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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Live At The Regal

B.B. King

1965

Buy At Rough Trade
Live At The Regal
Album Summary

Live at the Regal is a 1965 live album by American blues guitarist and singer B.B. King. It was recorded on November 21, 1964, at the Regal Theater in Chicago. The album is widely heralded as one of the greatest blues albums ever recorded and was ranked at number 141 in Rolling Stone's 2003 edition of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, before dropping to number 299 in a 2020 revision. In 2005, Live at the Regal was selected for permanent preservation in the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress in the United States. Some musicians, including Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, John Mayer and Mark Knopfler, have acknowledged using this album as a primer before performances. The album was included in Robert Christgau's "Basic Record Library" of 1950s and 1960s recordings—published in Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981)—and in Robert Dimery's 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.It was voted number 604 in Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums 3rd Edition (2000). In the same book it was number 6 in the Top 50 Blues albums of All-Time.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.69

Votes

11924
Genres
Blues

Reviews

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Thu Dec 02 2021
5

One where I think crowd noise really helps. Not that this album isn't fantastic, but the crowd is hyped up to see BB and it really makes the record that much more fun. BB was a phenomenal showman, and this album showcases it very well. Favorite tracks: "How Blue Can You Get?", "You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now"

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Sun Oct 03 2021
4

From the 1970s, blues has become a dirty word. A dull genre that rewards dry technical efficiency and growling to signify passion. I automatically think I don't like blues as a result. This album shows what it can be. The energy, looseness from brilliant musicians (they could be tighter, they choose not to be) and the sheer energy of it is infectious and wonderful. You could draw a line from this album through James Brown, Hendrix, George Clinton, Prince, Outkast to Kendrick Lamar and it all makes sense. Are there occasionally overlong noodly guitar breaks? Of course there are, it's a live blues album. Do the nature of the restrictions of the genre sometimes make the songs sound a bit samey? Of course they do, it's a blues album! But there is a lot to say for a simple thing done well - sometimes a Victoria sponge is the treat you wanted. A great album - when the horns are allowed to fly free and the energy is high it's perfect, even if it does get a little samey at points. The high energy opener, Every Day I Have the Blues, and the Slinky, building closer, Help the Poor are highlights.

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Sat Apr 17 2021
4

I wonder if the people screaming in the crowd knew they were witnessing something special. I hope they had a sense of occasion and weren't so drunk they remember little. This is legendary, BB King cannot be faulted because he set the standard himself. His voice gives me chills. Nothing here is perfect and that in itself is just perfect. It's gritty, raw, honest, covered in smoke and whiskey, and just wonderful.

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Mon Aug 02 2021
3

I'll give this 3 stars just because it's B.B. King, but I don't have the willpower to go through a full live blues album. Not at this stage of my life.

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Thu May 20 2021
5

B.B. King is THE king for a reason. He's just a phenomenal performer. This live album is a great demonstration of his power, skill, and sheer magnetism. There are so many great, utterly classic blues tracks here that it's hard to find much to fault. The biggest issue is that there isn't MORE B.B. King on this list.

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Wed Jan 05 2022
5

Nobody since and to this day (besides Jimi Hendrix) has ever made their guitar cry in the way that the king of blues did all those years ago. A stellar live album, jam packed with hits and no misses, classic

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Tue Jan 19 2021
4

Great album love the crowd interaction. Sent me on a blues rabbit hole.

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Wed Jan 05 2022
5

Powerful. You watch tv and there always seems to be that character that says "Listen to that guitar! listen to that pain and emotion!" and in the middle of a sitcom you kinda ignore that comment...but now that I've listened to this album I think I get it a bit more

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Fri Jun 23 2023
5

If this is the blues, then why is the album cover red, huh??

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Sun Jul 23 2023
5

What's there to say? A true Blues legend, performing at the top of his game.

