Delta Blues by Ted Gioia points out the connection between U2 and BB King among others. It mentions the Love Town tour and how it brought awareness of the blues to a younger audience. BB is now well into his 80's and still plays and sings to make young musicians jealous.
He performed on the Kennedy Center Honors program which was broadcast last night on CBS. Along with him were Pinetope Perkins, Honeyboy Edwards, and Koko Taylor. They still rock. If you go to see them you will be amazed at these folks are in their 80-90's! The Who were feted by David Grohl, Rob Thomas and Joss Stone, who all sang some killer R & B. The NYPD and NY Fire Dept choir also sang "Baba O'Reilly." Beyonce' and Queen Latifah, among others, honored Barbara Streisand. All these performers are in the very large U2 circle of friends. Country singer George Jones and choreographer Twyla Tharp were also honored.