Press Release - Saturday, August 19, 2006
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Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn Declares B.B. King Day in Illinois
(HIGHLAND PARK) - Today Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn declared "B.B. King Day" in Illinois, honoring the 80-year-old blues legend for his contribution to a true American art form. Lt. Gov. Quinn presented the official declaration to the world-renowned guitarist during King's concert at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park.
"B.B. King has served as an international ambassador of the blues, bringing this true American art form to people of all nations," Quinn said. "Through his great guitar playing, he has helped to build an international audience for the blues that has brought millions of people to Illinois to hear Chicago blues played on Chicagoland stages."
2006 has been quite a year for the 80-year-old King. In February, King won his 14th Grammy® Award for "BB King & Friends-80". The honor marked the ninth time that King has won in the "Best Traditional Blues Album" category. His "Live At The Regal" album, recorded at Chicago's Regal Theatre in 1964, was inducted into the Grammy® Hall of Fame. Also in February, King thrilled Chicago audiences with a two-night sold-out show at the House of Blues -- his first appearance in that venue.
"Throughout his long and illustrious career, B.B. King has brought the blues to countless fans throughout the Land of Lincoln," Quinn said. "His extraordinary guitar playing has inspired generations of great musicians. It seems only appropriate to acknowledge his contribution to Chicago's great blues heritage by declaring B.B. King Day throughout the State of Illinois."
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