Late blues legend B.B.King gave Polish pope guitar
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
15.05.2015 15:44
Late blues legend B.B. King, beloved in Poland as he was in scores of countries across the globe, once gave one of his guitars to Pope John Paul II.
US blues legend B.B. King performing during a concert at Circo Price theatre in Madrid, Spain, July 2010. EPA/GUSTAVO CUEVAS
The so-called 'King of the Blues', who is being mourned today by his Polish fans, died on May 14 in Las Vegas, aged 89.
The guitarist took part in a Christmas concert at the Vatican in 1997 and afterwards he had an audience with the pope, during which he gave his treasured 'Lucille' guitar to the pontiff.
Pope John Paul II warmly embraced the musician, who later said in an interview that the meeting made him so happy that he wanted to jump for joy.
B.B. King is considered one of the most influential guitarists of his generation, and he was lionised by a string of rock bands, from the Rolling Stones to U2, performing on stage with both groups. (nh)
Source: IAR