Book Description
An intimate portrait of a living legend, the foremost blues singer and guitarist of our time, complete with an audio CD featuring unreleased music and interviews. In 1947, with two and a half dollars in his pocket and his guitar on his back, Riley B. King, a sharecropper moonlighting as a blues and gospel musician, hitchhiked to Memphis from his home in Indianola, Mississippi. Today, after touring the world as an ambassador of the blues for more than half a century, B.B. King is a living legend. THE B.B. KING TREASURES is a celebration thrown by B.B. for his countless fans, published on the occasion of his 80th birthday, with remembrances, photos, tributes, and rare memorabilia. Numerous illustrations throughout the book and 12 removable facsimile reproductions of items from his personal archiveamong them a signed B.B. King business card from the 1970s and a postcard from a young B.B. King to an early girlfriendprovide the atmosphere for the party. The entertainment is a jam session, led by the King of the Blues himself, of rare and never-before-published quotes and stories from B.B., his friends, and people he worked with over the years. Also included is an audio CD featuring selected interviews and unreleased musical recordings by B.B. King.
Customer Reviews:
B.B.KING TREASURIES: PHOTOS,MEMORIES & MUSIC.......2007-02-16
B.B.KING IS CALLED "THE KING OF THE BLUES" BUT THIS BOOK IS NOT ABOUT THE BLUES THIS IS ABOUT THE MAN HIMSELF FROM HIS HUMBLE BEGINNING AS A SHARECROPPER TO THE LEGEND HE IS TODAY. THIS BOOK DIGS DEEP INTO THE HEART AND SPIRIT OF "THE MAN" THE PHOTOS AND THE MEMORIES ALONG IS WORTH THE PRICE OF THE BOOK. IF YOU LOVED THE BLUES AND YOU KNOW OR LOVED B.B.KING THEN THIS IS THE ULTIMATE BOOK TO HAVE. AFTER READING THIS BOOK I KNOW MORE ABOUT THE LIFE OF B.B.KING THEN I EVER KNEW. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS MAN WHO IS A LEGEND IN HIS OWN TIME CAN BE SO HUMBLE TO THE MANY PEOPLE BOTH FAMOUS AND ORDINARY
BB: A King Indeed!.......2006-05-02
Hello all! I am from India, residing in Singapore. I enjoy listening to blues. Being a big fan of BB, i couldn't resist this treasure when i came across it at the Borders bookstore.The book is great, with replicas of tickets etc. 1 hour cd with BB's interviews and 2 songs is a great treat. BB is an inspiration, having moved from cottonfields to become world's greatest blues singer. Just wait for the clouds, and read this with a cup of coffee when it starts to rain. When you finish with the accompanying cd, put in your own BB collection and read the book along. Lucille won't let you down. The thrill isn't gone afterall! 5 stars indeed.
A must read for blues fans..........2006-01-04
Though possibly a bit unlike adults my age, I am a bonafide blues lover and THE B. B. KING TREASURES: Photos, Mementos & Music from B. B. King's Collection is a remarkable look into the background and life of legendary blues singer B. B. King. In it he details his early childhood and growing up on a farm, to his young adult days, touring various parts of the country and his candid views on segregation and the Civil Rights era.
While the book itself is a wonderful collector's item and can be displayed proudly as a coffee table book, the best parts to me were: the included CD which has a collection of interviews with the singer, as well as two unreleased songs, the numerous pull-outs of old letters, photos, programs and posters, and the respect he shared with and bestowed upon others. THE B. B. KING TREASURES succinctly depicts the life and times of B. B. King, his thoughts on many issues, including race relations, and especially music. It is perfect for the blues lover in your life and a great tribute for B.B. King's 80th birthday celebration.
Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers
Treasures fit for fans of the King of the Blues.......2005-11-20
Those looking for a present for a blues lover (or themselves) could do far worse than purchasing an absolutely wonderful new coffee table book plus more devoted to the King of the blues. The B. B. King Treasures : Photos, Mementos & Music from B. B. King's Collection is by King, Dick Waterman and Charles Sawyer. Sawyer, who wrote the first book-length biography of King, The Arrival of B.B. King, contributes a concise biography from King's days growing up in Mississippi to his days as an ambassador for the music. The remainder of the book is filled with King's recollections as given to Dick Waterman who supplements these recollections of growing up, working on the farm, moving to memphis, touring and crossing over. There are not only some terrific photographs (many are very rare), but also some reproductions of memorabilia including his sharecropping account from 1940, mostly tickets, programs and posters for his shows, along with sheets shoqwing how much he was earning prior to Sid Seidenberg taking over King's management in the late sixties. You can see him from his WDIA days to receiving the musical equivalent of the Nobel Prize in Sweden with the King of Sweden handing the award to him. In addition there is a cd with King's verbal recollections and some unissued tracks. This is a multi-media feast for fans of one of the true legends of world music. Compiled in part to celebrate his 80th birthday, The B.B. King Treasures, is a treasure.
A bluesman's journey.......2005-11-07
Packed with amazing photos, album artwork, removable memorabilia, and detailed first-person recollections, The B.B. King Treasures chronicles the life of the world's best known and most beloved bluesman, Riley B. King -- "The Beale Street Blues Boy." The beautifully designed and printed 160-page hardback also includes a one-hour audio CD with more than a dozen interviews and two previously unreleased songs, cut with a full band in 1962 and 1971.
We follow King through his childhood in Indianola, Mississippi, and then move on to Memphis and the first years of his career performing on WDIA radio. Kings' decades spent working the chitlin' circuit and later as a globe-trotting star are thoroughly documented, as is his current status as elder statesman of the blues. It's a highly visual journey with page after page of eye candy, as well as reproductions of posters, postcards, ledgers, contracts, concert programs, tour stickers, receipts, and even a vintage business card.
King made music during turbulent times, particularly in terms of civil rights, and many of his quotes shed light on what it was like to be an African-American musician during the days of segregation. But King always tells his stories without rancor, and his honesty, humility, and respect for other musicians -- many of whom add testimonials of their own -- shine through his words. The man is very observant, and it's fascinating to explore American history and the evolution of blues, rock, and the electric guitar through his eyes. If you love King's music, this book will draw you even deeper into its embrace.
Amazon.com
His real name is Riley B. King, but the B.B. stands, as any aficionado knows, for Blues Boy, a nickname he was given in the late 1940s when he was a disk jockey in Memphis, Tenn. Of course, he's best known as the King of the Blues to millions of fans throughout the world. At 70, B.B. King is still singing the blues and this is his story, from his childhood growing up in the Mississippi Delta, to the purchase of his first guitar at age 12, from his first real break after his appearance on Sonny Boy Williamson's King Biscuit Time radio show, to his ascent to international acclaim as America's ambassador of the blues.
Book Description
From the rural poverty of the Mississippi Delta to his celebrated position as the world's leading blues musician, B. B. King has led a remarkable life. In this riveting autobiography, he dramatizes his whirlwind adventures from the Memphis of the forties to the Moscow of the nineties with unflinching candor and sincerity--disclosing his complex relationships with women and chronicling his experience with racism, the Civil Rights movement, and the shifting politics of show business. But most of all, B. B. 's story is the story of the blues--the evolution from country acoustic to urban electric; the birth and explosion of rock 'n' roll--and B. B.' s own long but ultimately triumphant struggle for crossover success, during which he remained unwaveringly true to the music of his heart.From the rural poverty of the Mississippi Delta to his celebrated position as the world's leading blues musician, B. B. King has led a remarkable life. In this riveting autobiography, he dramatizes his whirlwind adventures from the Memphis of the forties to the Moscow of the nineties with unflinching candor and sincerity--disclosing his complex relationships with women and chronicling his experience with racism, the Civil Rights movement, and the shifting politics of show business. But most of all, B. B. 's story is the story of the blues--the evolution from country acoustic to urban electric; the birth and explosion of rock 'n' roll--and B. B.' s own long but ultimately triumphant struggle for crossover success, during which he remained unwaveringly true to the music of his heart.
