When you think of the blues, you think of B.B. King. For over fifty years, the man born Riley B. King has defined, redefined and re-redefined what it is to be a blues man, inspiring some of rock’s greatest axe men along the way. Click below for more on King, including an album guide and an essential playlist.

• Secrets of the Guitar Heroes: B.B. King

• B.B. King: The Essential Album Guide

[Photo: Max Vadukul]