Joe Bonamassa has revealed B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100, a collaborative tribute album marking the blues legend's 100th birthday. The project features reinterpretations of King's songs by various artists and begins with five tracks released today. The full album, comprising 32 songs, will roll out monthly and arrive completely on February 6, 2026.
On September 16, 2025—what would have been B.B. King's 100th birthday—blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa announced B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100, a tribute album produced with Josh Smith and released via KTBA Records. Bonamassa initiated the project after learning of no major centennial celebrations, securing approval from the King estate to assemble contributions from blues icons and other musicians.
The album reinterprets King's catalog with 32 tracks, starting with five available now: collaborations including Michael McDonald on "To Know You Is To Love You," Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks on the same song, Bobby Rush on "Why I Sing The Blues," George Benson on "There Must Be A Better World Somewhere," and Kenny Wayne Shepherd with Noah Hunt on "Let The Good Times Roll," plus D.K. Harrell on "Every Day I Have The Blues."
Further releases will add six tracks monthly until the full digital, double CD, and triple LP vinyl edition on February 6, 2026. Participants include Buddy Guy on "Sweet Little Angel," Marcus King on "Don’t Answer The Door," Slash, Shemekia Copeland, and Myles Kennedy on "When Love Comes To Town," Keb’ Mo’ on "I’ll Survive," and many others like Warren Haynes, Dion, and Aloe Blacc.
Bonamassa, who opened for King at age 12, described him as "the sun which all planets rotated around." Vassal Benford, chairman of the B.B. King Estate, expressed honor in partnering for this celebration of King's music and spirit. Artists shared personal ties: Bobby Rush, who met King in 1948, called him a lifelong influence; Kenny Wayne Shepherd recalled birthday advice from King at 16.
The effort emphasizes King's vocals alongside his guitar work, with productions like "The Thrill Is Gone" featuring strings and horns. Bonamassa aims to sustain the blues, echoing King's wish: "Do what you can to keep the blues alive."
King, who died in 2015 at 89, earned 15 Grammys and influenced global music.
