B.B. King’s journey from Mississippi to ‘King of the Blues’ gets new film
The music legend’s estate is opening its archives for a feature documentary exploring his extraordinary career and enduring influence on generations of musicians.
B.B. King is to be celebrated in a new feature documentary exploring the blues legend’s journey from the Mississippi Delta to becoming one of the most influential guitarists in music history.
The B.B. King Music Company and the Estate of B.B. King announced on Thursday (03.09.26) the film is in development with the cooperation of his estate, giving its makers access to archival material, historical knowledge and other resources.
B.B., who died aged 89 in 2015, became known worldwide as the “King of the Blues” during a career spanning more than six decades.
The project will explore B.B.’s beginnings in Mississippi, his rise to international stardom and his influence across blues, rock, soul, jazz and popular music.
Leslie Small, whose credits include Kevin Hart: Acting My Age and Black Comedy in America, will direct, while Grammy-winning music and film producer Vassal Benford will executive produce.
Leslie said: “When I learned I had been chosen to direct this documentary, I sat with the news for a long time before I could put words to what I felt. It wasn’t just excitement. It was something closer to responsibility – the kind that settles into your chest and doesn’t leave.”
Vassal, who is also CEO of the B.B. King Music Company and TBC Group, is working with producers Hamid Torabpour and Camille Torabpour through their production company Winter State Entertainment.
Other producers attached to the project are Lani Evans, Dr Mark Smith, Nick Hagen and Sylvester Stewart Jr. Further details about its production, distribution and release are still to be announced.
Vassal said: “B.B. King was more than one of the greatest musicians who ever lived. He was an extraordinary human being whose music crossed every boundary and brought people together.”
He added: “His story deserves to be told with the authenticity, depth and respect that his life and legacy command. I am very excited to be working with Hamid Torabpour and Winter State Entertainment to bring this important documentary to audiences around the world.”
The documentary is one of several projects currently extending B.B.’s musical legacy following celebrations surrounding his centenary in 2025.
An authorised dramatic feature film, Lucille, is also in development through Canton Entertainment, Vassal and the B.B. King Music Company and Estate.
The biopic will chronicle B.B.’s rise from poverty in Mississippi to worldwide fame and place his relationship with his famous Gibson guitar Lucille at the centre of the story. It is also expected to explore his collaborations with artists including Eric Clapton, U2, The Rolling Stones, Richie Sambora and Carlos Santana.
B.B.’s best-known recordings include The Thrill Is Gone, Every Day I Have the Blues and When Love Comes to Town, his collaboration with U2.
His legacy has also been celebrated this year with Joe Bonamassa’s B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100, a 32-track tribute featuring around 40 guest musicians.
The project includes Eric, Chaka Khan, Buddy Guy Slash and George Benson.
