By David O’Neill
There’s reverence, and then there’s ‘BB King 100’. To mark what would’ve been B.B. King’s 100th birthday, Joe Bonamassa has rounded up just about every modern blues and rock heavyweight you could name for a marathon tribute that’s part jam session, part history lesson, and all heart. Thirty-two tracks, more than 50 artists — and somehow it never once feels bloated.
Bonamassa, ever the blues historian with a Les Paul in hand, steers the ship with admirable grace. A lifelong career of BB King influence caused him to curate this incredible collaboration. He doesn’t try to “be” B.B. (because who could?), but channels his warmth and phrasing with obvious love. The production hits the sweet spot — clean and vibrant, yet earthy enough to let the players breathe.
It’s packed with moments to stop you in your tracks: Clapton joins Bonamassa on ‘The Thrill Is Gone’, their twin guitars quietly conversing like old friends swapping stories over a bourbon. Then Chaka Khan steps up and just “owns” the mic, turning the same tune into something soulful and spine-tingling. Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Chris Buck and Larkin Poe add the contemporary blues musicians input — each puts their stamp on their songs without losing sight of why they matter.
What’s magic about ‘BB King 100’ is that it never drifts into nostalgia-for-nostalgia’s-sake. It sounds alive, celebratory — proof that the blues still carries as much fire in 2026 as it did under those Mississippi lights all those decades ago.
‘Better Not Look Down’ gives many of the featured artist the opportunity to state how BB King influenced their journeys
A heartfelt salute, a monster line‑up and a whole lot of soul. The King would’ve smiled wide at this one.
The blues are alive, well, and still thrillingly not gone.
- ‘BB King’https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CButKSLstZcs Blues Summit 100‘ is out now.
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