5 BEST BB KING ALBUMS (Top BB King Records)

SINGIN’ THE BLUES (1957) King’s debut compiled some of his most successful singles to date, including four R&B No 1s: “3 O’Clock Blues”, “You Know I Love You”, “Please Love Me” and “You Upset Me Baby”. It may say “Singin’” on the sleeve, but guitar playing is really what’s going on as this strong primer for King’s early work amply illustrates.

LIVE AT THE REGAL (1965) A conspicuous highlight among many strong live albums (Live InCook County Jail is also recommended), this was recorded on November 21, 1964 at the Regal Theater in Chicago. Even King himself noted, “On that particular day in Chicago everything came together.” …Regal demonstrated the resilience of King’s inventory as well as capturing his considerable stage presence.

COMPLETELY WELL (1969) King’s 17th studio album, Completely Well, included “The Thrill Is Gone”: a breakthrough hit on the R&B and pop charts. Musically, it privileges the intuitive interplay between King, veteran Atlantic Records bassist Gerald ‘Fingers’ Jemmott and Hugh McCracken, who later played with both Lennon and McCartney. A companion album, Live And Well, features Al Kooper on keys.

BLUES ON THE BAYOU (1998) BB King’s output slowed down in the ’90s – he only released six studio albums, down from the 14 he recorded during the ’60s. Blues On The Bayou was King’s first outing as producer – aged 73. Recorded in four days in Louisiana with his regular touring band, it comprises 14 slow and mid-tempo originals: a strong selection, particularly the graceful and defiant “I’ll Survive”.

ONE KIND FAVOR (2008) King’s final studio album, produced by T Bone Burnett, finds him in excellent company – Jim Keltner and Dr John lead his backing band – and on fine form. Working through standards including Blind Lemon Jefferson’s “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean”, John Lee Hooker’s “Blues Before Sunrise” and Howlin’ Wolf’s “How Many More Years”, the tone is elegiac and understated.