B.B. King, “Guess Who” | Throwback Vibez

In the 129^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Guess Who” by the late blues icon, B.B. King. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 129^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Guess Who”, performed by B.B. King.

Theme & Lyrics  

“Someone really loves you / Guess who / Someone really cares / Guess who?” Give credit to Jesse Belvin and Jo Anne Belvin. Why, you ask? Well, the songwriters gave iconic blues musician, B.B. King, a terrific song. “Guess Who” is one of King’s very, very best. The centerpiece of his 1972 album, Guess Who, King sings with the utmost soul, delivering a colorful, gritty, and playful vocal. “So, open your heart / Oh, then surely you’ll see / Oh that the someone / Who really cares / Is me.” It is worth noting, “Guess Who” peaked at no. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Beyond epic vocals, King plays the absolute H-E-double-hockey-sticks out of ‘Lucille.’  His opening guitar solo is one of my personal favorites of all-time and I doubt that I am the only who feels that way! Beyond his top-notch musicianship, the arrangement and production are utterly sublime, with marvelous piano riffs, biting horns, and lush strings.

Final Thoughts

All told, “Guess Who” is the definition of a VIBE! My guess is, you’ll adore “Guess Who” if you aren’t already familiar with it!  This is one of B.B. King’s best, PERIOD!

B.B. King • Guess Who • Geffen • 1972

B.B. King, “Guess Who: Throwback Vibez No. 129 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  The Musical Hype]