B.B. King
B.B. King, born Riley B. King on September 16, 1925, was an iconic American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer who passed away on May 14, 2015. He is honored as "The King of the Blues," reflecting his profound influence on the genre and his status as a pivotal figure in the development of blues music.
Throughout his career, B.B. King was celebrated for his exceptional skills as an electric guitarist and was a central figure who shaped the sound of modern blues. His innovation and style have left a lasting legacy in the music world, marking him as one of the most important musicians of the last half-century.
His life and career are commemorated in various ways, including the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, which provides insights into his life, career, and the rich history of the Delta music scene.
To Know You Is To Love You
Written-By – C. Mann, D. Crawford 3:29
A2 Respect Yourself
Written-By – Luther Ingram, Mack Rice 5:13
A3 Who Are You
Written-By – D. Crawford, H. Johnson 3:55
A4 Love
Written-By – B. B. King 3:10
A5 I Can't Leave
Written-By – D. Crawford 4:13
B1 To Know You Is To Love You
Written-By – Stevie Wonder, S. Wright 8:42
B2 Oh To Me
Written-By – D. Crawford 4:27
B3 Thank You For Loving The Blues
Written-By – B. B. King 6:47
Label: ABC Records – ABCX-794
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Blues, Soul
Style: Electric Blues, Soul
B.B. King's album, To Know You Is to Love You, is a significant electric blues record known for its smooth, soulful Philadelphia soul sound, blending his signature guitar style with lush arrangements, featuring guest spots from Stevie Wonder and the Philly soul stars MFSB and the Memphis Horns, capturing King in a sophisticated, radio-friendly phase that connected blues with mainstream R&B.
While rooted in blues, it heavily incorporated the popular Philadelphia soul sound of the era, with rich orchestration and grooves.
The album was produced by Dave Crawford in Philadelphia and utilizes the talents of the house band for Philadelphia International Records, MFSB, as well as the Memphis Horns. This collaboration resulted in a rich, soul-infused sound, though some contemporary critics noted a difference between the more traditional blues tracks, where King's vocals soared, and the pop/soul-oriented songs
It notably featured Stevie Wonder on keyboards and percussion, alongside members of MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother) and The Memphis Horns, providing a fuller, funkier backing.
King's emotive guitar playing ("Lucille") and vocals shine, singing deeply felt blues and soul tunes.
The album was a commercial success, showcasing King's ability to adapt and remain relevant by embracing contemporary soul production.
In essence, To Know You Is to Love You is a smooth, soulful bridge album where B.B. King's blues heart meets the vibrant R&B scene of the early 70s, creating a classic of his later career.