In B.B. King, aspiring rockers discovered a profound emotional expression lacking in the era’s other great influence, Chuck Berry. With his admirable work ethic, snappy clothes and positive disposition, King modulated the blues’ roughest rural elements into an optimistic urbanity. He was both a fabulous entertainer and a real human being, self-effacing with a refreshing sense of humor. Championed early on by Paul Butterfield and Eric Clapton, King found the audience he deserved following the release of Live at the Regal in 1964. He modeled the blues as a viable way to earn a living onstage. Here are ten acts — rock, blues and beyond — that took his example and ran with it. Read more in Rolling Stone…
