Chris Stapleton to Honor B.B. King at Grammy Awards

When blues icon B.B. King died in May 2015, he left behind a body of work that touched nearly everything from the British Invasion to country music, inspiring generations of singers and guitar players alike. The 58th annual Grammy Awards will recognize King’s contribution to popular music with an all-star salute that includes nominee Chris Stapleton. 

The red-hot country singer, who has more than a touch of the blues in his gritty howl, will be joined by blues devotees and guitarists extraordinaire Gary Clark Jr. and Bonnie Raitt. The LA Times reports that Grammy telecast executive producer Ken Ehrlich chose Stapleton after seeing a YouTube performance of him singing “The Thrill Is Gone” and paired him with Clark. Raitt was added at Stapleton’s suggestion.

Like Stapleton’s knockout CMA Awards performance with Justin Timberlake in November, this collaboration with Raitt and Clark positions him for another breakout night to Grammy viewers who may not be familiar. His acclaimed album Traveller is up for the night’s big prize — Album of the Year — along with offerings from Alabama Shakes, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift and the Weeknd. Additionally, Traveller is nominated for Best Country Album and its title track is nominated for both Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance.

The 58th annual Grammy Awards air Monday, February 15th, at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS and includes performances by Carrie Underwood, Adele, Sam Hunt, Little Big Town, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber, among others.