BB KING - BB KING WEEPS AT DEDICATION

Blues legend BB KING broke down in tears in his native Mississippi on Tuesday (15FEB05) after state leaders declared the day BB King Day.

The THRILL IS GONE musician, 79, was honoured by the southern US state's legislative bodies in a ceremony held in the state capital Jackson's Senate chamber.

Referring to his black guitar, King said, "I never learned to talk very well without LUCILLE.

"But today, I'm trying to say only God knows how I feel. I am so happy. Thank you."

King admitted he hadn't wept since his pal RAY CHARLES' funeral in June 2004.

King explained, "That was tears of sorrow. Today, it was tears of joy."