GRAMMY® Award winner B.B. King returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 8 pm. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 21 at noon. Special guest Shaun Hopper will open the show.

Since the 1950s, there has been only one King of the Blues: Riley B. King, affectionately known as B.B. King. Since B.B. started recording in the late 1940s, he has released more than 60 albums many considered blues classics, like the 1965 definitive live blues album Live At The Regal, and the 1976 collaboration with Bobby "Blue" Bland, Together For The First Time.

Over the years, B.B. has had two #1 R&B hits, Three O’clock Blues (1951) and You Don't Know Me (1952), and four #2 R&B hits, Please Love Me (1953), You Upset Me Baby (1954), Sweet Sixteen, Part I (1960) and Don't Answer The Door, Part I (1966). B.B.'s most popular crossover hit, The Thrill Is Gone (1970), went to #15 on the pop charts.

His classic songs such as Payin' The Cost To Be The Boss, Caldonia, How Blue Can You Get, Every Day I Have The Blues, and Why I Sing The Blues, are concert and fan staples.

A winner of multiple Grammy® Awards, B.B. has received seven honorary doctorates, numerous gold and platinum record awards, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1995, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006.

B.B. has mixed traditional blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop and jump into a unique sound. His singing is richly melodic, both vocally and in the "singing" that comes from his guitar.

Known for his “fingerstyle” guitar playing, Shaun Hopper is at first glance an unassuming presence, a true southern gentleman whose humility stands in stark contrast to the prodigious talents he unveils on stage. An unparalleled master of the fretboard, Hopper merges complex melodies, harmonies and bass lines along with a one-of-a-kind mix of percussive elements captivating everyone within earshot. His original compositions and arrangements of well-loved pop tunes are infused with cutting-edge techniques resulting in a signature style which crosses over a full range of musical genres.

Reserved tickets priced at $79.50, $59.50 and $39.50 will be available at the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office located at 1111 McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater or by calling 727.791.7400. The Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office is open Monday through Saturday, from noon to 6 pm and one hour prior to show time. Patrons may also purchase tickets at www.RuthEckerdHall.com 24/7.