BB King - I Like To Live The Love - Live in Africa 1974

gravityworld.tv...
B.B. King Live In Africa '74 is a rare - extremely rare - intimate view of
B.B. King in concert. At age 49, having "crossed over" to wide popularity with his show
at the Fillmore West in 1968 and secured his fame with the 1970 hit "The Thrill Is Gone,"
B.B. stands onstage before Muhammad Ali and a crowd of 80,000 on the continent his
ancestors left in chains and gives one of the most thrilling performances of his life. "The
King of the Blues" (B.B.), "Soul Brother #1" (James Brown) and other African-American
artists on the bill reveled in the return to their cultural motherland for a gala affair that was
attended by fans and journalists from all over the world.
The backstory around this perfonnance is rich. Behind B.B. is a large orchestra,
made up of core members ofB.B.'s touring band - pianist Ron Levy, drummer Sonny
Freeman and saxophonist Bobby Forte - plus studio musicians recruited (mostly) from
New York, including renowned session guitarist Larry Carlton. Directed by Hampton
Reese, B.B.'s longtime friend and musical tutor (you'll see him in his plaid sport coat
conducting the band), this collection of musicians achieved their amazing performance
after a single rehearsal in Kinshasa. Hampton wrote the charts for all the songs in the set,
and every musician was playing from those charts.
Of the musicians who played that concert from B.B.'s 1974 touring band, only
Ron Levy is still living. Here are some of his recollections of the unforgettable trip to
Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) and their historic performance there:
To perform in Africa - the land of his ancestors, at this stadium event before
80,000 - plus crazed, hot, sweaty, dancing and bouncing heads and soulfully
pained hearts -- must have had a very special personal significance for B.B.,
as it did for us all. We all realized this was not just another gig. It was history,
good history. We were all very proud to be a part of it. As far as the set went,
we performed 8.B.'s most famous hits. I have to say, this was probably the
first lime this crowd ever heard - or heard of - B.B. King. but as usual he
left them wanting more, as well as an indelible memory of his sincere personal
passion and deep-felt blues.
He definitely connected with them like the beloved king he is. If you're a
B.B. King fan, you are in for a rare treat with B.B, King Live in Africa '74. If this is
your introduction to the King of the Blues, you'll understand why he is so loved the
world over.
-Charles Sawyer
Charles Sawyer is the author of the first biography of B.B. King.
The Arrival Of B.B. King (Doubleday 1980, Da Capo 1982),
He teaches ""History Of Blues In America" at Harvard Extension School,
and leads his own blues band, 2120 South Michigan Avenue.

[@rxwm21]

This is my grandfather's favorite song. He'd ask me to play it over and over for him. When i got older i'd play it for him while cutting his hair! the more i hear this song the more i miss him. Cool dude!

[@gotrix2965]

Hey i read your comment a while ago, and came back to it because i feel like your Grandfather about it. I could hear it over and over again, and something in other songs from Paul McCartney for example always make me think of this one. Maybe it’s something in the chord progression, i don’t know since i am not a music expert, but i listen a lot of music all kinds of music, sometimes until i kinda heard enough of them. But never this song. (Sorry for my mediocre English. :) )

[@gotrix2965]

Btw i am glad for you, you had such a good time with your Grandfather.

[@ricardocervantes2864]

An “almost make me cry” song, which I always keep it within my humanity… Thank you BB for making my life woth living it for !!!

[@rosemarylytle7537]

This was obviously BB's fave too. I never saw him so happy! Plus Don King...

[@CmeDEW61]

Cherish memories with our Elders is a Blessing most children today will never enjoy and that’s awful

[@soniarena5250]

My moma use to play the blues all day long. I didn't understand it then, but i do now.

[@louisinc5101]

I know right✔️ Maturity is a blessing isn’t it 😊

[@andrehenriquez710]

People singing, dancing, getting emocional and crying of joy. All together celebrating... this is the closest to heaven that we can get.

