The Story Behind BB King’s Guitar: Lucille
The legacy of BB King, one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, extends beyond his soulful voice and masterful guitar playing. Central to his musical journey was his beloved guitar, Lucille. The name “Lucille” holds a significant meaning in BB King’s life, serving as a reminder never to repeat foolish actions. This article delves into the captivating story behind Lucille, drawing upon various sources, including Wikipedia, Rolling Stone, and Guitar.com.
The Original Lucille Guitar
The inception of Lucille dates back to a chilling incident in 1949 at a bar in Twist, Arkansas. During a performance, a heated altercation between two patrons led to a fire that engulfed the building. Amid the chaos, BB King realized he had left his guitar inside and risked his life to retrieve it. Miraculously, he narrowly escaped as the wooden structure collapsed around him. The woman at the center of the fight, whose name was Lucille, inspired him to christen his guitar with the same name. The original Lucille guitar was an inexpensive, small-bodied Gibson L-30 archtop that BB King had purchased for $30.
Lucille: A Symbol of Enduring Love
BB King’s attachment to Lucille was profound and enduring. He bestowed the name Lucille upon every guitar he owned, signifying the deep bond he shared with his instruments. While the specific models varied over the years, Lucille is widely recognized as a black-with-gold-hardware Gibson ES-355–style guitar. BB King was particularly drawn to Gibson guitars of the semi-hollow “ES” variety, such as the iconic ES-335 and ES-355 models.
The Gibson Lucille Signature Model
Recognizing the significance of Lucille in BB King’s musical journey, Gibson introduced the Gibson Lucille signature model in 1980. This guitar featured a gloss black finish, a tortoiseshell scratchplate, and several unique specifications requested by BB King himself. To minimize feedback, he requested the removal of the f-holes that were standard in most Gibson guitars. The maple neck, instead of the usual mahogany, contributed to the distinctive tone of Lucille. The guitar also boasted stereo wiring and a Varitone switch, allowing BB King to explore a range of tonal possibilities. The headstock featured eye-catching crown and ‘BB King’ inlays in pearl, complementing the guitar’s elegant black and gold aesthetic.
The Enduring Legacy
From 1980 until his passing in 2015, BB King played various versions of the Gibson Lucille guitar. Each instrument carried the spirit and soul of his music, resonating with audiences worldwide. The Gibson Lucille, with its unique features and iconic design, remains a testament to BB King’s artistic vision and enduring legacy.
FAQs
Why did BB King name his guitars Lucille?
BB King named his guitars Lucille as a reminder never to repeat foolish actions. The name originated from an incident in 1949 when a fire broke out in a bar where he was performing. He risked his life to save his guitar and learned that the fight which sparked the fire was over a woman named Lucille. He decided to christen his guitar with the same name as a personal reminder.
What was the original Lucille guitar?
The original Lucille guitar was an inexpensive, small-bodied Gibson L-30 archtop that BB King purchased for $30. This guitar was rescued by him from the burning bar in 1949 that inspired the name Lucille.
Did BB King name all of his guitars Lucille?
Yes, BB King named every guitar he owned Lucille. The name symbolized the deep bond he shared with his instruments and served as a reminder of the importance of his guitar in his life and career.
What is the distinctive feature of the Gibson Lucille signature model?
The Gibson Lucille signature model, launched in 1980, has several distinctive features. It features a gloss black finish, a tortoiseshell scratchplate, and no f-holes to minimize feedback. The neck of the guitar is made of maple instead of the usual mahogany. It also incorporates stereo wiring, a Varitone switch, and unique inlays on the headstock.
How long did BB King play the Gibson Lucille guitar?
BB King played various versions of the Gibson Lucille guitar from 1980 until his death in 2015. It remained his preferred instrument throughout his later career and became synonymous with his distinct blues sound.