What was the name of BB King’s guitar? This question has intrigued guitar enthusiasts and music lovers for decades. BB King, one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time, had a unique and iconic instrument that became as famous as the man himself. In this article, we will delve into the history and significance of BB King’s legendary guitar, known as Lucille.
BB King’s guitar, Lucille, was a 1962 Gibson SG Special that he purchased in 1964. The guitar was named after his second wife, Lucille Reed, who inspired the name. According to legend, BB King was performing at a club in Memphis when a fight broke out between two men. One of the men reportedly threatened to kill King unless he played a certain song. To calm the situation, King agreed to play, and it was during this performance that he first introduced Lucille to the world.
The story of how BB King came to own Lucille is a fascinating one. After the performance, King was approached by a fan who offered to buy the guitar for him. At the time, King was broke and desperate for money, so he accepted the offer. The fan, who turned out to be a woman named Lucille Reed, became BB King’s second wife and the namesake of his beloved guitar.
Lucille was not just any guitar; it was a crucial part of BB King’s musical identity. The guitar had a distinctive tone and feel that allowed King to produce the soulful, expressive sounds that defined his style. Over the years, Lucille became an extension of King’s personality, and the two were almost inseparable.
The iconic SG Special model has a distinctive double-cutaway design, which allowed BB King to access the higher frets more easily. The guitar also featured a set neck, which provided a stable playing platform and contributed to the rich, full-bodied tone that King was known for. Additionally, Lucille had a custom bridge that helped to enhance the sustain and clarity of the notes.
Throughout his career, BB King played Lucille in countless performances, recordings, and television appearances. The guitar has been featured on many of his classic albums, including “The King of the Blues” and “Lucille.” In 1988, Gibson produced a limited edition replica of Lucille, which was highly sought after by collectors and guitar enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, in 2015, Lucille was stolen from BB King’s home. The theft was a devastating loss for King, who was deeply attached to his guitar. However, after an extensive search, Lucille was recovered and returned to King, who was overjoyed to have his beloved instrument back.
In conclusion, the name of BB King’s guitar was Lucille, a testament to the bond between the musician and his instrument. Lucille was not just a guitar; it was a symbol of BB King’s musical journey and the indelible mark he left on the world of blues music.
