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Local radio host, guitarist and fans pay tribute to B.B. King

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Local musicians, fans and a radio host are paying tribute to B.B. King after the blues legend passed away Thursday night.

Matt Socey is the host of “Blues House Party,” on WFYI. He said he’s dedicating his entire show Saturday to the blues legend. He spent Friday picking out the perfect King songs.

“When an artist, especially in the magnitude of B.B. King, dies, I think respect must be paid,” Socey said. “Having two hours of B.B. King, that’s not a bad way to spend a Saturday night.”

After a blues jam Friday at Arthur’s Music Store in Fountain Square, guitarist Gordon Bonham reflected on King’s legacy.

“Hands down, B.B. King is the most important electric blues guitarist of all time,” Bonham said.

Bonham said he saw King play live about six times, and he once had the blues legend sign his guitar.

But that time, Bonham wasn’t just watching. It was one several nights when Bonham’s band opened for King. Bonham said King once personally thanked him onstage.

“He pulled out a little business card and said, ‘let’s thank brother Gordon and the band for playing with us tonight.’ So he had to be prompted, but it was still really nice,” Bonham said.

King performed multiple times at the Indy Jazz Fest and other venues in central Indiana.

For Bonham, the thrill isn’t gone. He also teaches people how to play guitar. When they ask to learn the blues, he said he tells them all the same thing.

“Listen to B.B. King,” he said. “That’s where it all is.”

Bonham said he frequently plays B.B. King at his shows with the Gordon Bonham Blues Band, and he’ll continue to do so.

The special edition of “Blues House Party,” will air on WFYI Saturday at 8 p.m.