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 On what would have been B.B. King’s 100th birthday, Joe Bonamassa announced the release of B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100 a remarkable collaborative tribute album honoring the legacy of one of music’s most legendary figures. Produced by Grammy-nominated duo Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, the project arrives via KTBA Records and begins with the release of its first five tracks, with many more to follow. In total, 32 songs will be unveiled in monthly installments through February 2026, culminating in the complete digital album, along with a Double CD and Triple LP Vinyl, set for release on February 6, 2026. “Very few artists so completely define the genre they inhabit, but B.B. King was one of them,” Bonamassa reflects. “When he was alive and performing, he was the blues the center of gravity, the guiding light around which everything else revolved. Only a rare few ever become that kind of beacon for their art form, and B.B. was one of those shining stars.” The album features stunning reinterpretations of B.B. King’s most iconic songs, brought to life by an extraordinary lineup of blues legends, rock icons, soul greats, and rising stars. The first five tracks, released today, include collaborations with Michael McDonald, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks, Bobby Rush, George Benson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and D.K. Harrell. For Bonamassa, this project is a true labor of love. The idea was sparked when he realized no major plans had been announced to commemorate King’s 100th birthday. With the blessing of the King estate, he began reaching out—first to close friends and longtime collaborators, then to a wider circle of artists whose lives and music had been profoundly influenced by King’s legacy. “The Blues are the roots, the rest are the fruits.” These timeless words from B.B. King embody the essence of his life’s work—reminding us that all music, and indeed much of culture, grows from the Blues. On behalf of the Estate of B.B. King, the B.B. King Family, Vassal Benford, and Ronald Lebow, we are deeply honored to collaborate with Joe Bonamassa on this historic centennial celebration. Together with Joe and an incredible community of artists, we not only honor Mr. King’s extraordinary music, but also his enduring spirit of love, unity, and joy. This collection ensures that his legacy lives on, inspiring new generations to feel the heart, soul, and humanity of the King of the Blues. – Vassal Gradington Benford III, Chairman, Estate of B.B. King The result is a truly bespoke project, nine months in the making, featuring contributions from Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo’, Slash, Shemekia Copeland, Marcus King, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Larkin Poe, Jimmie Vaughan, Warren Haynes, Dion, Aloe Blacc, Kirk Fletcher, and many more. Each artist was carefully paired with material that felt personal—sometimes unexpectedly so—and encouraged to bring their own voice and perspective to King’s timeless catalog. For Bonamassa, who first opened for B.B. King at just 12 years old, the project carries deep personal meaning. “He mentored me,” Bonamassa recalls. “But I wasn’t the only one. Everyone who came into his orbit has the same story about how kind B.B. was, and how he embraced the younger generation.” As producer, Bonamassa made it a priority to preserve both the emotional authenticity and sonic quality of the music. Classics like “The Thrill Is Gone” were given the full treatment, complete with live strings, horns, and everything necessary to capture their original magic. “You only get one shot to do this right,” he says. “And I think we nailed it.” The collection also shines a spotlight on King’s extraordinary vocal gift—often overshadowed by his legendary guitar work. “He’s known first as a guitarist,” Bonamassa notes. “But if Frank Sinatra calls you one of his favorite singers, you listen. B.B. could shake the ground with that chest voice.” For the artists involved, this project was as much a personal tribute as it was a musical one. Bobby Rush, who first met King in 1948, called him “the man I looked up to all my life” and recalls leading the hearse at his funeral. Kenny Wayne Shepherd remembers receiving life advice from King on his 16th birthday. Marcus King recalls watching B.B. perform as a child, leaning against the back wall of the venue—a moment that left a permanent mark. The album also pairs artists across genres and generations in powerful ways: Train’s Pat Monahan joins guitarist Chris Buck on “Think It Over,” while Shemekia Copeland, Slash, and Myles Kennedy team up for “When Love Comes to Town.” Released on Bonamassa’s KTBA Records, the project reflects his ongoing mission to preserve and promote the blues as a uniquely American art form. The album’s title pays homage to King’s Grammy-winning 1993 record Blues Summit, but for Bonamassa, this new project represents something more than a tribute—it’s a promise kept. “B.B.’s only wish was, ‘Do what you can to keep the blues alive,’” he says. “Hopefully this album gives a B12 shot to his legacy—and to the legacy of the blues.” B.B. King, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 89, left behind a monumental legacy as a performer, songwriter, and global ambassador of the blues. With more than 50 albums, 15 Grammy Awards, and performances spanning nearly every corner of the world, he introduced the genre to millions and influenced generations of musicians. As Buddy Guy famously put it: “Every electric guitarist you listen to, there’s a little bit of B.B. in there.” B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100 launches today with its first five tracks available on all digital platforms. Six additional songs will follow each month leading up to February 9, 2026, when the full album will be released in both digital and physical formats. For more details, visit jbonamassa.com. B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100 – Full Tracklist
Disc 1: 1. Paying The Cost To Be The Boss feat. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram 2. Don’t Answer The Door feat. Marcus King 3. To Know You Is To Love You feat. Michael McDonald, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks 4. Let The Good Times Roll feat. Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Noah Hunt 5. Sweet Little Angel feat. Buddy Guy 6. When It All Comes Down (I’ll Still Be Around) feat. Larry McCray 7. When Love Comes To Town feat. Slash, Shemekia Copeland & Myles Kennedy 8. The Thrill Is Gone* 9. Watch Yourself feat. Jimmie Vaughan 10. Why I Sing The Blues feat. Bobby Rush 11. Sweet Sixteen feat. Jimmy Hall & Larry Carlton 12. Don’t You Want A Man Like Me feat. Larkin Poe 13. I’ll Survive feat. Keb’ Mo’ 14. Heartbreaker feat. Trombone Shorty & Eric Gales 15. There Must Be A Better World Somewhere feat. George Benson 16. Chains And Things feat. Gary Clark Jr. Disc 2: 1. How Blue Can You Get feat. Warren Haynes 2.. You Upset Me Baby feat. Chris Cain 3. Ghetto Woman feat. Ivan Neville 4. Night Life feat. Paul Rodgers 5. Ain’t Nobody Home feat. Jade MacRae & Robben Ford 6. Bad Case Of Love feat. Joanne Shaw Taylor 7. Never Make A Move Too Soon feat. Dion 8. Three O’Clock Blues feat. Marc Broussard 9. Think It Over feat. Train & Chris Buck 10. It’s My Own Fault feat. Kim Wilson 11. Every Day I Have The Blues feat. D.K. Harrell 12. Please Accept My Love feat. John Nemeth 13. So Excited feat. Aloe Blacc 14. When My Heart Beats Like A Hammer feat. Dannielle De Andrea 15. Playin’ With My Friends 16. Better Not Look Down feat. Kirk Fletcher * Special guests for this track will be announced soon The first five tracks on B.B. King’s Blues Summit are available HERE Opmerkingen zijn gesloten.
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