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Fri Jan 15 2021
4

Familiarity: 1/10 Notes: I was not familiar with BB King live prior to this recording. The energy and drive he had as a showman as well as a musicians combined, with a fantastic backing band, led to an enjoyable and fun 35min jazz journey. Would definitely like to find myself listening to more Favorite Tracks: - Sweet Little Angel - Worry, Worry - Woke Up This Morning True Rating: 7/10

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Sun May 23 2021
4

Loved this. Blues is great but it’s made even better when it’s live. I could smell the cigarette smoke. BB’s banter was amazing.

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Wed May 26 2021
4

Brilliant album and a fantastic atmosphere created by the audience too

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Thu Jan 12 2023
4

I admit blues isn’t really my thing, but it was enjoyable regardless.

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Mon Jan 18 2021
3

I liked it but there wasnt a lot I would come back for.

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Thu Feb 15 2024
3

Nr. 129/1001 Everyday I Have The Blues 4/5 Sweet Little Angel 3/5 It's My Own Fault 3/5 How Blue Can You Get? 4/5 Please Love Me 3/5 You Upset Me Baby 4/5 Worry, Worry 3/5 Woke Up This Mornin' 3/5 You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now 3/5 Help The Poor 4/5 Average: 3,4 Was a really enjoyable listen, but lacked some highlights to really bump it up.

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Thu Feb 22 2024
2

Great voice, great backing band. Every song sounded exactly the same. I had to check to make sure it wasn’t accidentally playing the same song on repeat. Also would have rather just listened to a studio version without the crowd interrupting between every line and clapping over the songs. Kind of just annoyed me for the entirety. 4/10

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Thu Feb 22 2024
1

Jazz isn’t really my vibe and I don’t like “live” albums where you can hear people screaming I’d rather just listen to the music.

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Fri Jan 15 2021
5

Great primer in blues. They're all bops.

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Mon Mar 22 2021
5

Classic blues album and legendary performance

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Wed Jan 13 2021
5

Great album, not a single dud track.

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Tue Feb 02 2021
5

I love it. I like blues music, and I like music from the 60s. And the live version of this was not nearly as annoying as live rock music.

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Tue Feb 09 2021
5

Dope. I don't think I've ever listened to a Blues album before, but to start with the best was a treat. I hope to hear a lot more blues in the future.

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Fri Feb 05 2021
5

Didn't think I would enjoy blues so much! Great background music

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Sun Jan 17 2021
5

Incredible album with a live atmosphere

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Thu Feb 04 2021
5

Pues una joyísima de álbum. A veces pienso que el blues suena a una mezcla de sensualidad y desesperanza, no sabría bien cómo explicarlo. Igual aquí suena a pura fiesta. Y qué chingón. Pistas favoritas: "How Blue Can You Get?", "Please Love Me" y "Help the Poor". 10/10

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Tue Jan 19 2021
5

There's a reason BB King is regarded as a preeminent blues musician

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Thu Feb 04 2021
5

La frieguita que se ha de haber llevado quien remasterizó esto. Me encantó, complejo, pero comercial. Energía, ritmo, silencios, seducción. Voz legendaria.

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Fri May 21 2021
5

The King of the Blues. At his sublime best. No misses here, only hits. Cracking recording considering its from 1964. One of the most captivating live recordings I've listened to in any genre. The mans was a force of nature, Powerful, passionate and perfect. 5/5

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Sun May 23 2021
5

awesome legend, played live even better

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Wed Jun 30 2021
5

BB was rockin and rollin the night they recorded this album, and it comes through perfectly. He’s having fun and sounds spectacular. This is new to my “best live album” shortlist.

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Thu Jun 03 2021
5

perfect. This is the best the Blues has ever been.

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Thu Jun 10 2021
5

one of the best live blues albums, a hallmark of the genre

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Sun Jul 04 2021
5

Wonderful! Love the extra live comments, the fun instrumentation, the classic lyrics. His voice is great too, Live at the regal feels like an obvious classic.

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Fri Jul 30 2021
5

Será de las mejores versiones del señor kKing? Probablemente si.

