"The Thrill Is Gone" is a slow, minor-key blues song originally written by Roy Hawkins and Rick Darnell in 1951. While Hawkins' version reached No. 6 on the Billboard R&B chart, it was B.B. King's 1969 recording that transformed the song into a blues standard and one of the most iconic tracks in the genre12.
B.B. King's Rendition
King recorded "The Thrill Is Gone" in June 1969 for his album Completely Well. His version is a polished, soulful 12-bar blues in B minor, notable for its lush string arrangement—a departure from both the original and King's earlier, rawer recordings12. The song features King's signature call-and-response style, where his expressive, stinging guitar lines ("Lucille") answer his soulful, silky tenor vocals34. The arrangement includes electric piano, guitar, bass, drums, and strings, creating a smooth yet emotionally intense soundscape52.
Lyrics and Themes
The song is about moving on from a relationship that has soured, with the singer expressing resignation and heartbreak:
"The thrill is gone away from me / Although I'll still live on, but so lonely I'll be"6.
King's delivery, both vocally and on guitar, captures a wide range of emotions—anguish, longing, and acceptance—making the song a trenchant reminder of his prowess as both a vocalist and guitarist34.
Chart Performance and Recognition
Released as a single in December 1969, "The Thrill Is Gone" became King's biggest hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart and No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970162. The song earned King his first Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1970 and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 19981. It is ranked No. 183 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest songs of all time1.
Legacy
King's interpretation not only became his signature song but also helped bring blues music into the pop mainstream, introducing new audiences to the genre72. The track remains a staple of blues and rock repertoires, with live versions featured on several of King's celebrated albums1. The song's influence is evident in its countless covers and its enduring presence in popular culture.
Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Writers | Roy Hawkins, Rick Darnell |
| B.B. King Version | Recorded June 1969, released on Completely Well |
| Key | B minor |
| Structure | 12-bar blues, 4/4 time |
| Notable Features | Strings, call-and-response guitar/vocals, polished production |
| Chart Performance | #3 R&B, #15 Hot 100 (1970) |
| Awards | Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (1970), Grammy Hall of Fame (1998) |
| Legacy | Blues standard, B.B. King's signature song, pop crossover |
Summary
B.B. King's "The Thrill Is Gone" stands as a defining moment in blues history—melding King's expressive guitar and vocals with lush production to create a song of heartbreak and resignation that resonates across generations. Its success brought blues to the mainstream and solidified King’s legacy as the "King of the Blues"132.
