Columnist Joe Delaney: A pair of Kings reign over LV next week

JOE DELANEY has been active in the entertainment industry for more than 50 years. His column appears Thursdays and Fridays in the Sun.

AMBASSADOR B.B. ... B. B. King, born Riley B. King on Sept. 16, 1926 in Itta Bena, Miss., succeeded Louis Armstrong as this country's musical ambassador to the world upon Satchmo's death in 1971. ... He has worn this mantle proudly and well ever since. ... King lives here but his touring schedule has him on the road 300 days a year.

B.B., the Neville Brothers (the essence of New Orleans music today), Dr. John, and Storyville will perform as part of the Southern Comfort Blues Music Festival, starting at 6 p.m. next Tuesday in Buffalo Bill's Star of the Desert Arena. ... Get there early.

King, then known as the Blues Boy of Beale Street, and I date back to the late 1940s when we met at WDIA-AM, a 50-watt radio station where he hosted a disc jockey show. ... At night, he played guitar on Memphis' famed Beale Street. ... We've been good friends ever since.

Anent Elvis

Next Tuesday is also opening night for "Elvis -- The Concert" at the Las Vegas Hilton. ... Digitally remastered tapes from live concerts will show Elvis on multiple screens, singing, talking to the audience, taking bows, and introducing the live performers; the Sweet Inspirations, the Imperials, and a 17-piece orchestra, conducted by Joe Guercio.

Guercio was the LV Hilton's musical director during the 1970s and Elvis' personal conductor when Elvis was on tour. ... He arranged Elvis' version of "My Way," his last million-selling record.

Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Miss., northeast of Itta Bena, on Jan. 8, 1935. ... B.B. King grew up listening to country music, a fan of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. ... Elvis' early influences were blues shouters, Willie Mae Thornton and, particularly, Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup. ... Thornton had the original record on "Hound Dog."

On to Memphis

King played guitar on street corners of small Mississippi towns. ... At first, he sang church songs but quickly learned that church people thanked him and moved on, so he switched to the blues because blues people listened and left you some money. ... King took his guitar and $2.50 and hitchhiked to Memphis. ... Ten years later, Elvis did likewise.

Both artists recorded their first hits in Memphis. ... Elvis' impact in the 1960s, on records, in films, and especially in Las Vegas, continues 21 years after his death on Aug. 16, 1977. ... His estate earns more annually than Elvis did any one year is his lifetime.

B.B. King's impact has been profound on fellow musicians and as the U.S. musical ambassador to the world. ... He has performed with Frank Sinatra, Bonnie Raitt, the Rolling Stones and U2, among others, sold millions of albums, and was a recent Kennedy Center honoree.

In conclusion

B.B. King has lived in Las Vegas for many years. ... Our town is fortunate to have both B.B. and Elvis in town the same week. ... "Elvis -- The Concert" moves on to NYC's Radio City Music Hall the following week. ... The 6,000-seat venue is already sold out, the second time this year. ... The LV Hilton should bring it back for a longer run.

Friday addendum

Brendan Boyer, his daughter Aisling, the Irish Show Band and Irish step dancers as special guests are in the Orleans Hotel lounge through Sunday, first show at 8 p.m. ... Support the LV Music Festival, now through Aug. 15. ... Call 229-6211 for info and tickets. ... Walt Boenig conducts the LV All-Star High School Jazz Band and Jr. Super Sax, free at 7 p.m. today, Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza.

Rock 'n' roll's Pat Benatar performs at the LV Hilton at 9 p.m. today and Saturday. ... Texas Station features Molly Hatchet, 9 p.m. today, and country superstar Loretta Lynn, 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

Jazz fans: Catch Walt Blanton's "Echoes of Duke Ellington," 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Rainbow Library Amphitheater. ... Marv Koral's All-Stars are hot at Carollo's, Sundays at 5:30-9:30 p.m. ... Mondays, see Don Menza & Friends (Riviera). ... The Santa Fe has the Mike Breene Trio, 5-9 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday; The Jazz Organ-ization, noon-3 p.m. Sunday. ... See you next Thursday.

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