Eric Clapton has led tributes to legendary musician BB King.
Eric Clapton
The 70-year-old singer posted a touching video message on his Facebook page thanking the late guitarist and singer, who passed away in his sleep on Thursday (14.05.15), for always being a good friend to him.
The 'Tears in Heaven' hitmaker, who collaborated with King on their successful album 'Riding With the King' in 2000, said: "I want to thank him for all the inspiration and encouragement he gave me as a player over the years and the friendship we enjoyed.
"There is not a lot left to say because this music is almost a thing of the past now and there are not many left who play it in the pure way that BB did. He was a beacon for all of us who love this kind of music and I thank him from the bottom of my heart."
The Beatles rocker Ringo Starr, 74, and wife Barbara Bach also offered their condolences on Twitter, writing: "God bless BB King peace and love to his family Ringo and Barbara x"
Known by his fans as 'The King of the Blues, the 89-year-old 'Lucille' hitmaker, who suffered from diabetes, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Las Vegas, where he had been receiving hospice care.
Other stars including former 'House' actor Hugh Laurie, 55, who has released two of his own blues records, also shared their sorrow after hearing the news.
The British star tweeted: "Oh God. BB King. Let the sad times roll."
Rocker Lenny Kravitz, 50, wrote: "BB, anyone could play a thousand notes and never say what you said in one. #RIP #BBKing"
The music veteran - who regularly performed at least 100 concerts a year until recently - won 15 Grammy awards during his life, with his most recent being in 2009 for his 42nd and final album, 'One Kind Favor'.
BB King was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980, and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Tagged in Eric Clapton Ringo Starr