In 1947 an up-and-coming guitarist from the cotton farms of Mississippi arrived in the home of blues, Tennessee’s Beale Street.

The Beale Street Blues Boy, later known as BB King, made a name for himself along with his beloved Gibson ‘Lucille’ as one of music’s most influential artists.

A consolidator of blues styles and a role model for rock guitarists, BB King spent the best part of several decades recording, touring and playing more than 300 shows a year, as well as collaborating with musicians from rock, pop and country backgrounds, including Eric Clapton, U2, John Lee Hooker and John Mayer.

When King passed away in his Las Vegas home in May, the music world lost a legend.

Now with the help of some of the festival’s best-loved artists, the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival will celebrate King’s life and music with an exclusive tribute concert at The Shamrock Hotel’s Federation Room on Friday 6 November.

Concert organiser and musician, Josh Owen, said looking back on King’s music was like studying a musical genealogy.

“BB King was one of those incredible people who rose out of poverty to take blues to the world, ending up as an inspiration to millions,” Mr Owen said.

“Australia is a country built on Rock. Many artists both locally and internationally have drawn inspiration from his work, including AC/DC, Cold Chisel, The Rolling Stones, Who, Cream and Led Lepplin to name a few.”

“You can chase these family trees for days but in the end the glorious rock guitar-sound all traces back to the blues and artists like BB King.”

Featuring Geoff Achison, Josh Owen, Liz Violi, Dukesy and The Hazards and Marc Leon, the concert will showcase unique versions of King’s best loved songs including the classics: Rock Me Baby and The Thrill is Gone.

The Shamrock Hotel Duty Manager, Matthew Chandler said the hotel team was excited to be involved with the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival again in 2015.

“We are big music fans here at the Hotel Shamrock and have loved being a part of the festival since its inception,” Said Mr Chandler.

“We are very excited to be hosting an event celebrating such an amazing icon with some very talented musicians.”

A treat for blues purists and curious novices alike, this concert is sure to one of the highlights of the 2015 festival. Secure your seat now by visiting the festival website www.bendigobluesandroots.com.au to purchase a ticket.