Few living legends can boast the approachable, down-to-earth style of B.B. King [ tickets ]. Even if they've never met him, his adoring fans seem to feel as if King part of the family. Perhaps it's because King's voice has been in our collective lives for as long as we remember.

Those who've seen the Grammy winner in action can attest: there is never a shortage of joy in King's audience. Tearful smiles, thunderous cheers and applause are commonplace, and make for the kind of memories that stay with us until we take our last breath.

Currently on the first leg of his 2009 tour through the US, King
performed a show at the Fox Theatre in Oakland, CA, on Thursday (4/16), and I was there with my cameras. Here are some of my photos.