Customer Reviews:
BLUES ALL AROUND ME: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF B.B.KING.......2007-03-20
THERE ARE MANY BLUES SINGERS FROM ROBERT JOHNSON TO THE PRESENT, BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE THEY CALLED "THE KING OF THE BLUES" THIS MAN IS A LEGEND HE IS CALLED B.B.KING. THIS POWERFUL BOOK GOES INTO THE HUMBLE BEGINNING OF RILEY B. KING AS A SHARECROPPER,THROUGH THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT,RACISM TO PERFECTING THE MUSIC THAT IS HIS FIRST LOVE "THE BLUES" .HERE IS A MAN WHO CAME FROM A SIMPLE HUMBLE BEGINNING TO PERFORMING BEFORE KINGS AND QUEENS AND PRESIDENTS AND EVEN THE POPE. IF YOU HAVE SEEN B.B.KING YOU KNOW WHY HE IS CALLED THE KING OF THE BLUES, IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN HIM YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON "THE MAN" HIMSELF ALL YOU CAN DO IS READ THIS POWERFUL BOOK
read the book several times.......2005-09-06
I've read BB's book several times, maybe 5 or 6. Every time I read it I still love it. I learn something new about him every time. If you even consider yourself a fan of BB or the blues, you have to read this book. David Ritz is an awesome co-writer, keeping BB's voice in the forefront, and he just gently guides BB. He did a hell of a job with Etta James' autobiography also.
An excellent book!!
A MAN AND HIS BLUES... the great BB KING..........2004-11-03
His real name is Riley B. King, the B.B. stands for Blues Boy, and he is known as "America's ambassador of the blues". A recommended enjoyable, good read about growing up and into music, self-taught guitar, remarkable attitudes of a man who faced prejudice and hate with an even keel. A performer who went on stage even when he was suffering from a bad case of flu. B.B. King took his music to Israel, England, and Russia, and held up in stature through the lows and highs. And he loves his 'Lucille' (guitar)! David Ritz has co-authored with the King a wonderful synopsis of love, fortitude, belonging, and enthusiasm. Recommended for blues lovers or otherwise... please don't miss this splendid read. (Review based on hardcover 1996)
Reviewer also recommends: 'Between Each Line of Pain and Glory My Life Story' by Gladys Knight
A blues story.......2003-05-27
A blues story
B.B. King's life is presented here in a breezy, happy go lucky style. Ostensibly an autobiography, (although if you heard any of B.B.'s interviews about the book and his amazement at some of the details that were revealed, you know David Ritz did much more than help out.) this book deals with B.B.'s childhood of amazing poverty and his eventual rise to be the "King of the Blues." Conversational in style, but revealing in detail, BLUES ALL AROUND ME works as both a personal reminiscence and as a look at the life of a black man living in America during the 20th century. Tales of racism (in the military and elsewhere), the difficulties of dealing with a less than honest music industry, and the struggle for success against these odds are all expressed in a manner that shows no true anger, rather an acceptance that these were challenges to overcome. B.B.'s personal relationships with the many women in his life is not avoided, nor his opinions of many of his contemporaries. While the selected discography is extremely disappointing, this book should be required reading for any fan of the blues, and while any autobiography has to be taken with a grain of salt, this one definitely rings true.
To really get to know the Beale Street Blues Boy..........2003-02-20
Wow, I just finished reading this biography and am truly satisfied with my reading. It's been a long time since I read a book this refreshing. Talk about honesty, passion and heart.
The last 3 chapters were especially entertaining, talking from the heart about issues generally left untouched. From page one, I couldn't put the book down.
This book really helps you understand B.B's live performances. For anyone who as seen B.B. King live sometimes gets the feeling that his performance is a routine that dates back 25 years (well, I now know it is!), but this fact doesn't bother my anymore, understanding where the man comes from, better understanding his way of doing things.
Recommended for blues fans and anyone interested in a very entertaining read.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book Shows the Other Side of the Story.......2007-05-17
I ran across this book while researching the story of Mary Neely's capture by the Shawnee, and I found it fascinating that a white settler would actually seek to be captured, embrace the Indian way of life, and eventually become the Chief of the Shawnee Nation. Allan Eckert writes this book without lecturing, but you get a real sense of the injustice that was done to these tribes and the multitude of agreements that were signed that were not worth the paper they were printed on. The book is written simply and straight-forward enough to use at middle school or high school level, but it contains enough factual information to be of use to adults as well. Eckert writes the story in an entertaining fashion also, which makes it easy to keep reading. I only wish it had been longer.
