The Blues legend Bb King has died in Las Vegas aged 89, his lawyer has confirmed. Brent Bryson told the Associated Press that King died peacefully in his sleep at his home on Thursday (May 14, 2014).

BB KingBB King has died at his home in Las Vegas

Once a farmhand, BB King became one of the world's greatest blues musicians and influenced a generation of young artists with his blistering guitar lines and emotional vocals. He sold millions of records worldwide and was inducted into both the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

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He famously played a Gibson guitar affectionately named Lucille and his playing style inspired a string of musicians that would became world-renown, including Eric Clapton.

BB King continued to play live late into his career and won his 15th Grammy in 2009 in the traditional blues album category for One King Favor. He played concert dates in 90 countries and routinely continued to perform 100-150 shows a year.

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Twice divorced, BB King is reportedly survived by somewhere between eight and fifteen children. 

Twitter has been awash with tributes to the blues legend, with Chuck D proposing a tribute to the musician. 

"R.I.P. Mr BB King Grizz should also acknowledge this tomorrow at game. The man got his START right where the FEDEX Forum stands #MEMPHIS," he said.

Fellow blues and soul men Percy Sledge & Ben E King died earlier this year. 

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