B.B. King – Live At The Apollo

Released on April 16, 1991, Live at the Apollo is a monumental live album that captures B.B. King, the "King of the Blues," performing at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem. Backed by the powerhouse Philip Morris Super Band—featuring jazz greats like Ray Brown, Kenny Burrell, and Gene Harris—this production represents a sophisticated fusion of urban blues and big-band jazz. Recorded in November 1990, the album features a career-spanning setlist, ranging from his signature anthem "The Thrill Is Gone" to an electrifying, brass-heavy rendition of his U2 collaboration "When Love Comes to Town." King's impeccable phrasing and the soaring notes of his guitar, Lucille, are perfectly complemented by the world-class ensemble, earning the album the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album. Whether it is the deep, slow-burn emotion of "Sweet Sixteen" or the swinging drive of "Paying the Cost to Be the Boss," this recording serves as a masterclass in live performance and a testament to King's enduring status as a global musical ambassador.

Tracklist