Originally released in 1958 on the legendary budget label Crown, The Blues compiles many of the classic '50s sides that B.B. King recorded for the Los Angeles-based labels RPM, Kent, and Modern. Mostly recorded in King's home base of Memphis, TN -- some of which were even recorded and produced by Sam Phillips of Sun Records fame -- these 12 sides are some of the most important and classic blues and R&B tracks of the 1950s. A true workhorse, King was often playing more than 300 concerts a year at this point in his career, and it shows in these performances where a tight band is led by one of the most practiced and technically-skilled guitarists of the era. King remains a huge influence on guitarists to this day and these recordings, from nearly 60 years ago, are a perfect example why.
"...[B.B. King's] RPM takes were the work of a man who already had an enviable command of his instrument and a real gift as a vocalist and songwriter, and though he would get better with time, The Blues demonstrates he was already near the top of his class." -Mark Deming, allmusic.com
Features:
Vinyl LP
Import
Selections:
Side One:
1. Why Does Everything Happen To Me
2. Ruby Lee
3. When My Heart Beats Like a Hammer
4. Past Day
5. Boogie Woogie Woman
6. Early Every Morning
Side Two:
1. I Want to Get Married
2. That Ain't the Way to Do It
3. Troubles, Troubles, Troubles
4. Don't You Want A Man Like Me
5. You Know I Go for You
6. What Can I Do?