B.B. King's Blues Summit 100: A Tribute Album Celebrating the King of the Blues
Joe Bonamassa has announced the upcoming release of B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100, a collaborative tribute album celebrating the legacy of the iconic blues musician on what would have been his 100th birthday. The album, produced by Bonamassa and Josh Smith, will feature reinterpretations of King’s most famous songs by a diverse group of artists. The first five tracks are already available, with a total of 32 songs set to be released monthly until February 2026.
Bonamassa, who credits B.B. King with shaping his musical journey, wanted to honor the blues legend's 100th birthday with this special project. The album features contributions from blues legends, rock icons, soul powerhouses, and rising stars, all paying homage to King's enduring influence on music. The artists were carefully matched with songs from King's catalog to create a personal and unique interpretation of his work.
The project is a labor of love that took nine months to complete, with artists like Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo’, Slash, and Shemekia Copeland lending their talents to the album. Each artist was given the freedom to interpret King’s music in their own way, resulting in a diverse and heartfelt tribute to the King of the Blues. The album also highlights King’s vocal prowess, often overshadowed by his legendary guitar playing.
The release of B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100 is a celebration of King’s enduring spirit of love, unity, and joy that he brought to generations of music lovers. The album aims to carry forward his legacy and introduce new audiences to the heart, soul, and humanity of the King of the Blues. Through this project, Bonamassa hopes to fulfill King’s wish of keeping the blues alive and preserving its rich cultural history as an American art form.
As the album title suggests, this project is a nod to King’s Grammy-winning 1993 album Blues Summit. For Bonamassa, it is not just a tribute but a mission to ensure that King’s legacy and the legacy of the blues continue to thrive. With over 50 albums, 15 Grammy Awards, and a global impact, B.B. King’s influence on music is undeniable. This album is a testament to his enduring legacy and the impact he had on generations of musicians and music lovers alike.