walked out :p) and various other posers.

The wife and kids were stayed at some big hotel on a recent Disney trip and told me "don't come back... the place has changed so much you'd never recognize it(HB)."

Why ruin memories.

27 posted on 01/21/2006 5:04:27 PM PST by steveo (No Anchovies? You've got the wrong man, I spell my name steveo...)
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To: kiriath_jearim

But he'll keep playing his hometown Indianola, Mississippi annual concert.

You never leave the Delta 'til God calls.......


28 posted on 01/21/2006 8:43:31 PM PST by Cedar
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To: muawiyah

I saw him in a documentary where he did a Blues workshop.

He took questions from the audience and this skinny kid asked if he could side with BB on the harp.

King said, "Yeah sure" and the kid accompanied him. BB gave the nod to his side men to support the kid. The kid did an excellent job, kept on tempo and followed the band. King told him he was very good and should keep working and try to get a gig.

Very classy


29 posted on 01/21/2006 8:52:06 PM PST by beaver fever
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