Joe Bonamassa celebrates the centenary of the king of the blues

This year marks what would have been the 100th birthday of B.B. King. Joe Bonamassa has announced the upcoming release of a major project: B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100. The project takes its name from the Grammy Award-winning album Blues Summit (1993) and follows B.B. King’s wish to “keep the blues alive.”

Produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, the album pays tribute to one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Released by KTBA Records, it is intended as a celebration of the legacy of the guitarist and singer, who passed away in 2015. It will feature 32 tracks reimagined by a constellation of artists from the worlds of blues, rock, soul, and contemporary music.

A star-studded lineup

The first five tracks, available now, bring together Michael McDonald, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Bobby Rush, George Benson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and D.K. Harrell. New tracks will be released every month until February 2026, leading up to the full album release in digital, double CD, and triple vinyl formats, scheduled for February 6, 2026.

📹 Watch the teaser video

Joe Bonamassa explained that he launched this project after realizing no major celebration was planned for the centennial:

“Very few artists define the genre in which they thrive, and B.B. King was one of them. When B.B. was alive and active, he was the blues – the sun around which all planets revolved.”

With the blessing of the King family, Bonamassa reached out to peers and a wide community of artists influenced by B.B. King. Among them are Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo’, Slash, Shemekia Copeland, Marcus King, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Larkin Poe, Jimmie Vaughan, Warren Haynes, Dion, Aloe Blacc, Kirk Fletcher, and many others.

B.B. King and a young musician sharing an inspiring moment, the young man holding a signed electric guitar. — Joe Bonamassa as a child with B.B. King – Photo: Debra Bonamassa

“This project is a true labor of love. You only get one chance to do things right, and I think we nailed it.” – Joe Bonamassa

Each guest was paired with a track from B.B. King’s repertoire, with the freedom to reinterpret it in their own way, highlighting both his guitar virtuosity and his often-underappreciated vocal abilities.

The blues legacy

Several artists involved shared their memories. Bobby Rush, who met B.B. King as early as 1948, calls him “the man I always looked up to” and recalls leading the hearse at his funeral. Kenny Wayne Shepherd shared that he received valuable life advice from King on his 16th birthday, while Marcus King remembers an unforgettable childhood concert:

“I was leaning against the back wall of the venue, and that moment has stayed with me forever.” – Marcus King

Promotional poster for the album 'B.B. King's Blues Summit 100,' celebrating the legacy of B.B. King, featuring artists such as Joe Bonamassa, Bobby Rush, and Buddy Guy.

A staggered release through 2026

Fans will need patience to hear the full album! After the first five tracks available today (see below), six additional songs will be released each month until the complete release scheduled for February 9, 2026.

For Vassal Gradington Benford III, chairman of the B.B. King estate, this collaboration fully embodies the guitarist’s spirit:

“We celebrate not only his extraordinary music, but also his enduring spirit of love, unity, and joy that he passed on to generations. This collection carries his legacy into the future.”

🎧 Listen to the first tracks on Spotify

📄 B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100 – full tracklist

Disc 1:

Paying The Cost To Be The Boss feat. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Don’t Answer The Door feat. Marcus King
To Know You Is To Love You feat. Michael McDonald, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks
Let The Good Times Roll feat. Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Noah Hunt
Sweet Little Angel feat. Buddy Guy
When It All Comes Down (I’ll Still Be Around) feat. Larry McCray
When Love Comes To Town feat. Slash, Shemekia Copeland & Myles Kennedy
The Thrill Is Gone
Watch Yourself feat. Jimmie Vaughan
Why I Sing The Blues feat. Bobby Rush
Sweet Sixteen feat. Jimmy Hall & Larry Carlton
Don’t You Want A Man Like Me feat. Larkin Poe
I’ll Survive feat. Keb’ Mo’
Heartbreaker feat. Trombone Shorty & Eric Gales
There Must Be A Better World Somewhere feat. George Benson
Chains And Things feat. Gary Clark Jr.