B.B. King Sings The Lost Dog Blues

Signed Guitar Offered As Reward For Finding 'Lucille,' A Maltese

(CBS/AP) 
The native of Indianola, Miss., has toured every year for 60 years, according to Digney.

When King first began traveling from Indianola to Memphis he said the 100-mile trip seemed to take forever. He said that feeling was magnified many times over when he began traveling to Europe.

"The first time it looked like we'd never get there," King said.

During his many tours, including those to Europe, King said he has made friendships that he enjoys renewing each return trip.

With a total of 13 Grammy Awards and a potential 14th one on the way for his nominated album "B.B. King & Friends — 80," featuring Eric Clapton, Elton John and John Mayer, King said the need to tour isn't there, but he likes it.

"The way I feel today, as long as my health is good and I can handle myself well and people still come to my concerts, still buy my CDs, I'll keep playing until I feel like I can't," the blues legend added.

With his current performances all nearly or completely sold out, King says he knows his fans are still out there.

While on tour King listens to his favorite recorded music. His musical tastes stretch beyond the blues, with gospel and classical artists also earning a spot on the bluesman's MP3 player. Among the artists he is currently enjoying: Ray Charles, Bobby Bland and The Dixie Hummingbirds.

While King does prefer older music, he stays up on current artists who are hitting the scene.

"I am happy to see them. It's their time in life. It's time for them to make history for themselves. I'm proud of them," King said.

If he could tell those artists one thing, King said the most important lesson he has learned in his epic career is not to do drugs or drink too much alcohol.

"I'd beg them," King said. "Get high off of what they do: music, performing arts."

King said he has seen so many artists fall victim to addictions.

"It is sad and a great loss to a lot of us," he said. "We still have some of the music to go on, but to me I'd like to see them get old."