B.B. King

Acting

B.B. King

Born September 16, 1925 · Itta Bena, Mississippi, USA

Died May 14, 2015 · aged 89

Riley B. King, known as B.B. King, was an American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter acclaimed for his expressive singing and fluid, complex guitar playing. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him at #3 on its list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

Known For

Blues Brothers 2000Blues Brothers 2000 · 1998
Blues Brothers 2000
5.31998
MovieActionComedy
Finally released from prison, Elwood Blues is once again enlisted by Sister Mary Stigmata in her latest crusade to raise funds for a children's hospital. Hitting the road to re-unite the band and win the big prize at the New Orleans Battle of the Bands, Elwood is pursued cross-country by the cops.
Spies Like UsSpies Like Us · 1985
Spies Like Us
6.21985
MovieComedyAdventure
Two bumbling government employees think they are U.S. spies, only to discover that they are actually decoys for nuclear war.
Heart and SoulsHeart and Souls · 1993
Heart and Souls
7.01993
MovieFantasyComedy
A fateful night in 1959, four people die when the bus they are riding crashes. They continue as ghosts; their souls become eternally entwined to the life of a child born at the moment of their deaths as his guardians. Baby Thomas grows up to be a businessman who has memories of his playmates, but assumes they are products of his youthful imagination. When the ghosts realize they need Thomas' help to move on to the afterlife, they decide to make an appearance once more.
Jazz EvolutionJazz Evolution · 2008
Jazz Evolution
6.02008
MovieMusic
Black WoodstockBlack Woodstock · 1969
Black Woodstock
8.01969
MovieMusicDocumentary
The Harlem Cultural Festival, also known as "Black Woodstock", was a series of music concerts held in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City during the summer of 1969 to celebrate African American music and culture and to promote the continued politics of black pride. The concerts took place in Harlem's Mount Morris Park on Sundays at 3PM from June 29, 1969 to August 24, 1969. The manifestation came soon after the Watts Riots, and the assassinations of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King.
Amazon Women on the MoonAmazon Women on the Moon · 1987
Amazon Women on the Moon
5.91987
MovieComedyScience Fiction
Centered on a television station which features a 1950s-style sci-fi movie interspersed with a series of wild commercials, wacky shorts and weird specials, this lampoon of contemporary life and pop culture skewers some of the silliest spectacles ever created in the name of entertainment.
Lightning in a BottleLightning in a Bottle · 2004
Lightning in a Bottle
7.62004
MovieMusicDocumentary
On February 7th, 2003, renowned artists across multiple music genres and generations commandeered the stage at New York City's Radio City Music Hall to pay tribute to their common heritage and passion - the blues. Shared with thousands of fans in attendance, legendary performers from roots, rock, jazz and rap joined forces for a once-in-a-lifetime "Salute To The Blues" benefit concert whose proceeds went to musical education.
Blues MastersBlues Masters · 1999
Blues Masters
6.51999
MovieDocumentaryMusic
In 1966, CBC Television invited some of North America's greatest blues performers to gather in a studio in Toronto, recording together and individually in sessions that lasted three days. The result was originally televised as part of the CBC "Festival" series, and now the session video tapes have been found, restored and re-edited. The great Muddy Waters and his band perform "You Can't Lose What You Never Had" and "Got My Mojo Workin'," the latter with James Cotton on harmonica. Willie Dixon goes solo on "Bassology" and (helped by a little '90s technology) performs "Crazy for My Baby" with host Colin James. Plus rare appearances by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Mable Hillery singing "How Long This Train Been Gone," and delta blues piano player Sunnyland Slim, introducing a whole new generation to this inspiring, soulful music.

