Tributes from the wold of music and beyond have poured in for blues legend B.B. King who died on Thursday in Las Vegas aged 89. King will be remembered as one of the pioneers of blues music as well as for his trademark guitar playing style, which has influenced generations of musicians.

BB KingTributes have been paid to King by some of the biggest names in music. 

King’s longtime friend, Chicago blues guitarist Buddy Guy led the tributes with a heartfelt message posted on his Instagram page. “This morning, I come to you all with a heavy heart,” he wrote. “Bb King was the greatest guy I ever met. The tone he got out of that guitar, the way he shook his left wrist, the way he squeezed the strings… man, he came out with that and it was all new to the whole guitar playin’ world."

“He could play so smooth, he didn’t have to put on a show. The way BB did it is the way we all do it now. He was my best friend and father to us all. I’ll miss you, B. I love you and I promise I will keep these damn Blues alive. Rest well.”

More: Blues Legend BB King Dies In Las Vegas Aged 89

Lenny Kravitz paid his respects on Twitter writing “BB, anyone could play a thousand notes and never say what you said in one. #RIP #BBKing.” While guitarist Myles Kennedy also tweeted, ‘The thrill is gone but never-to-be forgotten. Rest in peace B.B. King.’

Eric Clapton, who collaborated with the blues legend on the 2000 album Riding with the King released a video statement sharing his sadness at the passing of his dear friend. ““I wanted to thank him for all the inspiration and encouragement he gave me as a player over the years and for teh friendship we enjoyed," Clapton said. 

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"There’s not a lot left to say because his music is almost a thing of the past now—there are not many left to play it in the pure way that B.B. did. He was a beacon for all of us who love this kind of music, and I thank him from the bottom of my heart. If you’re not familiar with his work, I would encourage you to go out and find an album called B.B. King: Live at the Regal, which is where it all started for me as a young player.” 

King was also remembered by President Barrack Obama, whose official twitter said, ‘There’s going to be one killer blues session in heaven tonight.’ Fan and friend of King Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora told fans on his Twitter account, “My friend and legend BB King passed.. I'm so so sad....he was so great to me... We've lost the King..... My love and prayers to his family.”