BB King is gone, but his legacy lives on in a little girl’s heart… 18 years.
For decades, acknowledged as one of the greatest electric guitarists ever, is the legendary American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter B.B. King – winner of everything the music industry and governments can bestow on an artist – including 15 Grammy Awards, the ‘President American Medal of Freedom’ … and my youngest daughter’s enduring adulation.
Now this legend had come to town and was soon to be on stage, with me anxiously sitting in the audience. But, this was no ordinary outing for me … having had a ‘family’ connection to the event. In fact, I was on a mission that had started earlier in the day.
“Do you think he would?” The incredulous look on my daughter’s face was filled with expectations mixed with apprehension. With an optimism conditioned by experience, I said, “Well there’s only one way to find out”.
I happen to know the nightclub owner, Ben, through work and enjoyed a good business relationship. I was pretty sure he’d be at least 50/50 in favour of my idea of getting her guitar signed … but as for BB himself…?
My daughter and I quickly turn off the highway at New Hamburg to buy a permanent marking pen for Mr. King to sign. (Remember, we’re going for broke on this project!) Coming home we get the guitar; and as a last minute bit of inspiration, I suggest that she write a personal note to him – which she does – sealing it in an envelope.
I explain all this to the owner who seems so-so about this, but he calls in his manager who, after hearing the story, just rolls her eyes.
“There’s no way!” she says, as she explains that during the show he might throw out some souvenir guitar picks or after the show, autograph some official photos; but as to actually placing his signature on someone’s guitar?…
Her voice trailed off; but I knew she was probably right. It just seemed too commercially crass, even if I knew our intentions were honourable. And because of that, I pressed on explaining who was asking – a young girl with a dream.
“Well, all we can do is to try.” I offer – to which the owner nodded to the manager, who patiently secures the guitar and leaves.
Later, as I was nursing a drink in the club, I asked myself what was I thinking? “50/50?” It now seemed like a one-in-a-million long shot!
Suddenly, my concentration was broken as the opening rhythm and blues ensemble had finished and the B.B. King orchestra started playing. Then it happened!.. From somewhere off the stage … a soul-bending, guitar wailing sigh, the likes of which I’ve never heard before. As I scanned the stage, I can see that Mr. King has walked from the wings to centre stage. Was this what people must have experienced when they first heard Jimi Hendrix’s play? From his first reverent bow to his stellar musicians, the audience was never released from a magical spell all night long.
The next day, the manager explained when she tentatively presented it to him back stage after the show; he just raised his eyebrows and looked dubiously at her and the guitar. Reading his mind, she suggested that it was from a young fan and that maybe he could read her letter. He did. Asking for the specially supplied pen, he reflectively signed it … never saying a word.
To Brooke
Best Wishes
B.B. King
03-31-95
I asked my daughter what she had written in the letter; she could only recall that, in addition to telling him how much she admired his music, her only other wish was to be old enough to attend one of his concerts when he returns.
Slipping the letter into his shirt pocket, he patted it down as if he had found something of immeasurable value – and himself, being a father, indeed he had. For me that night, the music only played in the background to the real magic between B.B. & B. – two very special people, who hit the right note with me.
Brooke was a fifteen-year-old at the time BB signed her guitar, and finally got to see her hero play – some 18 years later! – not long before he passed.
Photo Credits
BB King – Wikimedia Creative Commons
Signed Guitar by Fred Parry – All Rights Reserved
First published at fredparry.ca
Guest Author Bio
Fred Parry
Fred Parry lives in Southern Ontario. He is a lover of people and a collector of stories, music, wisdom, and grandchildren. His newspaper column, Music in Me, can be found in ‘The New Hamburg Independent’ Metroland Media. His book, ‘The Music In Me’ (2013) Friesen Press is Available from Amazon and Indigo / Chapters.
Blog / Website: www.fredparry.ca
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Chris Finch says
Great article !! It says a lot that a world artist, such as BB King, took the extra time out for his fans. He had an incredible life and profound influence amongst musicians.
Fred Parry says
Hi Chris… in a lot of ways, many of today’s young stars could take a lesson from BB – Aretha sang about it: R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
Fred
Steve says
a beautiful story about the remarkable Blues Boy and Brenda … thank you Fred.
Shannon Grissom says
What a great way to start the week. I so love this story!
Eric Anderson says
That’s a great story – just shows there’s only one way to achieve something you want, and that’s to ask for it! Good for BB, good for Brooke. BB King – a truly great musician.
Fred Parry says
Hi Eric,
“… to achieve something you want, and that’s to ask for it!”
Yes, trying to teach that life lesson is what I wanted to pass on. Thankfully BB made that possible!
Fred
ian says
Illustrates that BB was not only a consummate musician, but a true southern gentleman in the finest sense. I also had the privilege of seeing him perform live, many years ago, and my most vivid memory of the evening in addition to transcendent blues of the highest order was how he respected and honored his audience throughout the entire performance. Perhaps only Frank Sinatra did that consistently to the same degree that BB did throughout their long and stellar careers. Not many of that caliber of artist exists anymore. A great story about Brooke and an indelible memory for her. Thank you for sharing.
Fred Parry says
His giving and receiving of respect is a standout memory for me too, Ian. (I think that Leonard Cohen enjoys that same type of mutual respect.) Thanks!
ricardo says
The thrill is still there.
Fred Parry says
I agree… it will always be there! Thanks
Vivian says
A truly heartwarming story that has brightened my day. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Brucillyeye Davistupchuik says
A very touching story, to be sure.
Lorne Daniel says
A heart-warming story about the legend. Thanks, Fred, for sharing.
Fred Parry says
BB King passed away May 15, 2015 and although he will be missed by his many admirers, his passing will be particularly felt by me and my daughter.
Looking back to 1995, when this story takes place, she was so glad that I had gifted her two tickets, for her and her husband, to finally see him October 12, 2013 – less than two years prior his death. I just couldn’t live with her never have seeing her hero.
And, it shows me that his legacy is that love never dies… despite how inevitable death is. The real magic!
Teresa says
Beautiful story. BB King is one of my favourite artists. His legend lives on. Thank you, Fred.
Mauro Azzara says
This story will be told and retold around her dinner table for many, many years. Heartwarming indeed.
Martin Young says
Great article that generates food for thought. A letter that showed again that BB had a real heart and compassion for his younger fans.
thanks for sharing this with me
Martin
David Knapp-Fisher says
A heartwarming story about how someone who became a legend, never forgot what was important. That guitar will always be a reminder of his true self – thanks for sharing this remarkable story~!
George Burden says
What a wonderful story about a little girl and a very special musician!
Vincent Ross says
Nice story, Fred. It’s the little things that count.
Michael Lebowitz says
I love this story.Thank you for sharing it with us.
colleen says
A very nice story, thank you for sharing :))