Movies

Blues Brothers 2000Blues Brothers 2000 · 1998
Blues Brothers 2000
5.31998
MovieActionComedy
Finally released from prison, Elwood Blues is once again enlisted by Sister Mary Stigmata in her latest crusade to raise funds for a children's hospital. Hitting the road to re-unite the band and win the big prize at the New Orleans Battle of the Bands, Elwood is pursued cross-country by the cops.
Spies Like UsSpies Like Us · 1985
Spies Like Us
6.21985
MovieComedyAdventure
Two bumbling government employees think they are U.S. spies, only to discover that they are actually decoys for nuclear war.
Heart and SoulsHeart and Souls · 1993
Heart and Souls
7.01993
MovieFantasyComedy
A fateful night in 1959, four people die when the bus they are riding crashes. They continue as ghosts; their souls become eternally entwined to the life of a child born at the moment of their deaths as his guardians. Baby Thomas grows up to be a businessman who has memories of his playmates, but assumes they are products of his youthful imagination. When the ghosts realize they need Thomas' help to move on to the afterlife, they decide to make an appearance once more.
Jazz EvolutionJazz Evolution · 2008
Jazz Evolution
6.02008
MovieMusic
Black WoodstockBlack Woodstock · 1969
Black Woodstock
8.01969
MovieMusicDocumentary
The Harlem Cultural Festival, also known as "Black Woodstock", was a series of music concerts held in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City during the summer of 1969 to celebrate African American music and culture and to promote the continued politics of black pride. The concerts took place in Harlem's Mount Morris Park on Sundays at 3PM from June 29, 1969 to August 24, 1969. The manifestation came soon after the Watts Riots, and the assassinations of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King.
Amazon Women on the MoonAmazon Women on the Moon · 1987
Amazon Women on the Moon
5.91987
MovieComedyScience Fiction
Centered on a television station which features a 1950s-style sci-fi movie interspersed with a series of wild commercials, wacky shorts and weird specials, this lampoon of contemporary life and pop culture skewers some of the silliest spectacles ever created in the name of entertainment.
Lightning in a BottleLightning in a Bottle · 2004
Lightning in a Bottle
7.62004
MovieMusicDocumentary
On February 7th, 2003, renowned artists across multiple music genres and generations commandeered the stage at New York City's Radio City Music Hall to pay tribute to their common heritage and passion - the blues. Shared with thousands of fans in attendance, legendary performers from roots, rock, jazz and rap joined forces for a once-in-a-lifetime "Salute To The Blues" benefit concert whose proceeds went to musical education.
Blues MastersBlues Masters · 1999
Blues Masters
6.51999
MovieDocumentaryMusic
In 1966, CBC Television invited some of North America's greatest blues performers to gather in a studio in Toronto, recording together and individually in sessions that lasted three days. The result was originally televised as part of the CBC "Festival" series, and now the session video tapes have been found, restored and re-edited. The great Muddy Waters and his band perform "You Can't Lose What You Never Had" and "Got My Mojo Workin'," the latter with James Cotton on harmonica. Willie Dixon goes solo on "Bassology" and (helped by a little '90s technology) performs "Crazy for My Baby" with host Colin James. Plus rare appearances by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Mable Hillery singing "How Long This Train Been Gone," and delta blues piano player Sunnyland Slim, introducing a whole new generation to this inspiring, soulful music.
Live AidLive Aid · 1985
Live Aid
7.91985
MovieMusicDocumentary
Live Aid was held on 13 July 1985, simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, and the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, United States. It was one of the largest scale satellite link-ups and television broadcasts of all time: watched live by an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion, across 150 nations. "It's twelve noon in London, seven AM in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid...!"
U2: LovetownU2: Lovetown · 1989
U2: Lovetown
10.01989
MovieMusicDocumentary
Documentary of U2's 1989 tour of Australia.
When We Were KingsWhen We Were Kings · 1996
When We Were Kings
7.61996
MovieDocumentary
It's 1974. Muhammad Ali is 32 and thought by many to be past his prime. George Foreman is ten years younger and the heavyweight champion of the world. Promoter Don King wants to make a name for himself and offers both fighters five million dollars apiece to fight one another, and when they accept, King has only to come up with the money. He finds a willing backer in Mobutu Sese Suko, the dictator of Zaire, and the "Rumble in the Jungle" is set, including a musical festival featuring some of America's top black performers, like James Brown and B.B. King.
Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) · 2021
Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
7.62021
MovieMusicDocumentary
During the same summer as Woodstock, over 300,000 people attended the Harlem Cultural Festival, celebrating African American music and culture, and promoting Black pride and unity. The footage from the festival sat in a basement, unseen for over 50 years, keeping this incredible event in America's history lost — until now.