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Sun Aug 01 2021
5

too short by half! i mean, it's bb king, live, in 1965. i could've listened to a LOT more of that. i mean...damn

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Fri Aug 13 2021
5

Amazing album, briiiant guitar as expected but a special mention to bass player Leo Lauchie who is outstanding all the way through.

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Thu Aug 19 2021
5

Amazing lol I've performance. B.B. truly was one of the all time greatest blues musicians.

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Thu Sep 30 2021
5

Fantastic Blues Album. Lots of fun. Definitely listen if you are in the mood for some blues.

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Thu Sep 30 2021
5

10/10 - BB is the GOAT that album fuckin’ delivers

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Fri Oct 08 2021
5

Smooth blues classic. The added audience is a strong vibe and you get that B.B.King knew how to connect with people on stage

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Tue Nov 02 2021
5

wow, early ska! Yeah, Blues is good.

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Thu Nov 11 2021
5

Beautiful live album. Really enjoyed it

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Sat Nov 13 2021
5

Classic, uncomplicated blues.

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Mon Nov 22 2021
5

I have always been a big fan of B.B. King. His live albums are the best, studio albums seem too sterile for him... you have to be able to let Lucille out to play. It's strange, Spotify has a different track listing than on wikipedia or youtube. So I've listened to it a couple of times now. The difference between this and Fats Domino.... it seems so much rawer here. This is pure, unadulterated blues. This is where so many rock and rollers started. Or they should.

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Tue Nov 30 2021
5

Enjoyed it. Not my usual genre but I like it enough as I am a fan of 90s & modern r’n’b. a fun album

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Wed Dec 22 2021
5

Nice Surprise! Outstanding live

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Wed Dec 29 2021
5

Genialny album, 35 minut po których nie da się nie lubić bluesa

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Wed Jan 05 2022
5

BB King is the best, saw him live a few times and it's always amazing.

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Fri Feb 11 2022
5

I am familiar with B.B. KING and his twelfth or his first live album LIVE AT THE REGAL, which I have and like very much. After listening to LIVE AT THE REGAL, I still enjoyed this live performance, but the one major complaint that I have is that the songs are incomplete. They are shortened versions of the studio songs. In 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, B.B. KING’s LIVE AT THE REGAL Is the only album listed Rate Artist: B.B. KING (5.0) Rate Album (Year): LIVE AT THE REGAL (US 1965 Original) (5.0) Ranking of B.B. KING - LIVE AT THE REGAL songs No. Title Length Ranking Introduction By Pervis Spann, Disc Jockey 01. "Every Day I Have the Blues" 2:38 09.5/10 02. "Sweet Little Angel" 4:12 10.0/10 03. "It's My Own Fault" 3:29 10.0/10 04. "How Blue Can You Get" 3:44 09.5/10 05. "Please Love Me" 3:01 09.5/10 Introduction By E. Rodney Jones, Disc Jockey 06. "You Upset Me Baby" 2:22 10.0/10 07. "Worry, Worry" 6:24 09.5/10 08. "Woke Up This Mornin'" 1:45 09.0/10 09. "You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now" 4:16 09.0/10 10. "Help the Poor" 2:58 10.0/10 US 1965 Original Release 96.0/100 = 9.60 / 2 = 4.80

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Wed Feb 16 2022
5

A majestic live album. I adore the dialogue the segues into the songs, and his expertly placed guitar links. This guy had everything, the less-is-more thing, perfect phrasing and the sweetest note choice and tone. Blues = B.B. King.

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Mon Mar 21 2022
5

How can I critique a 1965 BB King live concert other than I wish I was there. Recorded at the Regal Theatre in Chicago in late 1964. His backing band sounds very solid with piano, tenor saxes trumpets and a great rhythm section. My favorite songs here ("Sweet Little Angel", "Worry, Worry", "You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now") start with his booming voice and incredible guitar and let the band build momentum to the song end. But every song sounds great. Really not a negative comment; it's BB King in his prime. The recording tries to capture the crowd's excitement and is successful to some extent. Other artists, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton. John Mayer and Mark Knopfler apparently have used this album as primers before performances. An album that I will gladly add to my collection when I come across it.

