Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month in America, is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for remembrance of important people and events in its history. It is celebrated annually in the United States and Canada in February and the United Kingdom in October.

The expansion of Black History Week to Black History Month was first proposed by the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969. The first celebration of the Black History Month took place at Kent State one year later, in February 1970. In 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial, the informal expansion of Negro History Week to Black History Month was officially recognized by the U.S. government. President Gerald Ford spoke in regards to this, urging Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.

This month, Forgotten Song Music is honoring three different performers whom Las Vegas has claimed as its own – the first being B.B. King.

Riley B. King (born September 16, 1925), is known by the stage name B.B. King. He is an American blues musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist.

He is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. B.B. King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 earning the nickname “The King of Blues”, and one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar” (along with Albert King and Freddie King). He was also inducted into 2014 class of the R&B Music Hall of Fame, and is ranked as one of the “Top 50 Guitarists of All Time”.  According to Edward M. Komara, B.B. King “introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that would influence virtually every electric blues guitarist that followed.” B.B. King resides here in Las Vegas. We are so honored to celebrate you and your amazing talent.