Unveiling the Legend: B.B. king’s Biopic ‘Lucille’ Set to Hit the big Screen
The highly anticipated biopic titled Lucille, named after B.B. King’s iconic Gibson ES-355 guitar, is officially in production. This film will be the first and only authorized portrayal of the legendary blues guitarist’s life and career.
B.B. King joins the ranks of other musical icons who have been immortalized on film, including the likes of Queen, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles, each of whom has had their stories brought to life on the silver screen.
According to an exclusive report from Deadline, the film is being produced by Canton Entertainment in collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Vassal Benford and The B.B. King Music Company & Estate.
A Journey Through Triumph and Collaboration
Set to chronicle the unusual journey of King, Lucille will explore his rise from humble beginnings in Mississippi to becoming a global guitar sensation. The film will highlight his legendary collaborations with music greats such as Eric Clapton, U2, The Rolling Stones, Richie Sambora, and Carlos Santana.
Moreover, it will delve into King’s significant impact on the music world, showcasing how he brought the blues from the cotton fields to international stages, alongside his beloved guitar, Lucille, and the near-fatal incident that inspired its name.
Producer Mark Canton expressed his excitement, stating, “Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of working on transformative music films, but the story of B.B. King is unparalleled in its depth and inspiration.I am truly honored to help bring this narrative to life.”
A Tribute to Hope and Resilience
Co-producer dorothy Canton added, ”Lucille transcends being just a biopic; it serves as a heartfelt homage to every young person who has found solace and hope through music.”
For Vassal Benford, this project holds personal importance. “I made a promise to Mr. King in 2014 to tell his story with the same excellence he demanded from himself and his music. With the talented team we have, that promise is now evolving into a major motion picture,” he shared.
The proclamation of the biopic coincides with the upcoming tribute album by Joe Bonamassa, featuring a star-studded lineup, including Eric Clapton, who joined the project at the request of another artist.Bonamassa remarked, ”You only get one chance to get this right, and I beleive we’ve accomplished that.” the album is set to be released early next year.