B.B. King. The name itself resonates with the soulful sounds of the blues, and inextricably linked to his legendary status is his equally famous guitar, Lucille. For many guitar enthusiasts and blues aficionados, the story of Lucille is as captivating as King’s mesmerizing performances. My own introduction to B.B. King was at the Orpheum in Omaha, Nebraska, when I was just fifteen. Having attended blues shows before, this experience was different, transformative. King’s ability to connect with the audience through his music was palpable. His rich, expressive voice, seamlessly transitioning to the singing sustain of his guitar, was captivating. It felt like Lucille was an extension of his voice, continuing the narrative where his vocals paused, bending notes and using vibrato to tell stories beyond words.
Like many, I was immediately intrigued by the name “Lucille.” My father, a guitarist himself, had never named his instruments, and the idea of naming a guitar, especially one that seemed to sing, suggested a personality, a deeper connection. To this day, I find myself drawn to the stories behind musicians naming their guitars; there’s almost always a personal and intimate tale woven into the name. When I acquired my Gibson SG, I named it Bonnie, after my stepmother, who shared my love for Delta Blues and was excited about my slide guitar playing. Though she couldn’t see me perform live, every time I pick up Bonnie, I think of her.
B.B. King performing with his guitar Lucille at Club Paradise in 1972. Lucille is iconic guitar for blues music.
The Fiery Tale Behind the Name “Lucille”
The story of how B.B. King named his guitar “Lucille” is a cornerstone of blues lore. As King himself recounted in numerous interviews, including a particularly insightful YouTube video, the name originated from a near-disastrous event at a nightclub where he was performing. A fight broke out, reportedly over a woman named Lucille, and in the ensuing chaos, a fire erupted. Amidst the panicked evacuation, King realized he had left his beloved guitar inside. Risking his own safety, he ran back into the burning building to rescue it. Later, upon learning the fight was over a woman named Lucille, he decided to name his guitar Lucille as a reminder: “to never do anything that foolish again,” as he often joked, and as a symbol of his dedication to his instrument and music.
This story transformed “Lucille” from just a name into an emblem of passion, commitment, and perhaps a touch of irony. It’s a tale that resonates with musicians and fans alike, adding another layer of depth to the already rich tapestry of B.B. King’s legacy and the enduring allure of the blues. The name “Lucille” became synonymous with B.B. King’s signature sound, his soulful playing, and the emotional connection he forged with audiences worldwide through his music and his beloved guitar.