Monochrome: Black, White & BlueMonochrome: Black, White & Blue · 2017
Monochrome: Black, White & Blue
7.82017
MovieDocumentaryMusic
From America's deep South, to Detroit and New York this captivating and enlightening documentary special traces the evolution of blues through pivotal moments in American history. Brewer discovers that there was no music called 'the blues' when its creators just stepped into a new feel of musical expressionism… just a means of releasing a lifetime of pain and oppression, from which music, momentarily, set them free.
Rolling With the BluesRolling With the Blues · 2007
Rolling With the Blues
2007
MovieMusic
Compilation of live performances by various blues artists.
Medicine Ball CaravanMedicine Ball Caravan · 1971
Medicine Ball Caravan
7.31971
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Documentary of a 154-person bus and truck tour that set out to spread the gospel of flower power to the hinterlands of the U.S.
Buddy Guy Can't Quit The BluesBuddy Guy Can't Quit The Blues · 2006
Buddy Guy Can't Quit The Blues
6.02006
MovieMusic
This DVD comes a part of a box set which also contains 3 CDs. The DVD features an exclusive 90-minute career-spanning documentation with rare and previously unseen footage. As a bonus, you'll also get eleven never-before-seen live performances, filmed between 1974 and 2004.
B.B. King | LiveB.B. King | Live · 2009
B.B. King | Live
7.22009
MovieMusic
Recorded in High-Definition for the PBS concert series Soundstage, this unforgettable performance features staggering renditions of "Thrill is Gone" and "Let the Good Times Roll" as well as special guest appearances by Terrence Howard, Solange and guitarist Richie Sambora - each of who takes turns sitting in with the blues legend
U2: Rattle and HumU2: Rattle and Hum · 1988
U2: Rattle and Hum
7.21988
MovieMusicDocumentary
A concert movie on an unprecedented scale, Rattle And Hum captures U2 - on and off the stage - during their triumphant Joshua Tree tour. From the giant technicolour stadium celebrations to the black-and-white intensity of the indoor shows, this is U2 at their best. Follow the group across America, exploring new influences, playing with the legendary B.B. King from Dublin to Graceland.
The Story Of The BluesThe Story Of The Blues · 2004
The Story Of The Blues
4.22004
MovieMusicDocumentary
The story of The Blues traces the four main traditions of blues music: Form Blues, Blues, Urban Blues and Blues Electric. The blues has evolved and diversified, and filtered into a surprising variety of styles in contemporary music. In the blues the history of music was released. A look at the roots, origins and the subsequent influence of style the film explores the blues significant contribution to the development of jazz, rock and country and western music. Big Bill Broonzy, Robert Johnson, Lonnie Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Alexander Texas, and many more artists are featured through the film.
Blues at the BBCBlues at the BBC · 2009
Blues at the BBC
7.52009
Movie
Collection of performances by British and American blues artists on BBC programmes such as The Beat Room, A Whole Scene Going, The Old Grey Whistle Test and The Late Show. Includes the seminal slide guitar of Son House, the British R&B of The Kinks, the unmistakable electric sound of B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton and John Lee Hooker, as well as less-familiar material from the likes of Delaney and Bonnie, Freddie King and Long John Baldry.
Sing Sing ThanksgivingSing Sing Thanksgiving · 1972
Sing Sing Thanksgiving
8.01972
MovieMusic
In 1972 two music icons—the legendary blues guitarist, singer and composer B.B. King, and folk singer Joan Baez—teamed up for a performance for the inmates of Sing Sing maximum security prison in New York. The film was made with the help of inmates who had spent a year learning to use camera equipment.
Nueva York: A Musical History of Latin New YorkNueva York: A Musical History of Latin New York · 2021
Nueva York: A Musical History of Latin New York
8.02021
MovieDocumentaryHistory
When the film West Side Story was released in 1961, New York's reviled Puerto Rican community gained some visibility and, over time, both in Spanish Harlem and the Bronx, neighborhoods plagued by poverty, drugs and crime, Hispanic identity was reborn and strengthened, thanks to a syncretic and intentionally popular music that eventually conquered the entire city.
A Night to Die ForA Night to Die For · 1995
A Night to Die For
7.01995
MovieTV MovieDocumentary
TV special featuring interviews with Wayne Newton, Wayne Gretzky, Kareem Abdul Jabar, Rudolph Giuliani, Mike Ditka, and Ice-T. Aired on CBS ahead of a screening of Die Hard 2, the day before the third film was released.
Sounds of MemphisSounds of Memphis · 2002
Sounds of Memphis
9.52002
MovieMusicDocumentary
A look into the birth of the soul music scene on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. Chronicles the rise of soul music, the creation of many iconic songs, and the effect that the genre would have on generations to come. Featuring interviews with B.B. King, Isaac Hayes, Steve Copper, and many other legendary artists.