[@costinhafilho980]

Look at the joy and happiness in his face and soul. No other artist can get close to someone that gifted. Thank you Mr. King.

[@kana5624]

Costinha Filho his name isn’t king for nothing

[@noziphosibanda9110]

Best Music ever Mr blues. Rest in everlasting Peace ✌ 🙏

[@noziphosibanda9110]

OMG WHAT MORE CAN I SAY. YOUR MUSIC BLESSES MY ❤ TEN FOLD.

[@jamiemacd4984]

Yes. He oozed from every pore goodness, graciousness and generosity.

[@michaelmurkins8198]

Played this at my dad funeral, was his favorite

[@feleciarogers9909]

The African youngsters are getting it and the drummer is superb

[@rcthomas6925]

Outside interests should always be forbidden. Problems should be solved and never hidden.

[@motownfan3]

My favorite BB King song........... he and the band are "COOKING" .........may he REST IN PEACE !!!!!

[@basseybassey6834]

Any normal fellow disliking this? Easily his best track!

[@randyhudson5786]

This man raised our Father on the farm and taught him every thing he knew about love everything my brother knows.we love you Melvin rest in peace.

[@nolag7581]

My stepfather would wake me up in the middle of the night to say hello to him when he played those juke joints and Dew Drop Inn’s in north Louisiana. It was cool to brag that BB King was at my house last night.👍🏾😊💜💚💛

[@OWR0406]

BB is the King of Blues but what a fabulous soul singer and guitarist he could have been 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@GradyRosten]

Rest in peace B.B!! You changed the world with your music and your kindness! We love you !!

[@basseybassey6834]

It's the youngsters on the sidelines dancing so hard for me! My Africans never disappoint on the floor.

[@deloresbandy98]

One of my absolute favorite song & lyrics! To this day 2020 I’m still listening

[@tech35641]

Agreed. This song always makes me smile.

[@bernicelewis2468]

RIP dear sir, you have fought a mighty battle with diabetes and now have been called home. I know my mom is waiting for you with open arms, front row at your heavenly concert. My mom is the one singing with you. :)

[@angelagiashari8054]

I'm praying for a speedy recovery for Mr. B.B. King. I pray that God puts a protective shield around him and protect him from all hurt, harm and danger. God cover Mr. King with your blood in Jesus name Amen. My dad loved Mr. B.B. Kings music and I grew up as a child listening to his music. I have seen Mr. King in concert many times and I must say that I never heard anyone play a guitar like him. Get well Mr. King because Lucille needs you to strike a chord on her guitar. I love this song because it has a meaning when you listen to the words. My song is a serious matter. It reflects what I feel. If I say I love you, I meant because in my song every line is for real. Every man and woman, enjoys going home to a peaceful situation. To give love and receive love without any complications. I like to live the love that I sing about in my song. Music is love and my love is music in perfect harmony. So, when I sing, I have sung all about the love of you and me. I never get a angry with my guitar because when I strike a chord, it gives me what I want to hear. So, I'm finding out that we are quite like my song together my dear. When my dad was in the hospital I would always put my arms around him and sing those words to him. I wish Mr. King peace and many blessings. 

[@JanosNagyHorvath]

Thank you Angela.....Mr BB King favorite!! I really love this song and video!

[@angelagiashari8054]

János Nagy Horváth , I love this song as well and I was able to see him perform several times in the early and late 90's.

[@angelagiashari8054]

Rest in heaven Master B.B. King. I use to sit back and listen to B.B. King with my dad when I was a little girl. What a legend Mr. King was and I'm so happy that I was able to see him in concert and was able to meet him and shake his hand. The way he started off playing that guitar in concert was simply amazing. It was almost like he had Lucille talking to you and he would have the audience so deep into his music that you would zone out to this beautiful place that you always dreamed of. His music always made me think about my dad who has made his transition to be with the Lord. Master King you will be greatly missed.