One of the best.......2007-01-10
This is one of the best books I have read that is factual. Anyone that reads this book will get a real education without propaganda on the life and ways of the early Native American and how they were treated. Only one book better by the same author that I have read 5 times is The Frontiersman. If you get Blue Jacket, The Frontiersman is a must have too.
Book Description
The All Music Guide praises B.B. King in no uncertain terms as "the single most important electric guitarist of the last half century." This outstanding new book in our Guitar Recorded Versions series provides note-for-note transcriptions with tab for 35 hits from this living legend from 1950 to 2000, including: Ask Me No Questions * B.B. Blues * Bad Luck Soul * Chains and Things * Five Long Years * I Want You So Bad * King of Guitar * Lucille * Paying the Cost to Be the Boss * Riding with the King * Sweet Sixteen * The Thrill Is Gone * Watch Yourself * and more.
Book Description
One of the greatest white blues guitarists to ever come out of England, Peter Green founded Fleetwood Mac with John McVie and Mick Fleetwood. Considered an enigma as well as a great musician, he quit the band in the early 1970s, giving up fame and leaving behind original songs that have proved timeless. This fully authorized biography, by Green's close associate, reveals exactly why this happened. Exclusive interviews with fellow guitarists and musicians, as well as dozens of photographs are included.
Customer Reviews:
A CHORE to get through.......2005-10-06
Reading this book was hard work,and pretty irritating to get through. It is written by an Englishman and is strictly for English audiences. Practically every page contains slang, colloquialisms and references to people, places, and things that have no meaning to Americans at all. The writing style is also confusing, going back and forth with the subject at hand so you constantly have to go back to figure out who said what about who when etc. NOT a pleasant read. I am a great Peter Green fan so I muddled through. The author is obviously not a musician either, not very insightful commentary on music or musicians. Lots of anecdotal hero worship, which according to Peter's history and interviews is exactly what he does not want. Hard to believe this is the authorised biography.
Nice, objective effort.......2003-11-06
Celmins pretty much lays out such facts as he could glean from acquaintances. The dismal story of how the shrinks blew apart Green's nervous system is not told, probably because Celmins couldn't find them or couldn't get them to talk. Celmins does not write the introduction to this third edition, so he may not even be with us anymore (Alan Clayson has the duty now). Well written and a fascinating read because the reader must decide. My take is that Green ran out of ideas prior to leaving the business, and attempted to counter his depression with acid. Once the wise ones administered electro-shock, it was really the end of Green as a composer.
Product Description
In this first-ever collaboration, Slowhand meets Lucille to jam on 12 tunes. Features note-for-note transcriptions of King classics, blues standards and new songs, including: Come Rain or Come Shine Days of Old Help the Poor Hold On I'm Coming I Wanna Be Key to the Highway Marry You Riding with the King Ten Long Years Three O'Clock Blues When My Heart Beats like a Hammer Worried Life Blues.
Customer Reviews:
Twice the value of a normal guitar book.......2004-10-25
When you've got Eric Clapton and B. B. King handing off songs to each other, you've got twice the value of most normal blues songs. And this book puts out double the value that way. Just flip this one open to DAYS OF OLD and watch these two six-string storytellers weave the tapestry tight on this shuffle. If you'd like to "see how it's done", then pick up this book.
To me, the only thing that could make this any better would for the album to have included my two favorite guitarists - Carlos Santana and Henry Garza of Los Lonely Boys - in a four way demonstration of skill; and, of course, for this book to then have the four-way view of the action on stage!
Pick up a copy - this is a good one.
Book Description
Exciting Concepts for Blues Guitar Soloing by Barry Levenson, is an exciting Blues guitar method (with both music notation and tablature) that explores the techniques found in great Blues soloing. The 14 solos contained in this book comprise some of the greatest "licks" in blues guitar playing. The solos include the playing styles of B.B. King, Buddy Guy, T-Bone Walker, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Hubert Sumlin. The book also comes with a detailed text that analyzes each solo in depth and provides today's Blues guitar improviser with all the tools needed for creating their own melodic and harmonic solos. The book gives insight into such concepts as: phrasing, outlining chord structure, target notes, bending techniques, advanced position playing and motific development. The CD is recorded with rhythm backing tracks with and without the solo. Barry has released his own CD called "Heart To Hand". So many people seem to take a lot of time to nurture their chops carefully to bring themselves to the precipice of being able to really blow and have fun, but then for whatever reason can't get past the blues box thing, and end up constantly repeating themselves, bored with their playing, and don't continue to grow as improvisers.
