BB King still regrets his lack of education

You wouldn't expect the guitar player who landed the No. 3 spot on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time to feel inferior about anything.

Particularly, if that player is known as the undisputed “King of the Blues” and has been a much-loved musical American ambassador in scores of countries around the world.

But B.B. King, whose gentle demeanor defies the fierce wail of his instantly recognizable string-bending guitar style, wants young people to know that he feels something is lacking even after decades at the top of his profession.

“To be honest, I always feel sort of second-best when I am around people who went to school, who got an education,” King recently told the Clarion-Ledger of Jackson, Miss.

King gave an interview to the newspaper at the opening of the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, Miss.

The guitar great said he hoped the museum inspired a thirst for knowledge, expecially among young people.

“I hope you will point out that I didn't get an education, and I have been trying to keep my nose above water ever since,” King added. “And to the young people who don't think education is important, tell them this: My brain is like a sponge today. I'm interested in anything out there. I want to learn.”

And for the vast majority of people who are unable to master a musical instrument with King's skill, an education is the means to a better life.

So add the “King of the Blues” to the list of educators and community leaders such as Mayor Phil Hardberger who have been urging at-risk youths teetering on the edge of the uneducated dropout life to stay in school.

For most people, dropping out leads to a life of material deprivation in the land of plenty.

And even if you are the rare dropout that makes it financially, the lack of an education robs one of the great personal satisfaction that knowledge can bring.

SOURCE:  myantonio.com

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment