Enormous crowds gathered at Eric Clapton’s 2004 Crossroads Festival, with music fans wanting to see the guitar legend play, along with the other iconic guitarists who made up the festival lineup. However, attendees were in for an astonishing surprise when Eric Clapton headed to the main stage, joined by Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, and B.B. King. Together, they formed a collaboration between some of the most influential and talented guitarists of all time that few would ever be able to forget.
Playing the intro to ‘Rock Me Baby’, one of the most popular blues songs of all time, all four guitarists played together in a fusion of their signature blues sounds. Music Man fans will be touched to see how enthusiastic all four guitarists were about playing together; even the more influential members of the group looked thrilled to play with those who came after them. B.B. King’s joyful expression prompted one viewer to comment, “It’s so awesome when the King is so proud of all of them!!”
I was astonished to see how energetic B.B. King was, seemingly one of the most playful members of the group, despite being the oldest. Born in 1925, B.B. King was almost 80 years old at the time of the festival. I found it charming to see him playfully throw his hands in the air and dance partway through the song, prompting cheers from the crowd. He also seemed overjoyed at the opportunity to play with his fellow musicians, watching Eric with a pleased expression on his face.
The 2004 Crossroads Festival set was not the last time B.B. King and Eric Clapton would play together. In 2013, they came together with Jimmie Vaughan once again, this time with guitarist Robert Cray joining them too. Music Man fans will be blown away when they hear the group’s impressive collaboration on ‘Everyday I Have the Blues’. Once again, B.B. King can’t seem to take his eyes off the work of his fellow guitarists, seemingly completely immersed in their playing.
While all of these guitarists are considered legendary and influential, B.B. King has crafted a legacy that some would consider incomparable in the world of blues. Perhaps these performances can give us insight into why he was able to become so talented and craft such a respected career. His passion for the blues guitar is absolutely palpable as he plays, and his enthusiasm and curiosity about his peers’ playing are obvious. It seems that it is the connection and joy he captures in his playing that are part of what makes him such a beloved blues guitarist.
Clapton’s Crossroads moment — four legends sharing the stage — remains one of those unforgettable blues memories. Their joy, especially B.B. King’s playful spirit, lit up the night and reminded fans of the genre’s magic. If you want to relive the performance or explore more about these artists and the festival, discover more via the links below.