B.B. King, also known as the “King of the Blues,” was a legendary American blues musician who influenced countless artists and inspired generations of music lovers. His unique guitar style and soulful voice made him one of the most recognizable and respected figures in the blues community, and his contributions to the genre have been immeasurable. With a career spanning over six decades, B.B. King released numerous albums and singles that became instant classics and showcased his unmatched talent and charisma.
In this article, we will be exploring the 10 best B.B. King songs of all time. These are the tracks that have cemented his place in music history and continue to inspire and entertain listeners around the world. From early hits like “Three O’Clock Blues” and “Every Day I Have the Blues” to later classics like “The Thrill Is Gone” and “Payin’ the Cost to Be the Boss,” we will be taking a deep dive into B.B. King’s vast discography and exploring what makes these songs so special.
B.B. King’s music is not just about technical skill and virtuosity; it’s also about emotion and storytelling. His songs are filled with powerful lyrics that touch on themes of love, heartbreak, and the struggles of everyday life. His guitar playing is both masterful and soulful, and his voice is rich with feeling and authenticity. Listening to B.B. King’s music is like taking a journey through the history of the blues, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of B.B. King or just discovering his music for the first time, this article is sure to provide insights and appreciation for his incredible body of work. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the 10 best B.B. King songs of all time.
1. “Three O’Clock Blues” (1951)
“Three O’Clock Blues” is a classic blues song that was first recorded by legendary blues guitarist B.B. King in 1951. The song tells the story of a man who is feeling down and out at three o’clock in the morning, unable to sleep and haunted by his troubles. With its slow, mournful melody and powerful lyrics, “Three O’Clock Blues” captures the essence of the blues, expressing the pain and sadness that can come with life’s hardships. B.B. King’s guitar playing is masterful, as always, and his vocals are raw and emotional, conveying the depth of his despair. The song has since been covered by many other artists, but B.B. King’s original recording remains a timeless classic of the blues genre, a testament to the power of music to express the human experience.
2. “You Upset Me Baby” (1954)
“You Upset Me Baby” is another classic blues song that was also recorded by B.B. King in 1953. The song features King’s signature guitar playing, which is both soulful and electrifying, and his vocals are equally powerful. The song tells the story of a man who has been wronged by his lover, and is now expressing his anger and frustration. With its catchy guitar riff and upbeat tempo, “You Upset Me Baby” has a more upbeat and playful tone than some of King’s other songs. Nevertheless, the lyrics are still filled with the raw emotion and depth that make the blues such a powerful genre. The song has been covered by many other artists over the years, but B.B. King’s original recording remains a classic example of the blues at its best.
3. “Every Day I Have the Blues” (1955)
“Every Day I Have the Blues” is a blues standard that has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including B.B. King, who recorded his own version of the song in 1955. The song’s lyrics express the singer’s sadness and sense of hopelessness, as he laments the fact that he wakes up each morning feeling down and blue. The song features King’s powerful vocals and soulful guitar playing, with a slow, mournful melody that perfectly captures the mood of the lyrics. The song has become a classic example of the blues genre, and has been covered by many other artists over the years. B.B. King’s version of the song remains one of the most popular and beloved, a testament to his talent as both a guitarist and a singer.
4. “Never Make a Move Too Soon” (1978)
“Never Make a Move Too Soon” is a blues song written by Stix Hooper and Will Jennings, and recorded by B.B. King in 1978. The song’s lyrics advise listeners to be patient and cautious, warning against making rash decisions that could lead to regret. King’s powerful vocals and signature guitar playing are on full display in this track, with a catchy guitar riff and soulful melody that perfectly complement the song’s message. The song’s upbeat tempo and lively rhythm make it a standout among King’s repertoire, showcasing his ability to mix elements of funk and soul with the traditional blues sound. “Never Make a Move Too Soon” has become a popular blues standard, and has been covered by many other artists over the years. King’s original recording remains a classic example of his talent as a musician and his ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.
