B.B. King Dies At 89 [VIDEO]

Today is a sad day.  CNN reports B.B. King died last night (Thursday May 14, 2015). King's daughter, Patty King, confirmed her father died in Las Vegas, where he announced two weeks ago that he was in home hospice care.  King has suffered from Type 2 diabetes all his life and it was the source of several health problems for the iconic singer/entertainer, including recent bouts with dehydration.

Born in Mississippi, B.B.King, whose real name was Riley B. King, began performing in the 1940's.  His career would span more than 50 years, along the way the famous Blues man would influence generations of musicians, working with the greatest from Bobby Bland to Eric Clapton and U2.

The BBC reports King was once ranked as the third greatest guitarist of all time. Rolling Stone magazine placed him behind only Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman. The legendary Blues singer had been suffering with ill health in recent months and reportedly had a minor heart attack as well. B.B. King maintained a relentless touring schedule, performing well into his 80's.

His very last performance was on October 3, 2014.  King wasn't feeling good and had to stop his live performance, which was taking place at the House of Blues in Chicago.  Shortly afterward, he was diagnosed by doctors with dehydration and suffering from exhaustion.  The iconic singer had roughly eight shows remaining to his ongoing tour, but had to be cancelled do to his failing health.

Once a farmhand, King was received his 15th Grammy award in 2009 for his album, One Kind Favor.  He was also inducted into both the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  King went on to be awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, Presidential Medal of Freedom.

B.B. King released more than 50 albums during the life of his career.  He would take a brief hiatus, only to return to music and reignite in the late 1980's when he recorded the duet with U2 on "When Love Comes To Town."  His reign as "king of the blues" lasted more than six decades.   At 75, he once again achieved major success with the Eric Clapton collaboration Riding With the King.

He will missed beyond measure and music will never forget him.  To his family, friends and fans we offer our heart felt condolences.  Funeral arrangements are pending and at this time have not been announced.