B.B. King

B.B. King's vocal, sustain-heavy style on his guitar "Lucille" defined the blues and became a core influence for all subsequent rock and blues players. Over a career spanning 50 years, he performed 250+ shows annually, delivering an emotional depth rarely matched. King's expressive phrasing is richer than the average blues artist's and directly shaped the approach of #5 Eddie Van Halen, who cited King's vibrato as a key inspiration. His tone remains a benchmark for warm, sustained notes, a standard few achieve.