B.B. King The Brand Lives On At 96
B.B. King Music Company, in a recent announcement, renews partnership with Gibson to launch long-term ‘legacy’ initiative for the King of the Blues, B.B. King.
B.B. King Music Company, in a recent announcement, renews partnership with Gibson to launch long-term ‘legacy’ initiative for the King of the Blues, B.B. King.
UNITED STATES - JULY 06: NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL Photo of BB KING, B.B King performing on stage (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns).
The B.B. King Music Company, owner of all rights to B.B. King likeness and related trademarks and copyright on behalf of the King Family Trust has recently announced a revitalized partnership with American guitar brand, Gibson.
An initiative with the aim of preserving the life legacy of B.B. King, this partnership was announcement rather timely following the 96th birthday anniversary of the songwriter.
“It has been a pleasure working with the Gibson team in developing a new line of B.B. King Signature Lucille guitars,” said Vassal Benford [Chairman, B.B. King Music Company].
“I am especially proud of the forthcoming new Epiphone guitar and delivering a true work of art that will be broadly accessible, awakening B.B. King’s life and legacy to new artists. Gibson is a tremendous partner and they have demonstrated a sincere alignment with our mission to not only preserve the legacy of B.B. King, but to expose new artists to his music.”
With the near production of a theatrical release biopic movie, new touring show titled ‘The B.B. King Experience’, and a residency in Las Vegas, all of this is just getting started.
Following projects mentioned above, they have also revealed music collaborations to release new catalogs, alongside development of new B.B. King products. Created with multiple contemporary artists, these recordings may include brand new songs featuring B.B. King lyrics, remixes, and new collaborations created from B.B. King master works.
Additionally, Benford has also commented on the upcoming official launch of the new Epiphone Lucille guitar with Gibson.
Representing the Gibson brand, Elizabeth Heidt [VP of Cultural Influence-Global, said: “B.B. King is a cornerstone of Gibson’s music history, and we are honored to bring his legendary music and persona to a new audience.”
“From high-end Gibson Custom Shop guitars to more accessible Epiphone models we will be offering beautiful guitars for every fan to help carry on his vast music legacy.”
The B.B. King Legacy Initiative will also include the launch of a 24-hour blues TV channel, series of documentaries interviewing industry icons, new educations initiatives, a museum in Indianola, MS and various merchandises.
In October 2019, the music company announced partnership with Surge Holdings, Inc in an exclusive license agreement to distribute a line of BB King merchandise, including T-shirts, hats, and other products with the likeness of BB King, Lucille and/or approved song titles and lyrics related to the life and legacy of this iconic artist.
The license agreement provides Surge the exclusive US rights to distribute these products to corner stores (c-stores, neighborhood stores), convenience stores, gas stations, bodegas and tiendas through the SurgePays™ Retail Network.