TV Shows

The Mike Douglas ShowThe Mike Douglas Show · 1961
The Mike Douglas Show
5.81961
SeriesComedy
The Mike Douglas Show is an American daytime television talk show hosted by Mike Douglas that originally aired only in the Cleveland area during much of its first two years on the air. It then went into syndication in 1963 and remained on television until 1982. It was distributed by Westinghouse Broadcasting and for much of its run, originated from studios of two of the company's TV stations in Cleveland and Philadelphia.
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson · 1962
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
7.51962
Series
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a talk show hosted by Johnny Carson under The Tonight Show franchise from 1962 to 1992. It originally aired during late-night. For its first ten years, Carson's Tonight Show was based in New York City with occasional trips to Burbank, California; in May 1972, the show moved permanently to Burbank, California. In 2002, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was ranked #12 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
Married... with ChildrenMarried... with Children · 1987
Married... with Children
7.71987
SeriesComedy
Al Bundy is an unsuccessful middle aged shoe salesman with a miserable life and an equally dysfunctional family. He hates his job, his wife is lazy, his son is dysfunctional (especially with women), and his daughter is dim-witted and promiscuous.
Great PerformancesGreat Performances · 1971
Great Performances
6.11971
SeriesComedyDocumentary
The best in the performing arts from across America and around the world including a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries.
The Cosby ShowThe Cosby Show · 1984
The Cosby Show
7.01984
SeriesComedyFamily
The Cosby Show is an American television situation comedy starring Bill Cosby, which aired for eight seasons on NBC from September 20, 1984 until April 30, 1992. The show focuses on the Huxtable family, an upper middle-class African-American family living in Brooklyn, New York.
Late Night with Conan O'BrienLate Night with Conan O'Brien · 1993
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
7.31993
SeriesComedy
Stepping into the late-late slot vacated by David Letterman, Conan O'Brien stars in a show that far outdoes its competition in sheer strangeness. Along with the celebrity interviews and musical numbers typical of late-night talk shows, this program make frequent use of odd walk-on characters and frequent "visits" from celebrity guests.
The Tonight Show with Jay LenoThe Tonight Show with Jay Leno · 1992
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
5.41992
SeriesComedy
Jay Leno hosts some of the biggest celebrities in the world.
The Dick Cavett ShowThe Dick Cavett Show · 1968
The Dick Cavett Show
6.81968
Series
The Dick Cavett Show has been the title of several talk shows hosted by Dick Cavett on various television networks.
The Ed Sullivan ShowThe Ed Sullivan Show · 1948
The Ed Sullivan Show
6.81948
SeriesComedy
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie, which ran only one season and was eventually replaced by other shows. In 2002, The Ed Sullivan Show was ranked #15 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
Touched by an AngelTouched by an Angel · 1994
Touched by an Angel
7.21994
SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyDrama
Monica, an angel, is tasked with bringing guidance and messages from God to various people who are at a crossroads in their lives.
Classic AlbumsClassic Albums · 1997
Classic Albums
7.71997
SeriesDocumentary
A documentary series about pop and rock albums that are considered the best or most distinctive of a well-known band or musician or that exemplify a stage in the history of music.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air · 1990
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
7.91990
SeriesComedyFamily
Will, a street-smart teenager, moves from the tough streets of West Philly to posh Bel-Air to live with his Uncle Philip, Aunt Vivian, his cousins — spoiled Hilary, preppy Carlton and young Ashley — and their sophisticated British butler, Geoffrey. Though Will’s antics and upbringing contrast greatly with the upper-class lifestyle of his extended relatives, he soon finds himself right at home as a loved part of the family.
Sanford and SonSanford and Son · 1972
Sanford and Son
7.51972
SeriesComedy
The misadventures of a cantankerous junk dealer and his frustrated son.
New York UndercoverNew York Undercover · 1994
New York Undercover
7.31994
SeriesDramaCrime
New York Undercover is an American police drama The series stars Detective J.C. Williams and Detective Eddie Torres, two undercover detectives in New York City's Fourth Precinct who were assigned to investigate various crimes and gang-related cases.
Baywatch NightsBaywatch Nights · 1995
Baywatch Nights
6.31995
