In memory of B.B. King

After the passing of blues legend B.B. King last night, many fans have cited his hit, "The Thrill Is Gone," as one of his best recordings.  In addition to "The Thrill Is Gone," these are some of his best tracks, in my opinion:

• Early Every Morning (A wise way to greet each new day--looking to the future with each sunrise.)
• I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water (King emotes effectively in his 1965 rendition; the Lou Rawls version from three years earlier is also recommended.)
• Life Ain't Nothing But A Party (One of King's stronger slow numbers; this was the song, after "The Thrill Is Gone," that got my attention.  While it's not meant to be taken literally, it's a good reminder to ease up and not take life quite so seriously.)
• Stop Leading Me On (To the point, lyrically; Joey DeFrancesco does a good cover of it.)

Kudos to KDHX's Steve Pick for playing "3 O'Clock Blues" during his tribute set to King this morning, as it's one of King's best-sung and best-played songs.  King's legacy as a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist spans decades, but that 1951 track is among his best work.