BB King, the Blues great whose music has inspired generations of music fans and artists, has died. He was 89.
King's lawyer said that he passed away in his sleep at his home in Las Vegas on Thursday night.
He had been suffering from ill health, and had been taken to hospital for a diabetes-related illness in recent months.
Born in Mississippi, King's career in music began in the 1940s. He scored his first Billboard Rhythm and Blues charts number one with 3 O'Clock Blues in 1952, and in that decade went on to become one of the most important figures in R&B music.
He achieved a host of hit singles in the decade including Woke up This Morning, Whole Lotta Love, You Upset Me Baby, Sneakin' Around and Sweet Little Angel.
King won a 1970 Grammy Award for his song The Thrill Is Gone, which was a hit both on the pop and R&B charts.
The legendary musician was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
He reached a new generation of fans in 1988 when he duetted with U2 on their track When Love Comes to Town from the Rattle and Hum album.
He was a 15-time Grammy winner, with his Gibson guitar, Lucille, among the most iconic instruments in music history.
