We List Down B.B King’s Best Collaboration

We List Down B.B King’s Best Collaboration | I Love Classic Rock Videos

BB King Live At Montreux, 1993 - Silentchannel / YouTube

Many rock musicians owe a debt of gratitude to B.B. King for their careers, since they grew up listening to his songs and were inspired to create their own music. Here are a handful of the shining examples of King’s many genre-hopping successes.

 

Billy Gibbons – “Tired of Your Jive”

Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top teamed up with King for a blues standard “Tired of Your Jive,” which was part of King’s 80th birthday record of duets, B.B. King & Friends: 80.

Mark Knopfler – “All Over Again”

Mark Knopfler, known for his minimalist guitar style, joins King in “All Over Again” for a satisfying slow burn.

Ringo Starr – “Part-Time Love”

Ringo Starr was one of the many British rockers who participated in King’s 1971 In London LP sessions, along with Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green and Steve Winwood.

Joe Cocker – “Dangerous Mood”

Joe Cocker joins King on “Dangerous Mood” in another standout duet from Deuces Wild.

Primitive Radio Gods – “Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand”

The influence of King’s massive impact on the blues genre is apparent in Primitive Radio Gods’ “Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand,” which highlights how King’s music continues to inspire and influence musicians of different genres.

Joe Walsh – “Midnight”

Joe Walsh also sat in for King’s 20th studio album, 1972’s L.A. Midnight, on “Midnight,” where he played an extended blues jam.

Van Morrison – “If You Love Me”

Van Morrison’s If You Love Me and King’s Deuces Wild LP features Morrison’s rendition of “I Cover the Waterfront” alongside John Lee Hooker.

U2 – “When Love Comes to Town”

U2’s 1988 album Rattle & Hum was criticized for succumbing to their most loud, serious impulses. Whatever the project’s flaws, it’s impossible to criticize a band that goes to such lengths to honor its musical idols, and King’s hefty performance on “When Love Comes to Town” makes up for the soundtrack’s lack of outstanding tunes.

Bonnie Raitt – “Baby I Love You”

King also traded licks with Bonnie Raitt, and their duet “Baby I Love You” on Deuces Wild proves to be a sweet collaboration.

Eric Clapton – “Riding With the King”

Eric Clapton has always been known for his blues influence, and in his collaborative album “Riding with the King” with B.B. King, he pays homage to his roots. This project showcases Clapton’s departure from pop and his dedication to the blues.

Roger Daltrey – “Never Make Your Move Too Soon”

Roger Daltrey, who spent most of his career singing in front of Pete Townshend’s guitar, stepped out to collaborate with B.B. King in Never Make Your Move Too Soon.”

Elton John – “Rock This House”

Elton John surprised fans with his rocking performance in “Rock This House,” inspired by the 80-year-old blues guitarist’s birthday party.

David Gilmour – “Cryin’ Won’t Help You”

David Gilmour joins King on “Cryin’ Won’t Help You,” where two masters of minimalist guitar unite for a common cause with the added benefit of bluesy vocals from Paul Carrack.

The Rolling Stones – “Paying the Cost to Be the Boss”

The Rolling Stones appeared on two records in 1997, and when given the choice between “Paying the Cost to Be the Boss” and “Bridges to Babylon,” most fans would pick the former.

Stevie Wonder – “To Know You Is to Love You”

Stevie Wonder and King’s pairing made perfect sense and delivered fine results.