16 September 2025
Newsdesk
Today, on what would have been B.B. King’s 100th birthday, acclaimed guitarist Joe Bonamassa has announced a landmark tribute album, "B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100." Produced by the Grammy-nominated duo of Bonamassa and Josh Smith, the project is an extraordinary celebration of the life and legacy of the "King of the Blues."
The album, released via KTBA Records, will feature an unprecedented lineup of artists reinterpreting King’s most iconic songs. The first five tracks are available now and include collaborations with legends like Michael McDonald, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Bobby Rush, and George Benson, alongside rising stars such as D.K. Harrell. More tracks will be released in monthly installments, with the full 32-song digital album and physical releases dropping on February 6, 2026.
Bonamassa, who initiated the project after realizing no major plans were in place for King's centennial, described the blues icon as a guiding light for the genre. “When B.B. was alive and active, he was the blues – he was the sun which all planets rotated around,” Bonamassa stated. “Only a few artists are the true north guiding the genre in which they participated, but he was that shining star.”
The B.B. King Estate has given its full support to the project, expressing gratitude for Bonamassa’s effort to carry King’s legacy forward. The estate noted that the collection celebrates not only King's music but also his "enduring spirit of love, unity, and the joy he brought to generations."
"B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100" is a testament to the timeless influence of one of music's greatest figures. Pre-orders for the full album are available now.
