“The thrill is gone” was bellowed out across the fairgrounds and it rang long in the air of the hot night. I was watching a guitar legend play at 82 years of age; he had his showmanship down to an art of reality. He didn’t need a bunch of dances and choreography or special stage set-up. All he needed was his famous black guitar he calls Lucille and we were a contented audience.
We listened with enjoyment to this artist who told his stories with rhythm. It was quite clear that for B.B. King, the thrill has not gone. His passion for sharing his gift with people beats loudly in his chest for all who would listen. The only disappointment he expressed all evening was his sadness for other blues artists and rappers who felt the need to talk trash about women. He just didn’t agree with that and neither do we.