[@JanosNagyHorvath]

Angela Tyler Knox May the good Lord be with you,B.B.King!!!

[@Braglemaster123]

R.I.P. B.B.

[@cristiansosa1512]

A godsent, wish your body could sustain your beautiful soul forevermore.

[@costinhafilho980]

you resume everything. yes that's it.

[@samuelsonshain7614]

This is the very first song I listened to after hearing about his passing. If you're going to play music, play like BB- with heart and soul.

[@UFOCurrents]

MY MAN!!! ‪#‎CRYINGSOHARDRIGHTNOW‬ I'll BE DRINKING TODAY, LAUGHING, CRYING, LOVING LIFE!!

[@user-wf8od5un9q]

Look at this legend over in the Motherland! One of my new fav songs!

[@rodneyfranklin620]

Brother B.B. King you will be missed. I grew up watching my mom, dad, uncles and aunt jam to your music. Amd tho I'm 50, I still remember this sound word for word," I like to live the life that I sing about" my wife and I will be jamming tonight, all night, to your music. RIP my brother man!

[@Xo_jazz]

My favorite BB KING song..

[@Zeldarw104]

Jasmine Monique yes!! What a treat, I love seeing B.B. king perform my jam.☺💓👏👏👏👏👏 Sang-it!!😊😍

[@rexmundi2237]

One of music's immortals shuffles offstage for a well-deserved rest. He'll be back after a short break folks.

[@karl_3885]

okay. this made me cry instantly upon reading.

[@MaskSwabe]

Goosebumps.. love the King. Pure passion with incredible talent and skill

[@uroserzen9388]

This song should be sent into outer space. Period.

[@aureliojhene8259]

Hell yea....

[@naturalbornguitarplayer2744]

Greatest blues guitar player & one of the best ever, period.

[@jeffbutcher2408]

my mom loved this song, miss you Mildred.

[@chynnadoll1999]

The African brothers are having a GOOD TIME! LOVE B.B.! R.I.P....

[@bettywalls6039]

I love bb king I love this song I play it over and over my mother had passed away when this came out rest in peace BB you are trulymissed

[@Ucucur]

The King is in heaven now (RIP).

[@7of9kids]

This is the BB I got hooked on...saw him live 3 times back in the 70s...he was really on fire...singing playing band leading entertaining also a great businessman who really grew his career....gotta respect this guy...hoping he feels better...what a class act!

[@rothwellward4145]

Great music that will never die.

[@fearitselfpinball8912]

I think there’s a disco influence (maybe) that gets into his blues in the 70s. This is one of my favourites... “Every man and women enjoys coming home to a peaceful situation / to give love and receive love without any complication.”

[@azwanazmi1484]

I sadly missed his last tour in Australia, but this was my wedding song and his music will live with us until the day I depart this world. I was lucky enough to see Ray Charles, Buddy Guy and Robert Cray.

[@marybracy8087]

Still listening in 2023.❤

[@bobbytaylor4058]

My uncle Bobby on my mom's side of the family was a very committed fan of B.B.King, he had all of king's music & some videos he even got me hooked at a young age.so B.B.King' himself & his music legacy will forever live on.RIP/RIH Mr.Riley ' BB King & uncle Bobby, you both are well loved.

[@alicecarr2383]

The best is yet to come Mr.BB king your blues will last in my ❤ forever

[@samuelwilder9928]

R.I.P. BB ----the true King of the Blues.

[@ricardocervantes2864]

Nothing better than this Awesome “Piece of Art” to the World !!!

[@47nola]

The Greatest BLUESMAN of all time.

[@Cwm368]

BB King one of my greatest musical inspirations. This was a gem. BB never left the the Blues and was its greatest advocate. We are better off that BB lived...

[@chaostan2518]

Fall in love with this song....R. I. P. King.

