B.B. King - King of the Blues

This four-CD box set remains the absolutely definitive B.B. King collection, with 77 recordings and a biographical book that contains the great singer-guitarist's own remembrances of his decades-long career. It samples every stage of his development, from his days struggling to craft his music in the shadow of influences like T-Bone Walker and Lonnie Johnson to his latter-day pairings with rockers like Bonnie Raitt and Gary Moore. The one constant is his open-hearted singing and the soulful, contemplative solos he squeezes from his beloved guitar Lucille. These discs, of course, embrace all his essential hits, from his first--1951's "Three O'Clock Blues"--to his 1970 smash "The Thrill Is Gone," which took King to the pop charts and made him a household name. If this package is too lavish for the budget, try the excellent Best of B.B. King, Volume 1, which collects many of King's great early works. --Ted Drozdowski Amazon.com essential recording

A MUST HAVE FOR YOUR BLUES COLLECTION

THIS IS NOT ONLY THE BEST BLUES FROM ONE OF ITS BEST BLUESMAN, BUT IT IS ALSO A HISTORY OF B.B. FROM START TILL NOW. THE BOOK IT COMES WITH IS OUTSTANDING January 10, 2008

B.B. Is Truly The King Of The Blues.

When it comes to the blues, almost no one has mastered it better than B.B. King. He is truly a legend in the music business. His guitar playing skills are comparable to but a few (and those few were heavily influenced by him), his voice is one of the most distinct and powerful in music, and his career spans almost 60 years. How many other artists can boast not only having that longevity, but also still being able to thrive even as they hit their 80s'.

The 77 songs on the aptly titled "King Of The Blues" boxed set are astonishing. Every classic B.B. song is available, from his early recordings spanning all the way back to 1949 all the way up to 1991. That's 42 years of some of the finest blues and R & B ever recorded. The sound quality is highly commendable, and the liner notes are exceptional. This is a boxed set that belongs in everyone's record collection. January 7, 2007

"King" is an understatement

BB King ranks at the top of blues music and belongs in company with some of the greatest blues artists of all time (i.e. Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, etc). His contributions cannot be overstated. This boxed set, "King of The Blues", is a masterful collection of his best works whether obscure or well known. This is a must own for any fan of blues, jazz or music in general and covers King's contributions from 1949-1991. The thrill is definitely NOT gone. March 5, 2006

The Blues defined by BB....

I am fairly young and still feel like I missed something by not learning about BB King and Muddy Waters at an earlier age. It is almost like coming upon buried treasure, to listen to these songs.

The energy and emotion of a song such as "I'm Gonna Sit in 'Til You Give In (and give me all of your love)" is unbelievable with raw power and energy. What is especially surprising to me is that I had never heard practically all of these songs played even on oldies stations. My personal favorites are his early years, but there are no bad songs here on any of the four CD's. Every person has their own favorite song.....mine is "Lucille." I am simply amazed that I never heard this song before having made this purchase. There are so many songs which can only be described with superlatives, and this is much too short of a space to do that in. I bought this box set and can honestly say that I am not skipping songs. BB King also is on here with the Duke Ellington band, with songs you will not get on any "Best of" collection.

I had picked this up and put it down many times, because I was unsure because of the price of it. But I have not regretted it one iota since buying it....quite the contrary in fact, as I look at this as one of the best purchases of music I ever made(even paying full price!). If you are at all interested in the blues, look into buying this piece of gold from one of the masters.

Highly recommended.
November 24, 2004

"He paid the Cost , To be the Boss"!

I just bought this box set last week and have been enjoying it like no tomorrow. I have many records of the top Blues singers going back to Robert Johnson and Bessie Smith, but I do believe that this is the best "complete" set on one artist! Man can them songs take you back. If I knew that this collection was this good I would of bought it years ago when it first came out (1992). No matter what your Budget is ,if you are really into the Blues you should buy this set - even if it means eating half lunches for a week or two, you won't be sorry. After hearing these tunes "The Thrill is Back"! May 3, 2004

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