Unreleased BB King tracks have been found in a storage in an abandoned warehouse in Los Angeles by a retired cop Inside were…
Unreleased B.B. King Tracks Found in Abandoned Los Angeles Warehouse: A Historic Blues Revival
Los Angeles, California – In a discovery that has sent shockwaves through the music world, unreleased tracks by the legendary blues musician B.B. King have been uncovered in an abandoned warehouse in the heart of Los Angeles. The astonishing find was made by retired LAPD detective Marcus Holloway, who had recently acquired the property through a city auction. Inside the crumbling structure, hidden among decades-old clutter, Holloway discovered a collection of reel-to-reel tapes, handwritten notes, and personal memorabilia belonging to the late blues icon.
The Discovery: A Journey into the Past
Detective Holloway, now retired and a passionate collector of music memorabilia, had no idea of the treasure hidden within the warehouse he had purchased for renovation. “I was just looking for a project to keep me busy during retirement,” Holloway explained. “I never imagined I’d stumble upon a piece of music history.”
The warehouse, located on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles, was in disrepair and had been abandoned for nearly four decades. Most of its contents appeared to be forgotten furniture, old documents, and dusty equipment. However, in one corner of the warehouse, Holloway came across a locked storage cabinet. After prying it open, he found a series of neatly labeled boxes bearing the name “Riley B. King,” B.B. King’s birth name.
“When I saw the name, I felt chills,” Holloway said. “I’ve been a fan of B.B. King for as long as I can remember, so I knew this was something special.”
Inside the boxes were dozens of reel-to-reel tapes, some with titles scrawled in B.B. King’s handwriting. Alongside the tapes were personal items, including a monogrammed handkerchief, a Gibson guitar strap, and a collection of photographs of King in the recording studio and on the road.
Unreleased Tracks: A Rare Glimpse into King’s Legacy
Music experts who have examined the contents of the tapes believe they may represent one of the most significant discoveries in blues history. The recordings include unreleased tracks, alternate takes of iconic songs, and live performances from what appears to be private sessions. Among the highlights are:
1. “Delta Dawn Blues” – An emotionally charged track reminiscent of King’s early Mississippi roots, featuring haunting lyrics and soulful guitar solos.
2. “The Road to Memphis” – A previously unknown instrumental that showcases King’s virtuosity on the guitar, blending blues, jazz, and gospel influences.
3. “Crying in the Rain” – A deeply personal ballad that offers a glimpse into King’s reflections on love, loss, and resilience.
4. Unreleased Collaborations – Several tapes include recordings with uncredited musicians, possibly other blues legends, in jam sessions that capture the spontaneity and camaraderie of the blues community.
5. Acoustic Demos – Stripped-down versions of some of King’s known works, revealing the raw emotion and simplicity of his artistry.
Dr. Pauline Merritt, a historian specializing in blues music, has been brought in to authenticate the tapes. “This is a monumental discovery,” Dr. Merritt said. “These recordings provide an intimate look into B.B. King’s creative process and a deeper understanding of his impact on the genre.”
The Mystery of the Warehouse
The origin of the tapes and how they ended up in the warehouse remains a mystery. Preliminary research suggests the building may have been owned by a recording studio or music distributor in the 1970s. Some speculate that the tapes were misplaced or abandoned during a move or business closure.
Adding to the intrigue is the presence of a box labeled “Crown Records,” the label where B.B. King recorded many of his early hits. “It’s possible that these tapes were part of a larger archive that was left behind during the label’s transition,” Dr. Merritt explained. “However, the exact chain of custody is still unclear.”
The discovery of personal items among the tapes suggests that King himself may have been aware of their existence. “B.B. was known for keeping meticulous records of his work,” Dr. Merritt added. “It’s possible these were part of his private collection that somehow got separated from his estate.”
Legal and Ethical Questions
The discovery has sparked a wave of legal questions regarding the ownership and future of the tapes. King’s estate, managed by his family and a team of trustees, has expressed excitement about the find but emphasized the need to ensure that the materials are handled appropriately.
“We are thrilled by this incredible discovery,” a statement from the estate read. “Our goal is to honor B.B.’s legacy and share his music with the world while respecting his artistic integrity and the legal rights of all parties involved.”
Music industry legal expert Alicia Sanford noted that the situation could become complicated if the tapes were not formally cataloged as part of King’s estate. “Ownership will likely depend on whether these recordings were created as part of a studio contract or personal projects,” Sanford explained. “This will require a detailed investigation into the origins of the tapes.”
The Fans React
Fans and musicians around the globe have reacted with a mix of excitement and awe. Social media has been abuzz with messages celebrating the discovery and speculating about the contents of the tapes.
“This is like finding buried treasure,” one fan tweeted. “B.B. King’s music is timeless, and the idea of hearing something new from him is incredible.”
Blues guitarist Buddy Guy, a contemporary and close friend of King, expressed his joy upon hearing the news. “B.B. was more than a musician; he was a storyteller,” Guy said in a statement. “The world needs his stories now more than ever. I can’t wait to hear what he left behind.”
Preservation and Release
Efforts are already underway to preserve the tapes and their contents. Audio restoration experts have been brought in to digitize the recordings, ensuring they are protected from further deterioration. Dr. Merritt believes the tapes could form the basis of a comprehensive anthology, complete with historical context and commentary.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate B.B. King’s contributions to music and culture,” Dr. Merritt said. “These recordings are a gift to the world, and they deserve to be shared with care and respect.”
The estate has indicated that any potential release will include input from King’s family and close collaborators. “B.B. was always about connecting with people through his music,” the estate’s statement read. “We want to honor that spirit by making these recordings available to fans old and new.”
A Legacy Reaffirmed
The discovery of these unreleased tracks serves as a poignant reminder of B.B. King’s enduring influence on music and culture. Known as the “King of the Blues,” King’s career spanned over six
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