As the sad news of the death of B.B. King – King of the Blues – has been shared around the world, many rock legends have offered condolences, salutes, and tributes to King via social media.
King’s family continues to press for legal action against his former manager and raise claims of stolen money and a possible second will . Those legal issues are still in the process of investigation.
As the Inquistr reported, B.B. King passed away quietly in hospital in Las Vegas after suffering diabetes related dehydration and exhaustion for some time.
The 98-year-old blues legend was very active on social media and was still playing live shows this past winter.
As CBC News reported, rock and roll legends have been sending out messages via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and blogs and so have grieving fans .
So sad to wake up this morning and hear the news about the passing of the great B B King.
— Joe Perry (@JoePerry) May 15, 2015
NME News compiled a partial list of music legends and leaders who have spoken out about the loss of B.B.King and his fine influence.
“Among those speaking in honour of King today include former Beatle Ringo Starr, hip-hop group Wu Tang Clan, rapper Chuck D, Kiss’ Gene Simmons, Diplo, Cat Power, Slash, Edwyn Collins, Lenny Kravitz, Pulled Apart By Horses and more. Non-musicians that have paid their respects include President Barack Obama, Samuel L Jackson, Hugh Laurie and Lenny Henry.”
President Obama released a statement on the grief of hearing of the death of B.B.King.
“The blues has lost its King and America has lost a legend.”
Powerful words that express some of the grief felt by people around the world at hearing the news of the loss of musician and a man that was truly beloved.
View President Obama’s duet with B.B.King below.
The following moving video tribute by Eric Clapton was posted via Facebook and Youtube.
The BBC published a tribute article that showed the outpouring of respect and grief of musicians and fans on social media .
Rolling Stone Magazine also published an online tribute article about B.B. King today featuring memorable conversations with and about the beloved King of the Blues.
As tributes to King continue around the world, fans are continuing to reach out to one another and find ways to keep the spirit of B.B. King alive via memorials, poetry, and music inspired by his powerful life.
[Lead image via Inquistr library]