B.B. King Icon Life Legacy Initiative Dedicated to Preserving the Life Achievements of one of America’s Greatest Songwriters, Launches Today, September 16, on B.B. King’s 96th Birthday

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 16, 2021) The B.B. King Music Company, owner of all rights to B.B. King likeness and related trademarks and copyright on behalf of the King Family Trust is pleased to announce a revitalized partnership with Gibson—the iconic American guitar brand–and the launch of the new B.B. King Icon Life Legacy Initiatives.

“It has been a pleasure working with the Gibson team in developing a new line of B.B. King Signature Lucille guitars,” says Vassal Benford (Chairman, B.B. King Music Company). “I am especially proud of the forthcoming new Epiphone guitar and delivering a true work of art that will be broadly accessible, awakening B.B. King’s life and legacy to new artists. Gibson is a tremendous partner and they have demonstrated a sincere alignment with our mission to not only preserve the legacy of B.B. King, but to expose new artists to his music. This is just the beginning, a theatrical release biopic movie is near production, as well as the creation of ‘The B.B. King Experience’ as a touring show, and a residency experience in Las Vegas. We will also be creating a new catalog of music collaborations with contemporary artists, and several lines of new B.B. King products are in development. We are looking forward to October 19, 2021, official launch of the new Epiphone Lucille guitar with Gibson, plus much more.”

“B.B. King is a cornerstone of Gibson’s music history, and we are honored to bring his legendary music and persona to a new audience,” says Elizabeth Heidt, VP of Cultural Influence-Global, Gibson Brands. “From high-end Gibson Custom Shop guitars to more accessible Epiphone models we will be offering beautiful guitars for every fan to help carry on his vast music legacy.”

Designed to both preserve the iconic name of B.B. King and introduce his wealth of music to new audiences and generations around the world, a major component of the B.B. King Legacy initiative is to release a series of new music in multiple genres. Created in partnership with Universal Music Group and multiple contemporary artists, these recordings may include brand new songs featuring B.B. King lyrics, remixes, and new collaborations created from B.B. King master works. Given the magnitude of the artists collaborating there truly is no limit to what the Legacy of B.B. King will create!

The B.B. King Legacy Initiative will include the following below and more:

• B.B. King – King of The Blues – The Movie.

• New Music Releases in multiple genres; Traditional, EDM, Hip-Hop, Country. • The B.B. King Experience Tour 2022.

• The B.B. KING 24 Hour Blues TV Channel.

• The B.B. King Documentary Series, interviewing industry icons.

• The B.B. King New Educational Initiatives.

• Expansion of the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, MS.

• Expanded B.B. King merchandising.

B. B. King:

B.B. KING.COM | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC

Gibson:

GIBSON.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | GIBSON TV

Epiphone:

EPIPHONE.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE THEBBKINGEXPERIENCE.COM

About B.B. King:

Spending his life sharing the music of his soul, the man born Riley B. King would grow up to be one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, being crowned “The King of the Blues.” Releasing over 50 albums and 2400 master recordings along the way, The King of The Blues, gathered up other musicians in his wake and melded them into the harmony of his animating passion. As a 15-time GRAMMY Award Winner and the recipient of “The Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award,” the King’s Global Audience continues to expand worldwide and reaches over 90 million average yearly streams.

About BB King Music Company:

B.B. King Music Company owns all rights and likeness to B.B. King and related trademarks and copyrights representing the interest of The King Family Estate. The BB King Music company is dedicated to extending the legacy of this iconic American singer-songwriter known for his sophisticated style and grace that has influenced and impacted so many other artists and genres of music. The BB King Music Company is currently expanding the BB King brand and is committed to bringing the best of BB King’s life and legacy to the world.

About Gibson:

Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for 127 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, and KRK, behind great music for over 30 years. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands. Learn more at Gibson.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Gibson TV, and Instagram.