Grammy Award-winning artist has announced plans for a biographical film about iconic singer B.B. King, with a contestant from The Masked Singer reportedly involved in the project.
In an exciting development for music and film enthusiasts, a new biopic on the life of B.B. King, the legendary blues musician, is in the works. The project is being spearheaded by Vassal Benford, who serves as the chairman of the B.B. King Estate and co-chairman and CEO of Benford & Canton Studios.
Born on a tenant farm near Itta Bena, Mississippi, on Sept. 16, 1925, B.B. King rose to become one of the most iconic figures in blues music, earning the title of the King of the Blues. Despite battling diabetes, he continued to perform well into his 80s, recording more than 50 albums and touring the world, often performing 250 or more concerts a year.
The biopic will be a poignant tribute to B.B. King, his scorching guitar licks, and heartfelt vocals that captivated audiences for decades. The film will depict his life story from the beginning to the end, including his rise to fame, his mentorship of other guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayall, and Keith Richards, and his personal struggles.
Vassal Benford, who produced a Michael Jackson Tribute Concert featuring the Jackson Family, will play the lead role in the biopic. He will also serve as the producer of the film, working alongside numerous stars and using his extensive experience in music production and film composition to create a compelling soundtrack.
Two singers whose music will feature in the film are Aloe Blacc, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who has appeared in movies such as Fast & Furious, and Quavo, one-third of the rap duo Migos, who performed at the hip-hop concert Rolling Loud festival in Los Angeles in March.
The original Rumble in the Jungle guitar used by B.B. King is part of Vassal Benford's memorabilia collection, and it is expected that B.B. King's famous guitar, Lucille, will also be included in the story of the biopic.
While the release date of the biopic has not yet been announced, it is expected to hit cinemas worldwide in 2026. This upcoming film promises to be a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of B.B. King, a true icon of blues music.
