1. Grammy Awards: B.B. King won 15 Grammy Awards over the course of his career. He received his first Grammy in 1971 for "The Thrill Is Gone," which won the award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male. He won his final Grammy in 2000 for "Riding with the King," a collaboration album with Eric Clapton.
2. Blues Music Awards: King also received numerous Blues Music Awards. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1984 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.
3. W.C. Handy Awards: B.B. King was recognized with several W.C. Handy Awards, which honor outstanding achievements in blues music. He won his first W.C. Handy Award in 1968 for "Live at the Regal" and continued to receive the award throughout his career.
4. Billboard Charts: King achieved chart success with several of his songs and albums. "The Thrill Is Gone" reached the top of the Billboard R&B chart and crossed over to the pop charts, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.
5. Collaborations: Throughout his career, B.B. King collaborated with various musicians, including Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, and John Mayer. His collaborative album with Eric Clapton, "Riding with the King," won a Grammy Award and featured the hit single "Riding with the King."
6. "Singin' in the Dark" (1956): "Singin' in the Dark" is one of B. B. King's most commercially successful records, reaching number two on the R&B charts. It is considered one of his signature songs.
7. "Lucille" (1968): "Lucille" became B. B. King's first number-one single on the R&B charts. The song is about his guitar, which he named after a woman who caused a fight in a dance hall.
8. Album Accolades: In addition to his Grammy wins, B.B. King released numerous critically acclaimed albums throughout his career. Some of his notable albums include "Live at the Regal" (1964), "Completely Well" (1969), "Indianola Mississippi Seeds" (1970), and "Lucille" (1968).
9. Influence on Blues and Guitar Playing: B.B. King's mastery of the guitar earned him the nickname "King of the Blues" and significantly influenced the genre. He developed a distinctive guitar playing style characterized by vibrato, bending notes, and soulful melodies. His playing and singing style inspired many other musicians and helped popularize the blues worldwide.
10. International Recognition: B.B. King achieved global fame, performing in concert halls and festivals worldwide. He won over audiences with his mesmerizing live performances and left an indelible mark on international music scenes.
11. Presidential Medal of Honor: In 2006, B.B. King received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest honors bestowed upon civilians in the United States.
12. Inductions: B.B. King has been inducted into several prestigious music halls of fame, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987), the Blues Hall of Fame (1984), and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame (2015).
B.B. King's contributions to music, particularly blues and guitar playing, left a profound impact on the music industry. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and admired musicians of all time.