Legendary Bluesman B.B. King Dies in Las Vegas at 89

Did you get to see B.B. King when he played at the Cheyenne Civic Center?

The legendary bluesman B.B. King died at the age of 89 on Thursday, May 14, in Las Vegas. He had recently been hospitalized for high blood pressure and diabetes.

On May 1, B.B. King sent out a tweet that read:

“I am in home hospice care at my residence in Las Vegas.

Thanks to all for your well wishes and prayers.”

Late Thursday night into Friday morning twitter exploded with memories and shock after news of his death spread. The legendary blues guitarist helped popularize the genre on his Gibson he named 'Lucille.'

About 10 years ago, B.B. King came to the Cheyenne Civic Center. My wife and I were in the front row and she got to shake his hand after the show. He had been tossing out little plastic 'B.B. King' pins toward the end of the show onto the front of the stage and we had collected a few. Were you in the audience that magical night?

He was an amazing singer and guitar player. When I got word that he was coming to Cheyenne in between tour dates, I woke up early to get in line at the Civic Center. To my surprise, when I arrived, I was first in line. Soon thereafter several more blues lovers showed up and by the night of the concert, the place was packed. So glad that we had the opportunity to see him play.

'The Thrill is Gone,' Long live the King.