5. “Sweet Sixteen” (1960)
“Sweet Sixteen” is a classic blues song that was written and recorded by B.B. King in 1960. The song tells the story of a man who is lamenting the loss of his teenage love, who has now become a woman. The lyrics express the singer’s longing and regret, as he remembers the days when they were young and in love. King’s guitar playing is masterful, as always, with a slow, mournful melody that perfectly captures the mood of the song. His vocals are equally powerful, conveying the depth of his emotions and the pain of his loss. “Sweet Sixteen” has since become a blues standard, and has been covered by many other artists over the years. However, B.B. King’s original recording remains a timeless classic of the genre, a testament to his skill as both a musician and a storyteller.
6. “Don’t Answer the Door” (1966)
“Don’t Answer the Door” is a blues song written and recorded by B.B. King in 1966. The song tells the story of a man who is warning his lover not to answer the door to a potential danger. The lyrics express the singer’s concern and desire to protect his loved one from harm. King’s guitar playing is electric, with a catchy and upbeat melody that contrasts with the serious subject matter of the song. His vocals are equally powerful, conveying the urgency of the message and the depth of his feelings. “Don’t Answer the Door” has become a popular blues standard, and has been covered by many other artists over the years. However, B.B. King’s original recording remains a classic example of his talent as a musician and his ability to mix different elements of the blues sound.
7. “Why I Sing the Blues” (1969)
“Why I Sing the Blues” is a blues song written and recorded by B.B. King in 1969. The song’s lyrics describe the hardships and struggles that King faced in his life as a black man in America, and how the blues became a way for him to express his pain and frustration. The song features King’s trademark guitar playing, with a catchy and upbeat melody that contrasts with the serious subject matter of the lyrics. His vocals are emotional and powerful, conveying the depth of his feelings and the importance of the blues in his life. “Why I Sing the Blues” has become one of King’s most popular and beloved songs, a testament to his talent as a musician and his ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. The song has been covered by many other artists over the years, but B.B. King’s original recording remains a timeless classic of the blues genre.
8. “The Thrill Is Gone” (1970)
“The Thrill Is Gone” is a blues song written by Roy Hawkins and Rick Darnell, and famously recorded by B.B. King in 1969. The song’s lyrics describe the pain and sadness of a failed relationship, and the loss of the passion and excitement that once existed between the two lovers. The song features King’s masterful guitar playing, with a slow, mournful melody that perfectly captures the mood of the lyrics. His vocals are equally powerful, conveying the depth of his emotions and the heartbreak of the situation. “The Thrill Is Gone” has become one of King’s most famous and iconic songs, and has been covered by many other artists over the years. However, his original recording remains the definitive version of the song, a timeless classic of the blues genre that showcases his talent as a musician and his ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.
9. “Chains and Things” (1970)
“Chains and Things” is a blues song written by B.B. King and Dave Clark, and recorded by King in 1970. The song’s lyrics describe the pain and frustration of being trapped in a bad relationship, and the struggle to break free from the chains that bind the singer. The song features King’s signature guitar playing, with a catchy and upbeat melody that contrasts with the serious subject matter of the lyrics. His vocals are emotional and powerful, conveying the depth of his feelings and the urgency of the situation. “Chains and Things” has become a popular blues standard, and has been covered by many other artists over the years. However, B.B. King’s original recording remains a classic example of his talent as a musician and his ability to mix different elements of the blues sound.
10. “To Know You Is to Love You” (1951)
“To Know You Is to Love You” is a blues song written by B.B. King and arranged by Gene Page. The song was originally recorded by B.B. King in 1973 and later covered by many other artists, including Bobby “Blue” Bland and the Jackson 5. The lyrics describe the singer’s deep feelings for his love interest and how knowing her has changed his life forever. King’s guitar playing is smooth and soulful, with a groovy and upbeat melody that perfectly complements the romantic lyrics. His vocals are passionate and heartfelt, conveying the depth of his emotions and the intensity of his love. “To Know You Is to Love You” has become a timeless classic of the blues and soul genre, a testament to King’s talent as both a musician and a songwriter.
April Johnson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
