Smart Bets: B.B. King

Since it's probably a safe bet that you know who bluesman B.B. King is (his classics include "The Thrill Is Gone" and "Everyday I Have The Blues"), how about introducing his guitar, Lucille? According to a press release, King's current Gibson ax takes its name from a $30 acoustic guitar that, in the 1950s, he rushed into a burning bar to save. The bar where King had been performing caught fire during a fight between two men. Over a woman. Named Lucille. Together King and his string of Lucilles are renowned for their blues stylings and mainstream crossover appeal. B.B. King plays Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Saturday, Jan. 14. 8 p.m. $75, $49.50 and $39.50. http://www.Ticketmaster.com.

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