Born Riley B. King in 1925, the man who would become known as B.B. King began his musical journey in the cotton fields of Mississippi. He first picked up a guitar at the age of 12, initially playing in local churches and on street corners for spare change. King’s big break came in the late 1940s when he started performing on a radio show in Memphis, Tennessee. His smooth, soulful voice and exceptional guitar skills quickly gained him a devoted following, launching his career as a professional musician.

B.B. King’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, B.B. King’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This figure takes into account his extensive career in music, as well as his various business ventures and investments.

B.B. King’s Career

B.B. King, born Riley B. King, is an American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. His career spans over six decades, during which he has released over 60 albums and countless singles. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning him the nickname “The King of the Blues.” King’s distinctive guitar playing, characterized by his use of vibrato and bending notes, has inspired countless musicians across various genres.

B.B. King’s Other Ventures

In addition to his musical career, B.B. King has also ventured into other business endeavors. He has his own record label, Bluesville, which is a division of Geffen Records. He has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, Mississippi, which he helped establish.

B.B. King’s Assets

B.B. King’s assets include his extensive music catalog, which generates royalties, as well as his real estate holdings. He owns several properties, including his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, and his childhood home in Indianola, Mississippi, which he has turned into a museum. He also owns a fleet of luxury cars, including several Cadillacs, which he often uses for transportation during his tours.

B.B. King’s Annual Income

B.B. King’s annual income varies depending on his touring schedule and the success of his music. In recent years, his annual income has been estimated to be around $5 million. This includes earnings from his concerts, album sales, and merchandising. Despite his advanced age, King continues to tour regularly, performing over 200 shows a year.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Bb King

What was B.B. King’s net worth?

B.B. King’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million at the time of his death in 2015.

How did B.B. King make his money?

B.B. King made his money primarily through his successful music career. He was a renowned blues singer and guitarist, known for his distinctive voice and guitar playing style. He also earned money from record sales, touring, and merchandise.

What was B.B. King’s most famous song?

B.B. King’s most famous song is “The Thrill is Gone,” which was released in 1969 and became a hit worldwide. Other popular songs include “Sweet Sixteen,” “Three O’Clock Blues,” and “Rock Me Baby.”

When was B.B. King born?

B.B. King was born on September 16, 1925, in Itta Bena, Mississippi.

When did B.B. King die?

B.B. King died on May 14, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 89.

What was B.B. King’s real name?

B.B. King’s real name was Riley B. King.

What was B.B. King’s signature guitar called?

B.B. King’s signature guitar was named “Lucille.” He named it after a woman he saw two men fighting over, which inspired him to write the song “Lucille.”

How many Grammy Awards did B.B. King win?

B.B. King won 15 Grammy Awards throughout his career. He also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987.

What was B.B. King’s influence on music?

B.B. King is considered one of the most influential musicians of all time. He helped popularize the electric guitar and his unique playing style and expressive vocals had a significant impact on many genres of music, including rock, blues, and jazz.

What was B.B. King’s relationship with Eric Clapton?

B.B. King and Eric Clapton were close friends and collaborators. Clapton has cited King as a major influence on his guitar playing. They performed together on several occasions and recorded a duet album, “Riding with the King,” in 2000.