jwcdood
BB KING: THE LIFE OF RILEY does the extraordinary blues legend and authentic guitar innovator real, honest to God justice; any negative reviews about this wonderful documentary are from pedantic, elitist critics regarding cinematic concerns that have nothing to do with content and who are completely devoid of concern for such a wonderful, hats off tribute to the guy who, practically single handedly, defined, refined and sophisticated Chicago Blues to the standards of what the blues genre has become recognized as today: practically the mainstay substratum of every other American musical genre — Country styles and Blues styles being primarily on which "side of the tracks" the music was being played. BB King's vocals, guitar technique and sound ARE what the blues is known to be today (right down to the music gear he used), and this documentary excellently explains and demonstrates why. Thank God that BB King lived to see its premier and public release.
"It's only by the Grace of God, that I am where I am today." BB KING (slightly paraphrased). God certainly did bless — the King of the Blues:
Riley B. — B.B. — KING...!
✨🎶🎸🎶👑🎶🎸🎶✨
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/28/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Great look at a legend with loads of talking heads and some fantastic music.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
02/12/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Only a few people in history can lay claim to the title "Legend". But, in the world of blues music, if anybody deserves that title it's the incredible guitarist and performer B.B. King.
This documentary "The Life of Riley" does justice to the life of this wonderful charismatic man. From his humble upbringing, to life ploughing a field, and forwards into super-stardom and collaborations with the likes of Eric Clapton and U2, this documentary follows it all and gives an insight into what it takes to become the smiling face of the blues for nearly 70 years.
The documentary is narrated by the Voice himself, Morgan Freeman, and contains talking head and archival contributions from a who's who of the industry and a bunch of fans - including; Clapton, Bono, Carlos Santana, Bruce Willis, Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall III, Joe Bonamassa, Bill Cosby, Robert Cray, Dr John, Buddy Guy, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, David Matthews, John Mayall, John Mayer, Aaron Neville, Leon Russell, Slash, Mick Taylor, Joe Walsh, Johnny Winter, Bill Wyman, President Barack Obama and, of course, King himself. (If that isn't an impressive list of remarkable people, I don't know what is).
It's told in a conventional but effective way, but it's the story itself that is gripping. If you like blues music, do yourself a favour and see this documentary.
10/10
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/28/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Perusvahva henkilödokkari. Alkupuoli mielenkiintoisempi lapsuuden ja uran alun kuvausta. Loppupuolisko enemmän peruskehumista. Muusiikki huippua alusta loppuun!
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/24/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Saw this film at The Arclight in LA. It was amazing!
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
01/29/23
Full Review
Audience Member
A fitting and wonderful tribute to one of the greatest artists of all time. As with most legendary blues performers, the talent seems God given..out of the blue.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/07/23
Full Review
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