SeriesDramaCrime
Baywatch Nights is an American police and science fiction drama series that aired in syndication from 1995 to 1997. Created by Douglas Schwartz, David Hasselhoff, and Gregory J. Bonann, the series is a spin-off from the popular television series, Baywatch.
The Kennedy Center HonorsThe Kennedy Center Honors · 1978
The Kennedy Center Honors
7.41978
Series
The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.
The Midnight SpecialThe Midnight Special · 1972
The Midnight Special
8.11972
Series
The Midnight Special is an American late-night musical variety series that aired on NBC during the 1970s and early 1980s, created and produced by Burt Sugarman. It premiered as a special on August 19, 1972, then began its run as a regular series on February 2, 1973; its last episode was on May 1, 1981. The ninety-minute program followed the Friday night edition of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The show typically featured guest hosts, except for a period from July 1975 through March 1976 when singer Helen Reddy served as the regular host. Wolfman Jack served as the announcer and frequent guest host. The series also occasionally aired vintage footage of older acts. As the program neared the end of its run in the early 1980s, it began to frequently use lip-synched performances rather than live. The program also featured occasional comedic performances such as Richard Pryor and Andy Kaufman.
BookerBooker · 1989
Booker
5.21989
SeriesDrama
Booker is an American crime drama series starring Richard Grieco that aired on the Fox Network from September 24, 1989 to May 6, 1990. The series is a spin-off of 21 Jump Street and the second installment of the 21 Jump Street series. The character of Dennis Booker was originally a recurring character on that police drama during its third season. The theme song for the series, "Hot in the City", was performed by Billy Idol.
SoundstageSoundstage · 2003
Soundstage
2003
Series
WTTW’s legendary and groundbreaking music series filmed in the intimate Grainger Studio presents spectacular performances that make you feel like you’re in the front row.
The BluesThe Blues · 2003
The Blues
7.42003
SeriesDocumentary
The Blues (2003) is a seven-part documentary series produced by Martin Scorsese that explores the history and influence of blues music. Each episode, directed by a different filmmaker, traces a unique aspect of the genre’s evolution—from its African roots to its global impact. Originally airing on PBS, the series includes Scorsese’s Feel Like Going Home, Wim Wenders’ The Soul of a Man, Richard Pearce’s The Road to Memphis, Charles Burnett’s Warming by the Devil’s Fire, Marc Levin’s Godfathers and Sons, Mike Figgis’ Red, White and Blues, and Clint Eastwood’s Piano Blues.
The Flip Wilson ShowThe Flip Wilson Show · 1970
The Flip Wilson Show
4.81970
SeriesComedy
The Flip Wilson Show is an hour long variety show that aired in the U.S. on NBC from September 17, 1970 to June 27, 1974. The show starred American comedian Flip Wilson; the program was one of the first American television programs starring a black person in the title role to become highly successful with a white audience. Specifically, it was the first successful network variety series starring an African American. During its first two seasons, its Nielsen ratings made it the nation's second most watched show. The show consisted of many skits over an hour. It also broke new ground in American television by using a 'Theatre-in-the-Round' stage format, with the audience seated on all sides of a circular performance area. Wilson was most famous for creating the role of Geraldine Jones, a sassy, modern woman who had a boyfriend named Killer. Flip also created the role of Reverend Leroy, who was the minister of the Church of What's Happening Now!. New parishioners were wary of coming to the church as it was hinted that Reverend Leroy was a con artist. Wilson popularized such catchphrases as "What you see is what you get", and "The devil made me do it!".
SoundbreakingSoundbreaking · 2016
Soundbreaking
7.82016
SeriesDocumentary
Explore the art of music recording with a behind-the-scenes look at the birth of brand new sounds. Featuring more than 160 original interviews with some of the most celebrated recording artists of all time, Soundbreaking explores the nexus of cutting-edge technology and human artistry that has created the soundtrack of our lives.
Monochrome: Black, White & BlueMonochrome: Black, White & Blue · 2017
Monochrome: Black, White & Blue
2017
Series
Jon Brewer examines the history of blues music in America, marrying startling imagery and expert interviews with archival performances to fill in the gaps about the music itself, its origins and the impact it had and continues to have on popular music today.
TeechTeech · 1991
Teech
8.31991
SeriesComedy
An idealistic music teacher struggles through his first year at an urban high school.