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Riding with the King

by B.B. King and Eric Clapton

Released: June 12, 2000

Blues, Blues rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Riding with the King" stands as a landmark collaboration between two legendary figures in the world of blues and rock: B.B. King and Eric Clapton. Released in 2000, this album marked the first time the two icons joined forces on a full-length project, creating a momentous occasion in music history. The album's impact was further enhanced by its release on DVD-Audio, offering listeners a high-resolution audio experience and a 5.1 surround sound mix, elevating the auditory journey to new heights.

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B.B. King and Eric Clapton - Riding with the King

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Then

Reception

Additionally, it soared to the top spot on Billboard's Top Blues Albums chart, solidifying its place as a commercial success. Their combined efforts proved to be a winning formula, as "Riding with the King" clinched the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2001, a testament to the album's excellence within the genre. While "Riding with the King" received widespread acclaim from reviewers, some critics noted that the polished sound on the CD might have deviated slightly from the raw essence typically associated with blues music.

Now

Legacy

Despite this minor critique, the album's overall quality and the sheer magnitude of talent brought together by King and Clapton ensured its enduring legacy in the realm of blues and beyond.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

Their combined efforts proved to be a winning formula, as "Riding with the King" clinched the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2001, a testament to the album's excellence within the genre. Additionally, it soared to the top spot on Billboard's Top Blues Albums chart, solidifying its place as a commercial success.

The album's impact was further enhanced by its release on DVD-Audio, offering listeners a high-resolution audio experience and a 5.1 surround sound mix, elevating the auditory journey to new heights.

While "Riding with the King" received widespread acclaim from reviewers, some critics noted that the polished sound on the CD might have deviated slightly from the raw essence typically associated with blues music. Despite this minor critique, the album's overall quality and the sheer magnitude of talent brought together by King and Clapton ensured its enduring legacy in the realm of blues and beyond.