#299 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“At #299, Live at the Regal represents B.B. King at a creative peak (1965). The original pressing captures a moment in blues that's been influential ever since. Worth hunting in the bins.”
B.B. King (1925-2015) was an American blues legend who became one of the most influential guitarists in music history. Born Riley B. King in Mississippi, he rose to prominence in the 1950s with hits like "Three O'Clock Blues" and "Every Day (I Have the Blues)." King's career spanned over six decades, during which he recorded dozens of albums and performed thousands of live shows. His most celebrated works include the 1957 album "The Best of B.B. King" and the 1969 live album "Live & Well," which showcased his masterful guitar playing and emotional vocal delivery. King's influence extended beyond blues, impacting rock and soul musicians worldwide, and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 cemented his legacy.
Style
B.B. King pioneered the modern electric blues sound, characterized by his signature single-note guitar solos and expressive bending techniques. His style blended traditional Delta blues with sophisticated rhythm and blues, creating a soulful, emotionally resonant sound that influenced generations of musicians.
Significance
B.B. King is essential for any serious blues vinyl collector and represents a cornerstone of American musical heritage. His extensive discography offers collectors rare pressings and live recordings that document the evolution of electric blues from the 1950s onward.
Live at the Regal was recorded on November 21, 1964, at the Regal Theater in Chicago, capturing B.B. King at the peak of his live powers. The album showcases King performing with his road band before a responsive audience, delivering extended versions of his blues standards including "Every Day I Have the Blues" and the epic "How Blue Can You Get." The recording was initially released as a single LP on the Crown label but gained renewed prominence when it was reissued by ABC Records in 1972. King's guitar playing and vocal delivery demonstrate the raw intensity that made him a blues legend, with the live setting allowing for the spontaneous interactions and extended solos that define his greatest performances.
Historical Context
Released initially in 1965 but more prominently reissued in 1972, Live at the Regal arrived during a period of blues revival and growing respect for traditional blues artists among rock and younger audiences. By the early 1970s, B.B. King had transitioned from regional success to international recognition, influenced by his appearances at major festivals and coverage by rock critics. The reissue capitalized on this renewed interest and helped establish Live at the Regal as one of the definitive live blues albums, influencing how blues performances were documented and appreciated.
Pressing Notes
The original Crown Records pressing (1965) is relatively scarce and sought after by collectors. The more commonly found ABC Records reissue from 1972 is readily available in good condition. The ABC pressing typically features superior sound quality compared to the original Crown release. Collectors should note that various reissues and compilations have circulated since, including later CD and vinyl reissues by MCA (which owned ABC's catalog). Original Crown pressings command premium prices, while 1970s ABC pressings offer good sound quality at more accessible price points.
Own this record? Track it in your collection.