4th Lineup Announcement for the Chicago Blues Fest

                                             Photo Credit: Sydney Morning Herald
For all of the talk by the promoters of this year's Chicago Blues Festival getting the royal treatment, they finally have a lineup to back up this assertion. This is because the "King of the Blues," B.B. King, has been scheduled to perform at the festival on Sunday, June 8th. The announcement of King's addition to the Chicago lineup came with additions of five other performers-- Little Willie Littlefield, Bobby Parker, Karen Carroll, Charlie Love, and Lurrie Bell:

Chicago's in for a royal treat this summer at the 25th Annual Chicago Blues Festival, June 5-8, 2008. With the announcement for Sunday night's line-up, adding the crowning touch, Blues legend B.B. King, the festival goes for the gold!

The festival's final night will be majestic with Sunday night headliners that include Little Willie Littlefield, Bobby Parker and Karen Carroll with Charlie Love and special guest Lurrie Bell, and of course, B.B. King.

B.B. King, known as the King of the Blues, has graced the stages worldwide, and at age 82, he continues to tour as often as he did in his youth. King last played at the Chicago Blues Festival in 1988, so this festival will be a welcome return! Born Riley B. King, B.B. King has recorded more than fifty albums, many of them classics. With his left-hand vibrato and vocal-like string bends, he has developed one of the most identifiable styles in the music business, and become one of the most renowned blues musicians.

King has influenced a myriad of talented musicians, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and George Harrison; has won numerous awards including a NARAS Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, honorary doctorates, and in 1984, was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame. B.B. King performs Sunday, June 8th at approximately 8 p.m. at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park.

Little Willie Littlefield began his career at age 16, recording his first hit "Little Willie's Boogie" in Texas. His talent on the keyboard has influenced many performers that include Fats Domino, and he has played in various clubs and venues both in America and Europe. Littlefield last played at the Chicago Blues Festival in 1988.

Delmark Records vocalist Karen Carroll recorded with Lurrie Bell's father, Carey Bell in 1984. Festival-goers will enjoy her gospel/jazz influenced sound, paired with the talents of Charlie Love and special guest Lurrie Bell.

Blues Rock guitarist Bobby Parker, played with Bo Diddley, Paul Williams, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and Little Richard. His most famous hit Watch Your Step, has been covered by Dr. Feel Good and Santana. Parker spends most of his time performing in the D.C. area, where he resides.