Customer Reviews:
Exciting Concepts is Right.......2006-03-09
Barry's book has been a perfect choice to start me down the road of not just learning Blues guitar techniques, but to get me thinking about and trying some improvisation (the backing tracks on the CD are great for this). The solo's Barry composed for this book are great fun to play and have kept me in front of the amp practicing even when my poor fingers said stop. The solos contain a lot of "building-blocks" that you can leverage against in your own improvisations. (Now if I can only get some vibrato on top of those string bends).
Money well spent.......2006-03-01
Have bought quite a few books and dvd's that should have been avoided. They'll sell a dvd lacking anything resembling a book for reference. Levenson did a good job with this one; 60 pages of licks/solos tabbed out. I find myself using the book to improve technique while I play along with cd. Great book for beginners. I wish I was this satisfied with all guitar books/dvd's I have bought off amazon.
One of the most useful books I've used.......2005-08-26
Without a doubt, Barry Levenson's book is one of my favorites books for improving my guitar playing. The book is deceivingly simple. It consists of 14 very well crafted blues solos.
The solos are presented on the CD, and the CD also contains the backing tracks without the lead guitar so that the reader can practice playing the solos. Each solo is 12-bars long (or short :-) )
One of the things that makes the book a great tool is that the solos are explained bar by bar, with Barry providing a brief introduction, information on the different techniques he's using (e.g., vibrato, rakes, bends, slides, etc.), as well as explanations regarding his choice of notes.
I use the tab as a guide, but end up relying more on my ear. I also adapt the solos to fit the sounds I'm after. For example, instead of sliding to a minor 3rd on the first string, I often choose to bend up to it. The effect is slightly different.
Another thing to consider is that while it may be easy to play the 14 solos, the real benefit of this book IMO is that I have started to think more about note choice, and can visualize my target notes on the fingerboard more easily now. Just learning and playing the solos is not as beneficial to the student.
I'm halfway through the book, and one thing I have noticed is that I enjoy going back to each of the previous solos I have learned. I play each a couple of times while thinking about Barry's explanations, and then move on to the next. This has made my process slower, but I'm not complaining, I'm actually thoroughly enjoying this book. An additional benefit is that this "thinking" approach can be transferred into any style of music.
Highly recommended to the advanced beginner, intermediate, and advanced guitarist who wants to bring their playing to a higher level. For those looking into flashier playing, look elsewhere. This one is more about taste and maturity. Highly recommended.
Average customer rating:
- Myths are considered and realities profiled
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Ike Turner: King of Rhythm
John Collis
Manufacturer: Do-Not Press
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Binding: Hardcover
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Takin' Back My Name: The Confessions of Ike Turner
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I, Tina
ASIN: 1904316247 |
Customer Reviews:
Myths are considered and realities profiled.......2004-06-04
When soul musician Ike Turner was nineteen, his band traveled to Memphis and predated Chuck Berry's auto songs with the winning Rocket 88. His musical achievements and life sky-rocketed afterwards, and John Collins tracks Turner's evolution and achievement in his fine biography Ike Turner: King Of Rhythm. Myths are considered and realities profiled in an excellent presentation.
Book Description
Learn the trademark styles and techniques of the most celebrated guitarist in blues! This book/CD pack by Wolf Marshall is a breakdown of B.B. King's guitar style, sound and techniques, with a brief history and lessons for each piece. Covers 16 signature blues tunes, including: Beautician Blues * Five Long Years * Just Like a Woman * Riding with the King * Rock Me Baby * Sweet Sixteen * Three O'Clock Blues * The Thrill Is Gone * Why I Sing the Blues * You Upset Me Baby * and more!
Average customer rating:
|
Everyday I Sing the Blues: The Story of B.B. King (An Impact Biography)
David Shirley
Manufacturer: Franklin Watts
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