B.B. King Dies at 89

Blues legend B.B. King died late Thursday night at his Las Vegas home, The Associated Press reports. He was 89.

According to King's attorney Brent Bryson, King died in his sleep and funeral arrangements are underway.

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King, who was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes more than 20 years ago, had suffered from deteriorating health in recent years. The legendary guitarist collapsed during a concert in October, was hospitalized twice in April and had been in hospice care at the time of his death.

Born Riley B. King, he got his first big break on a 1948 radio show. King went on to have a nearly 70 year career, in which he recorded over 50 albums and mentored dozens of musicians, including Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. The "The Thrill Is Gone" singer won 15 Grammy Awards from 30 nominations and was also given Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. Nicknamed the King of Blues, he is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

King had 15 biological and adopted children. He is survived by 11 of them.