In the wake of the great blues guitarist's passing, Eric Clapton has posted a moving tribute on his Facebook page, and I dug up a classic interview with the legend in which he tells the story behind his guitar, and why you don't have to have come from hard times to sing the blues.

Eric Clapton is usually a very private person, but the news of B.B. King's death yesterday led him to post a video comment on his Facebook page. Visibly upset, Clapton thanks B.B. for "all the inspiration and encouragement he gave me as a player over the years and for the friendship that we enjoyed... He was a beacon for all of us that loved this kind of music and I thank him from the bottom of my heart." He then adds that, "If you are not familiar with his work, then I would encourage you to go out and find an album called B.B. King - Live at the Regal, which is where it all really started for me as a young player."

In addition to playing numerous shows with B.B. over the years, including his Crossroads Guitar Festivals, Clapton recorded an album in 2000 with him called Riding With the King.

ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons has also reached out, saying, "It’s difficult to fathom a world without B.B. King. He’s been with me literally since the dawn of my musical consciousness. I first encountered him when I was a small child. My father was a musician and would take me around to studios in Houston.

We met B.B. King at ACA Studios when I was maybe seven. He made a huge impression on me and that encounter continues to resonate. Over the ensuing years we were privileged to spend time in his presence on numerous occasions. He was warmhearted, generous and giving. B.B. King was an early and continuing hero. His passing is very sad but we take solace in the fact that we still hold him in absolutely the highest regard as both a transcendentally talented musician and a truly wonderful human being whose spirit will always be with us.”

And Peter Frampton shared, "My heart goes out to BB King's family and all who loved him. A great friend and an amazing guitar player left us peacefully today. We will all miss you BB. RIP."

In this animated film created from B.B. King's interview with legendary music executive, Joe Smith, the musician explains how he approaches an audience, how a fire at a juke joint led to his naming his guitar "Lucille", why the blues isn't just being down on your luck, and why compliments don't mean it's time to stop practicing or perfecting your craft.

"This is kind of how blues began, out of feeling misused, mistreated, feeling like they had nobody to turn to."

"I look at an audience kind of like meeting my in-laws for the first time. You want to be yourself, but you still want to be somebody that they like."

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