King, known for his hits My Lucille, Sweet Little Angel and Rock Me Baby, died in his sleep in Las Vegas
.
Born in Mississippi, King began performing in the 1940s, going on to influence a generation of musicians and work with Eric Clapton and U2.
Once ranked as the third greatest guitarist of all time, he had been suffering ill health in recent months
.
He was recently taken to hospital with a diabetes-related illness.
Fellow musicians paid tribute to King and thank him for great company, inspiration and for being a good friend…
#ThankYou for the #Music!!! legendary never to be forgotten…..BB KING R.I.P
