BB King Talks About Elvis Presley in Rare, Surprising Interview

Among the many legends of Memphis music, BB King stands out not only for his incredible talent but also for his unique perspective on Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll.”

In a rare interview, BB King opened up about his early encounters with Elvis and addressed the controversial rumors about Elvis’s relationship with black music and the black community.

When BB King first met Elvis at a Memphis recording studio, he noticed a shy, quiet young man who watched and listened more than he spoke.

Elvis was respectful, addressing BB King as “sir” and showing a politeness that left a lasting impression.

BB King admitted that at the time, he didn’t think much of Elvis’s singing or playing, but as Elvis’s style evolved, he began to recognize the immense talent and charisma that would propel him to worldwide fame.

Elvis’s rise coincided with his frequent visits to Beale Street, the heart of Memphis’s black music scene.

While Hollywood and some critics have painted Elvis as a cultural appropriator, BB King’s memories suggest a different story.

Elvis was drawn to the music and culture of the black community and showed genuine admiration for the artists who shaped the sounds he loved.

One notable moment was Elvis’s attendance at the WDIA Goodwill Review, an all-black charity event in Memphis.

Despite being a white superstar in the 1950s, Elvis showed up unannounced, wanting to enjoy the music and support the cause.

His presence was met with enthusiastic applause, signaling a rare crossing of racial boundaries during a segregated era.

BB King recalled how Elvis treated him like royalty and even mentioned that Elvis credited Memphis’s black community for influencing his musical upbringing.

BB King also confronted the painful rumor that Elvis once said, “The only thing Negroes can do for me is buy my records and shine my shoes.”

Elvis denied ever making such a statement, and Jet magazine’s investigation found no credible source for it.

Several black musicians who worked with Elvis vouched for his respect and integrity.

BB King himself dismissed the rumor, emphasizing that Elvis had his own interpretation of the music he grew up on and never stole from anyone.

The two kings of Memphis music also shared a personal friendship.

In 1972, Elvis helped BB King secure a lucrative gig at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, where BB King performed to sold-out audiences.

After their sets, they would often gather in Elvis’s suite to play music together, joking that they were the “original Blues Brothers.”

Their camaraderie was rooted in a shared love for blues and a deep mutual respect.

BB King’s reflections paint a picture of Elvis Presley not as a cultural thief but as a talented artist who embraced and celebrated the black music that inspired him.

His story challenges simplified narratives and highlights the complex cultural exchanges that shaped American music.

For those interested in learning more about Elvis’s rich and multifaceted legacy, BB King’s insights offer a valuable perspective, reminding us that music transcends race and unites us through shared passion and respect.