[@marilynhill7400]

My Aunt's favorite songs!.Been awhile now.Every time I hear this brings HAPPY tears. Rest well Sissy❤

[@tuttotubo]

King is gone but he will never be forgotten! RIP B.B.

[@donaldnash6589]

I love B.B.King and i love his music i grew up on this.My dad favorite singer....

[@bettywalls9893]

This is mines to my mother died in 1974 when this song was out I played it over over

[@redshoelady7747]

Thank you BB for sharing your perfect harmony guitar and for living the BLUES life that we always love to hear in your songs!

[@anthonymorelli1532]

I SEEN B.B.KING 65X AND THIS SONG IS B.B.'S LIFE HE LOVED SO MUCH, THANK-YOU B.B. KING FOR A WORLD OF MUSIC

[@Soulthinker2007]

My fave BB King song. He would be sorely missed.

[@mine36SOFAPOTATO]

My song is a serious matter It reflects what I feel If I say I love you, I mean it 'Cause in my song Every line is for real Every man or woman Enjoys going home To a peaceful situation To give love and receive love Without any complications Whether my tune is short or long Whether my lyrics are weak or strong I like to live the love That I sing about in my song I like to live the love That I sing about in my song Music is love And my love is music In perfect harmony So when I sing I have sung all about The love of you and me I never got angry with my guitar 'Cause when I strike a chord It gives me what I wanna hear So I'm finding out that We are quite like my song together, my dear Outside answers Should always be forbidden Problems should be solved And never hidden I like to live the love That I sing about in my song I like to live the love That I sing about in my song

[@ellebhee5045]

I've listened to this about thirty times since I first heard it yesterday. Glorious! *Edit - I've listened to it about a hundred times now and I've learned around 95 percent of the rhythm guitar part. What a great song to play along to!

[@melodysanger103]

Remembering Riley "B. B" King (September 16, 1925 - May 14, 2015) [09/16/2020]

[@paulbryant8181]

wow....What can I say. .how beautiful heaven must be. ....?

[@user-nh6lb6hv8x]

Still here 2024❤❤❤

[@leandaoldershaw3128]

40 Years ago and still got it going on!

[@freddiepollard9243]

That’s me and my mothers record we danced on before she went to heaven ithink god everyday for that moment that’s something iwill always Cherish

[@colonialb]

BB was a great performer and a sweetheart to work with. His band was crotchety as shit but affable! Will miss this legend and happy to have seen him perform many times! So long, brother! Also whoever thumbs downed this song, stay away from my cook outs.

[@michelleoakes4411]

Beautiful. Always love this song. RIP Steve Driver. I miss you so much, everyday. I remember when you played this the first time.

[@drychaf]

What a beautiful soul this man had.

[@heck2150]

Such a simple line to live every day. Thank you, Mr. King!

[@KelsterVonShredster]

Awesome...and Larry Carleton on rythm guitar!

[@barrystephensjr]

ForAfrica pur SHOUTOUTZ

[@55lukie]

Thanks BB, this song has special meaning for The Henderson Family!!!

[@anthonytaylor7928]

I was able to visit the Museum in Indianola ms in 2019 awsome!!!!

[@si7ltmixwsata7]

What a blessing to share time and space in this world with this fine person...his music, his spirit and those who brought his music to us all...musicians and all who cared for him....

[@jyozao7209]

There was no bluse man like this man.

[@user-ej5jv9br3w]

It's one of my favorite live shows of my life. This is a live that reminds me a lot of music and life. RIP

[@reinaldomuller4125]

Que som fantástico. Eu conheci o B.B. King pessoalmente no Parque Ibirapuera em Sampa. Quem esteve neste dia há de se lembrar: era o aniversário dele! Conversamos 20 minutos em inglês. Dou minhas "cacetadas." Meu pai conheceu o B.B. King em New Orleans -- USA. Que honra para o meu pai.