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Mon Apr 04 2022
5

Absolutely incredible voice. Not usually a fan of live albums, but this is shaping up to be an exception.

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Tue Apr 19 2022
5

Incredible voice, interaction with the public ina very good modd

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Thu Apr 21 2022
5

classic, liked it blues, jazz, all kinds of music that i adore

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Sat Apr 30 2022
5

Legendary album by a legend. Bit confused by some of the editing, but did this leave me blue? Hell no.

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Fri May 13 2022
5

Awesome album. B.B. King has a great blues voice and his playing is excellent. This album starts with some killer versions of "Everyday I Have The Blues" and "Sweet Little Angel". And when I started listening to the album, my living room felt like a concert. B.B. plays well with the audience and has good showmanship. If I want to listen to some nice guitar blues album, in a live performance setting for extra atmosphere, I would choose this album.

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Mon May 16 2022
5

100/100 i loved this. felt so much life and soul in it. his voice is amazing, and the guitar shredded. never heard it before so thanks for a new fav

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Tue May 17 2022
5

The King of Blues live! Amazing, amazing live album.

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Fri May 27 2022
5

Yes yes yes! Love this album. All the blues you’ll ever need.

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Tue May 31 2022
5

Quel bon blues, cet album demontre toute letendu du talent de bb kimg et comment son oeuvre estintemporel. Tout le monde devrait ecouter cette album pour comprendre un peu mieux l’histoire de la usique. 5

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Tue Jun 14 2022
5

Excellent recording, very powerful live performance by B.B. King and his band.

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Thu Jun 30 2022
5

this is the greatest live album of all time. just perfect. i could listen to it any time for any reason and be happy.

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Thu Jun 30 2022
5

Bb king is a legend. This is such a great album and it’s so benefitted from being recorded live. I haven’t listened to the blues in a while but this will always serve as an excellent reintroduction

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Thu Jul 07 2022
5

cool! B B is perefect for evening! 5000\5

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Wed Jul 13 2022
5

Unsurprisingly, this album slaps. If you've never listened to the blues before, B.B. is the place to start. Already quite familiar with this album and today reminded me I need to pick it up on vinyl. Favorite Tracks: How Blue Can You Get, Worry Worry, [Actually, you should just listen to them all. No skips.]

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Wed Jul 13 2022
5

BB King é sensacional, ouvir um álbum ao vivo é sempre um experiência, tem que parar e ouvir prestando atenção. Gosto muito dos solos. Melhores músicas: Sweet Little Angel e Worry, Worry

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Fri Jul 15 2022
5

Almost 60 years old, but you just get an immediate sense of BB King's power and what he was doing differently.

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Mon Jul 18 2022
5

This is a lot of fun! The crowd was into it and I was into it! There was some good audience interaction which added to it all. Really great!

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Mon Jul 18 2022
5

Oh, yes. I wouldn't have thought it would be so fun to listen to the blues but this was fun! Really great.

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Mon Jul 18 2022
5

I really enjoyed this album. The energy was great and the band backing B.B. was awesome!

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Mon Jul 18 2022
5

Does it make sense to joyously listen to the blues? Well I did. It's a rare and wonderful live album when you can feel the crowd around you as though you were there, because you're having the exact same reactions as the folks in the 1964 audience were having. I loved this one.

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Mon Jul 18 2022
5

Excellent from front to back

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Sat Jul 23 2022
5

Great classic blues, and excellent sound for a live album!

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Tue Aug 23 2022
5

Excellent blues album. 5/5 Didn't expect B.B. King to be able to sing the way he does.

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Wed Aug 24 2022
5

Love it! Honestly one of best live recordings I’ve ever heard!

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Sat Aug 27 2022
5

Pure, electric, immidiate, direct

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