Main content
This programme is not currently available on ±«Óãtv iPlayer

BB King: The Life of Riley

BB King tells the story of how an oppressed, orphaned young man influenced and earned the praise of the music industry and its following to carry the title of king of the blues.

BB King opens his heart and tells the story of how an oppressed and orphaned young man came to influence and earn the unmitigated praise of the music industry and its following to carry the title of king of the blues.

Filmed on location all over America, as well as in the UK, this picture brings to life the heat- and gin-soaked plantations where it all began, with full cooperation of the BB King museum, owners of vaults and archives so precious and immense that several trips had to be made to revisit the collection and partake of its many gems. Prejudice and segregation has stained the lives of countless black persons and BB 'Riley' King made sure that through his music, he never allowed it to mar his spirit.

This is the essence of the story that makes a beautiful film, both informative and visually captivating.

1 hour, 35 minutes

Last on

Sun 31 May 2015 23:00

Music Played

  • B.B. King

    Walking Dr. Bill

  • B.B. King

    Nobody Loves Me But My Mother

  • B.B. King

    I'll Survive

  • B.B. King

    To Know You is To Love You

  • B.B. King

    Paying the Cost to be the Boss

  • Ms. Martha King

    Miss Martha King

  • B.B. King

    Three O'Clock Blues

  • B.B. King

    You Know I Love You

  • B.B. King

    Sweet Little Angel

  • B.B. King

    Catfish Blues (Fishin' After Me)

  • B.B. King

    Everyday I Have The Blues

  • B.B. King

    How Blue Can You Get?

  • B.B. King

    Chains and Things

  • B.B. King

    The Thrill Is Gone

  • B.B. King

    Hummingbird

  • B.B. King

    Caldonia

  • B.B. King

    Sweet Sixteen

  • B.B. King

    Hold On (feat. The Crusaders)

  • U2 & B.B. King

    When Love Comes To Town

  • Eric Clapton & B.B.King

    Riding With The King

  • B.B. King

    Messy But Good

  • B.B. King

    Worried Dream

  • B.B. King

    Precious Lord

  • B.B. King

    On My Word Of Honor

  • B.B. King

    Tired Of Your Jive

  • B.B. King

    Think It Over

Interview on ±«Óãtv Breakfast

Interview on ±«Óãtv Breakfast
Director Jon Brewer talks about what it was like to make a documentary on blues legend BB King.

Broadcasts

±«Óãtv Four Blues Collection

Watch programmes about influential blues musicians including B.B. King and Muddy Waters.