[@Bassplayershadow2023]

At 3:22 one can truly see what music does, no matter what country, to a person's soul!!!!!!!!!!

[@amd77j]

My song is a serious matter, It reflects what I feel, When I say I love you I mean it, Cause in my song every line is for real... Thanks, B.B.

[@RonaldBacsa-tp2ls]

Wow. Som great!

[@BugzKiller]

Another Great "King" passing on.

[@markupton1831]

True Blues from the hair to the shoes....... rest in power BB. I just hate that I was so young and never got to see this legend in person.

[@anta40]

I know for years that BB was a great guitarist. But just noticed through this song that he was a a great singer as well.

[@sensousstorms9643]

Beautiful song the greatest

[@kcmule]

tears in my eyes listening to this over and over

[@melodysanger103]

REMEMBERING RILEY "B.B." KING (September 16, 1925...May 14, 2011) [09/16/2019]

[@motownfan3]

Great song !!! I saw him sing this song while in college back in the 70's......what talent he helded the audience in the palm of his hand,we gave him three STANDING OVATIONS that night .........May he REST IN PEACE

[@annetterichard7425]

Love this song

[@motownfan3]

@@annetterichard7425 YOU HAVE GREAT TASTE IN MUSIC :)

[@JordanBotello]

RIP to the KING of blues.

[@skippyjames5596]

B.B we miss you too much 😢❤

[@joanmumbi9288]

I'm so glad to discover this song oh my goodness I'm so happy right now.. funny how two or three songs have changed my frequency of thoughts and my vibrational energy thus ❤️thank you B.B I love you so much and am eternally grateful that you made us such songs that strike deep into ones chord. My vortex in my crown chakra is literally swirling. I am now looking for all your songs. Be blessed, be well, be easy and glad ❤️ sending you lots of love and light 🥰

[@DreadWacha]

He has the blues, he has the groove, he has the soul. Nothing but amazing!

[@melodysanger103]

REMEMBERING RILEY B. "B.B. KING" (SEPTEMBER 16, 1925 - MAY 14, 2015) [09/16/2016]

[@Timageo]

B.B.King - the real bluesman!

[@jennifermarrero8622]

Rest easy Mr King, thank you for all of your music. Your music never gets old. Just wish I could of seen you one more time. The day you passed I sat and cried. I knew you were up in heaven with my daddy. Your number one fan.

[@pauladavis506]

B.B. King was so authentic..

[@rcthomas6925]

The blues is good for you

[@Al_Cuore_Ramon]

Music is love my love is music! Long live the King

[@alexanderanthony]

Unique. B B King is the best.....

[@missnuggie8219]

Also im12 but my grandma has tapes and tape players I love this music and it's a way to get in touch with her because I have never met her she died before I was born

[@crystalhester690]

I love your music

[@colindoney3564]

Long live the King

[@carlos605]

Nor need we wish the King good rest, for it is clear that he is in “perfect harmony” with music, love and life. So good to whatch this masterpiece live in Africa!

[@thurranflowers9004]

my granny and her friend miss jackson used to jam this rip granny and miss jackson

[@felipelimafidelis.fidelis]

Wonderful... Tanks B.B king/Band .... 2022 Brasil

[@jhsmith2789]

love seeing people gettin down to some b.b. king! love this song!!

[@BugzKiller]

Set the speed at 0.75 like it was in the first recorded version.....slower than the one here, like back in the day.

[@ianjackson7948]

Mr. B.B. King doing it to death in Africa...Ron Levy is playing some great keyboards .

[@slivercord]

only don king could bring those artists to africa! RIP BB!

[@tonicraighead1304]

one of my favorite

[@MamauRoots]

Lindo o Brasil merece escultar mais esses tipos de músicas principalmente nas ESCOLAS ABRAÇO A TODOS

[@bjornmoesker552]

Love this song!!!

[@Timageo]

B.B.King - is light personality!