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Riley B. King (September 16, 1925 - May 14, 2015), known by his stage name B.B. King, was an American blues singer, songwriter and guitarist. King was born on a cotton plantation in Mississippi. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him at No. 6 on its 2011 list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time (previously ranked No. 3 in the 2003 edition of the show more same list). He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname "The King of the Blues". King was also known for performing tirelessly throughout his musical career, appearing at more than 200 concerts per year on average into his 70s. In 1990, King was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George H.W. Bush. In 2006, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush. King died in his home on May 14, 2015. He was 89 years old. (Bowker Author Biography) show less