Six new tracks released from Bonamassa led B.B. King tribute album
Joe Bonamassa has unveiled the second installment of B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100, adding six new songs to the ambitious tribute project honoring the 100th birthday of B.B. King. Released via KTBA Records, Vol. II deepens the celebration with standout performances that bridge generations and genres, all united by a shared reverence for the King of the Blues. The complete 32-track collection will arrive on February 6th, 2026, in digital, double CD, and triple vinyl formats.
Gary Clark Jr. Leads with “Chains And Things”
At the center of Vol. II is “Chains And Things,” featuring Gary Clark Jr. Co-producer Josh Smith shared how the collaboration came together. “I reached out to Gary early in the planning and threw out this tune and he immediately said it was his favourite (especially the Live in Japan version). He killed this track. You can tell how much the song means to him in his performance vocally, and the guitar playing is a perfect balance of homage to B.B. while staying true to his unique style. Again, the subject matter of this song demands a certain gravitas and he brought it in spades!!!”
Train and Chris Buck Deliver a Curveball
Another surprise highlight comes with “Think It Over,” featuring Train’s Pat Monahan and guitarist Chris Buck. “When I added this song to the list we knew it would be a good choice as a curveball for some of the more rock or pop artists we hoped to include,” Smith explained. “When Pat’s name came up it seemed the perfect fit, and it really worked out that way. This was always one of my favourites under the radar B.B. songs and Pat killed it. Chris Buck added a guitar solo—he’s one of the top young players on the scene today. Together they turned this into a standout.”
Monahan reflected on his approach. “I can’t sound like B.B. King. So, I had no choice but to just be me on that, on Think It Over. You know, blues is part of rock and roll, and rock is what I came up with. And blues was probably the most influential part of it. Like, I grew up a big LED Zeppelin fan. All they cared about was blues. And so, I kind of approached it, maybe like Robert Plant would have, tried to sing a B.B. King song instead of try to be like B.B., just be what I know how to be like.”
Keb’ Mo’ Brings Heart to “I’ll Survive”
Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith’s longtime friend Keb’ Mo’ lends his warmth to “I’ll Survive.” “I had Keb’ Mo marked for this song right from my initial wish list,” Smith said. “I’ve always loved this song, and I just felt he would really own it. He did more than that. It’s a perfect pairing. I’ve known Keb since I was 14 years old and he is truly one of the kindest and most genuine people I’ve ever met. It’s an honour to call him a friend and to have him included. He’s one of the most important blues artists of the last 30 years.”
Keb’ Mo’ recalled his early connection to B.B. King. “I met B.B. King in probably 1972 or ’73, while out on the road with Papa John Creach. Did a show with B.B. King and the Average White Band. That’s when I met him, but I’ve been listening to B.B. King my whole life.”
Joanne Shaw Taylor Lights Up “Bad Case of Love”
Joanne Shaw Taylor injects energy into “Bad Case of Love,” creating one of the liveliest moments on the record. “Joanne chose this one,” Smith shared. “It’s one of the most fun songs in B.B.’s catalog. She did an amazing job of bringing her thing to the track. It turned into such a vibe. The band is also killing this track!”
Taylor spoke about the personal significance of the project. “Not only was B.B. King one of my earliest and most important influences, he was also incredibly encouraging towards me as a youngster who was fortunate enough to open up for him on multiple occasions. I’m so thankful Joe asked me to be part of this project in honour of him and this important birthday.”
Paul Rodgers Honors “Night Life”
Paul Rodgers brings his legendary voice to “Night Life,” a song with special meaning for both him and the producers. “We had tracked Night Life to pitch to Paul, and he came back to us asking for the Blues Is King version,” Smith recalled. “I loved that because it showed a true love for the original, and Blues Is King is my personal favourite B.B. live album. Paul is such a legend and to hear the amount of respect and importance he placed on this track is amazing. A true honour to have him included and his performance is amazing.”
Aloe Blacc Closes Vol. II with “So Excited”
The collection ends on a vibrant note with “So Excited” featuring Aloe Blacc. “This is one of B.B.’s most energetic songs and we needed someone to bring that fire,” Smith said. “Aloe was the guy!! It’s so cool to hear his unique take and spin on it coming from more of a modern pop/R&B background. Also, Joe is killing the guitar solos and Jeff Babko with a killing organ solo.”
A Centennial Celebration Built to Last
The Blues Summit 100 project began with a five-track launch last month, featuring Michael McDonald, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Bobby Rush, George Benson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and D.K. Harrell. The idea emerged when Bonamassa realized no official tribute had been planned for B.B. King’s 100th birthday. With the blessing of the B.B. King estate and The B.B. King Music Company, Bonamassa and Smith began assembling an intergenerational lineup of artists, each paired with songs that reflect their personal ties to King’s music.
“When B.B. was alive and active, he was the blues – he was the sun which all planets rotated around,” Bonamassa said. “You only get one shot to do this correctly. And I think we nailed it.”
The full project includes contributions from Buddy Guy, Shemekia Copeland, Slash, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Marcus King, Larkin Poe, Jimmie Vaughan, Warren Haynes, Dion, Train, Marc Broussard, and many more. The album’s title nods to B.B.’s Grammy-winning 1993 Blues Summit, expanding on its collaborative spirit at an even greater scale.
“B.B.’s only wish was, ‘Do what you can to keep the blues alive,’” Bonamassa said. “Well, hopefully this album gives a B12 shot to his legacy – and to the legacy of the blues.”
New songs will continue to roll out each month leading up to the full release on February 6th, 2026.
Photo Credit: Ira Berger / Alamy
