Considering that Austin City Limits has been broadcast publicly since 1976, it’s no surprise that the late B.B. King performed on the show twice during his lengthy career. As King, 89, recently passed away, ACL has shared samples from King’s pivotal 1982 performance on the program.
In memory of King, ACL is planning to re-broadcast King’s debut performance this Saturday, May 30th, at 9 PM Eastern (8 PM Central)
In a statement, ACL executive producer Terry Lickona said “B.B. King personified blues music for the whole world, but when he first appeared on Austin City Limits in 1983, it was rare for a blues artist to command a full hour on national television… There was electricity in Studio 6A that night like no other. It was pure B.B. – just him, Lucille and one of the best road bands he ever toured with. He mixed up hardcore blues with Elvis ballads, and had the audience in the palm of his hand, following his every lead. It was historic.”
King performed in 1982, though the episode of his set didn’t air until the following season. Throughout the performance, King mixed in some of his greatest hits with covers of familiar tunes, including a version of Sonny James’ “Since I Met You Baby” and Willie Nelson’s “Night Life.”
Of course, King also dove into “The Thrill Is Gone” and “Every Day I Have The Blues.” Watch those clips, and “Night Life,” below:
[Via Rolling Stone]