BB KING THE LEGEND

I have seen BB KING play several times over my lifetime and have met him 5 times and just like anyone can be his mood may change like the wind. Many years ago before EBAY existed, you could meander about and hang out with many of the musicians after their shows and were all very approachable.. But over the past 15 years with meet and greets it is has been quite tougher to meet some of the legends and luck and ingenuity plays very heavily today. BBs autograph continues to increase in value as it is becoming more and more difficult to obtain. We were waiting in the lobby of a hotel and BB was pushed in his Wheelchair with a tremendous entourage and never blinked except to admire some of the classic albums people were asking to have autographed. Now another grapher and I took a ride to Daytona once where he was playing a smaller venue. As we were waiting we happened to catch a glimpse of the bus coming down the road and I drove like a wild man and followed it to the hotel they were staying at. Both of us jumped out and in a few moments he came strolling up the sidewalk chatting with another band member. We both had 2 items and as he looked at us and snapped “ONLY ONE". So I politely asked which one would you like to sign (Drumhead and the other was an album) and he again said" I said only one" and that he did. I did choose the drumhead which he signed beautifully and boldly across. Now when his Club was opening in Orlando about 5 of us had the opportunity to be VIPs and waited in line with about 50 people to have an "Audience" with him as he sat in a chair and reminded me as someone who truly was a King as we shook his hand, signed numerous autographs and pictures and met his people. I always thought that would never be topped until he was playing at the club again and he had a meet and greet of what we were told of 500 dollars to visit him on his bus. My son and I never hesitated with another grapher and got on the line without any commotion and before anyone could say Lucille, we were escorted to meet the legend. He sat on the bus dressed in his signature jacket and shared stories with all of us took the best picture I had seen shaking both our hands at the same time and truly was the nicest anyone could be. I shared with my Son what just happened probably is a once in a lifetime and a moment with a true legend. Though as he ages (pushing 90) he doesn't play for hours as B.B use to and touring is becoming more difficult. Too many times we share our moments in a eulogy and listen to some of the old tunes, but I strongly feel if a chance to see him one more time and if you are lucky enough to meet him, DO NOT miss the chance. Legends are few and far between.