Customer Reviews

The B. B. King Treasures: Photos, Mementos & Music from B. B. King's Collection

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If you are even a casual fan of B.B. King. Do yourself a favor and get this book. When it was announced, I was just happy to see a new book dedicated to the "King Of The Blues." But once I received the book and looked through it some, I was truly impressed. I was not even expecting the removable artifacts. Things like concert riders, posters, and programs have been reproduced and included. The photographs are top notch and many of them are very rare. This book was long overdue.

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.

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.

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

What a wonderful book this is, complete with mementos that make you feel you are really visiting with B.B. There couldn't be found a more complete collection of his works and his life. Certainly is a worthwhile purchase and a coffee table book everyone can enjoy.

THIS IS WORTH EVERY DIME!THIS COLLECTION ALLOWS YOU TO GET TO KNOW B.B. PERSONALLY. WE OFTEN LOOK AT A CELEBRITY ON T.V. OR AT THE MOVIES AND SAY "HE/SHE'S GOT IT MADE BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHAT IT TOOK FOR THEM TO REACH THAT LEVEL. B.B. WENT FROM THE COTTON SACK TO A CADILLAC AND THE REST IS HISTORY. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GET THIS COLLECTION!

Like the blues, but want to learn more about its history? Into music history at all? Fan of BB King? Just like really cool, well designed books with lots of little extra doodads thrown in? Any interest in the history of African Americans in this country?

Must get this book.

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.

the best book on B.B. KING i have ever seen. great text, excellant photos and a great assortment of replica posters,handbills,and more!! all this is only out done by a bonus cd with insights from the man himself!! buy with a great adveture ahead of you. all the best.

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