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BB_King_Book.jpgWow! That’s my one-word review of the new B.B. King Treasures, Photos, Mementos & Music From B.B. King’s Collection that I am holding in my hand. It’s an autobiography written by B.B. King with my friend of 30 years, Dick Waterman. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and unusual books I have ever seen.
Besides Waterman’s insightful writing about B.B. King’s remarkable life, the book contains numerous illustrations and photographs (including some by Waterman) and 12 removeable reproductions including a farming record from King’s days as a Mississippi sharecropper and a postcard from 16 year-old King to his sweet heart, plus a 60-minute CD with two previously unreleased songs.
As a blues lover with one of New York’s best vinyl blues collections, I wouldn’t have thought twice about paying $100 for this book. But it sells for only $40. There have been 40,000 printed, and I can tell you right now, that’s not enough!
If you love the blues even a little, get B.B. King Treasures, Photos, Mementos & Music From B.B. King’s Collection right now! And hey, it’s not too soon to buy Christmas presents.
Waterman says about B.B. King (whom he calls Bee) on his blog:
He has honored me with a very long friendship, and I am deeply grateful for this.
He’s just the best there is. There was no one like him before he came along and there will be a huge void when he passes from the scene.
He is the most unique of all entities . . truly an American original . . .

Hard to imagine that until a couple of years ago, forty years of Dick Waterman’s negative and prints were unseen by the world. He was “discovered” late in life, and recognition for his amazing work has spread world-wide. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer man. Congratulations my old friend.
His first book, Between Midnight and Day is almost sold out in all editions. Look at Dick Waterman’s music photography and read some of his essays on his site and you’ll see why.