A visit to the The B.B. King Museum by renowned photographer and B.B. King’s close friend Charlie Sawyer captivated audiences with "Capturing the King.”
The event served as a compelling photography exhibition showcasing a collection of never-before-seen photographs of the legendary blues musician, honoring King’s 100th birthday year.
Sawyer, who authored two acclaimed books on King—The Arrival of B.B. King and B.B. King: From Indianola to Icon—offered a rare glimpse into the life of the man revered as the "King of the Blues." The exhibition featured images from various stages of King’s career, providing audiences with an intimate look at his artistry and the vibrant culture surrounding him. During the event, Sawyer spoke with attendees and answered their questions, enriching the experience for all present.
One standout piece, titled "Redemption," was taken during a live performance at the iconic High Chaparral in Chicago in 1970. Sawyer recalled, "Well, it was during a live performance with a packed audience, and at that time, I wanted to see B.B. King performing for a Black audience. And he was playing a lot of rock palaces and so on with younger, mostly white audiences, but I was serious about understanding his art and his life. I asked his manager where I could see B.B. in a Black audience in a Black culture? And he said, ‘at the High Chaparral in Chicago, if you go there, you'll be welcome.’ And I did, and I took a position first on the other side of the stage and I realized that I wasn't really getting the action on the guitar. So I relocated to this spot and I sat there and I fired off close to a hundred pictures over the course of multiple sets from that spot, trying to get this picture. And I got it."
Malika Polk-Lee, executive director of the B.B. King Museum, emphasized the importance of this exhibition.
"This year, we celebrated Mr. King’s centennial with various activities, and this exhibition was a key part of that. Charlie spent significant time with Mr. King, capturing moments that many have never seen before. We hope this gives everyone a chance to experience the legacy of B.B. King in a new light."
As the blues community and fans came together to honor B.B. King's enduring legacy, "Capturing the King" stood as a powerful reminder of his impact on music and culture. This event provided a unique opportunity to witness history through Sawyer’s lens.
For more information, visit the B.B. King Museum at 400 Second Street, Indianola, or call 662-887-9539
