B.B King Riley B. King was born on September 16, 1945 on a plantation in Itta Benna, Mississippi. More well known as B.B King, he was an American blues singer, electric guitarist, songwriter, and record producer. As a child, he was raised by his grandmother when his mother left him for another man. His music career began during his childhood when he would sing in his church choir. When B.B was 12 years old he bought his first guitar. He soon decided that he wanted to become a radio musician. B.B left his church so he can join the St. John's Quartet and play guitar. Then King was taken in for almost a year by Bukka White, as he continued to develop a music career. In 1948, he had his first performance on Sonny Boy Williamson’s radio program.