Today in Black History: Riley ‘B.B.’ King was Born

On September 16, 1925, Riley B. King was born!

Known by his stage name, B.B. King's love for music began at an early age as he sang in his church choir and got his first guitar at age 12.

As a young adult, he moved from his native Mississippi to Tennessee, where he eventually found a spot on WDIA radio station in Memphis.

B.B. King started recording just three years after moving to Tennessee and began touring major cities across the U.S.

King saw success as a musician, and even received an honor of making Rolling Stone magazine's list of "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" with "The Thrill is Gone."

In 2008, King was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, and four years later, he had the honor of performing at the White House for President Obama. He has also been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in addition to the National Medal of Arts, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and being named on TIME magazine's list of the 10 best electric guitarists of all time. Source.

King died in May 2015, but his influence can still be heard in some of today's music, especially those with foundation in the blues genre. There are also numerous clubs, bars, and grills across the country named in B.B. King's honor.