Company is dedicated to preserving the life achievements of King
The BB King Music Company, owner of all rights to BB King likeness and related trademarks and copyright on behalf of the King Family Trust is pleased to announce a revitalized partnership with Gibson — the iconic American guitar brand — and the launch of the new BB King Icon Life Legacy Initiatives. The news comes on King’s 96th birthday, which was September 16th.
“It has been a pleasure working with the Gibson team in developing a new line of B.B. King Signature Lucille guitars,” says Vassal Benford, Chairman of the BB King Music Company. “I am especially proud of the forthcoming new Epiphone guitar and delivering a true work of art that will be broadly accessible, awakening BB King’s life and legacy to new artists. Gibson is a tremendous partner and they have demonstrated a sincere alignment with our mission to not only preserve the legacy of BB King, but to expose new artists to his music. This is just the beginning, a theatrical release biopic movie is near production, as well as the creation of The BB King Experience as a touring show, and a residency experience in Las Vegas. We will also be creating a new catalog of music collaborations with contemporary artists, and several lines of new BB King products are in development. We are looking forward to October 19, 2021, official launch of the new Epiphone Lucille guitar with Gibson, plus much more.”
“BB King is a cornerstone of Gibson’s music history, and we are honored to bring his legendary music and persona to a new audience,” states Elizabeth Heidt, VP of Cultural Influence-Global, Gibson Brands. “From high-end Gibson Custom Shop guitars to more accessible Epiphone models we will be offering beautiful guitars for every fan to help carry on his vast music legacy.”
Designed to both preserve the iconic name of BB King and introduce his wealth of music to new audiences and generations around the world, a major component of the BB King Legacy initiative is to release a series of new music in multiple genres. Created with multiple contemporary artists, these recordings may include brand new songs featuring BB King lyrics, remixes, and new collaborations created from BB King master works. Given the magnitude of the artists collaborating there truly is no limit to what the Legacy of BB King will create!
The BB King Legacy Initiative will include BB King – The King of the Blues – The Movie, new music releases, BB King Experience Tour 2022, 24 hour blues TV channel, documentary series with interviews from industry icons, new educational initiatives, expansions of BB King Museum in Indianola, MS and expanded merchandising.
