Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa has unveiled 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 32-song collection will roll out monthly, culminating in a February 2026 release.
On what would have been B.B. King's 100th birthday, September 16, 2025, Joe Bonamassa announced B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100, a tribute album produced by Bonamassa and Josh Smith. Released via KTBA Records, the album honors King's legacy with 32 tracks featuring blues legends, rock icons, and emerging talents. The first five songs are available now, including collaborations with Michael McDonald on "To Know You Is To Love You," Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Bobby Rush on "Why I Sing The Blues," George Benson on "There Must Be A Better World Somewhere," and Kenny Wayne Shepherd with D.K. Harrell on "Every Day I Have The Blues."
Bonamassa initiated the project after noticing no major centennial celebrations planned, securing approval from the King estate. "Very few people in music define the genre in which they flourish, and B.B. King is one of them," Bonamassa said. "When B.B. was alive and active, he was the blues – he was the sun which all planets rotated around."
Contributors 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. The album draws from King's catalog, emphasizing his vocal and guitar talents. Bonamassa, who opened for King at age 12, recalled King's mentorship: "He mentored me... All the people in his orbit have the same story about how kind B.B. was."
Vassal Benford, chairman of the Estate of B.B. King, praised the effort: "We are deeply honored to collaborate with Joe Bonamassa on this special project... This collection carries his legacy forward."
Tracks will release in monthly installments, with the complete digital album, double CD, and triple LP vinyl arriving February 6, 2026. The title nods to King's 1993 Grammy-winning Blues Summit. Bonamassa aims to sustain the blues: "B.B.’s only wish was, ‘Do what you can to keep the blues alive.’" King, who died in 2015 at 89, won 15 Grammys and influenced generations.
