Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has shaped sound across generations and genres of music, becoming one of the most relevant, played, and loved guitar brands around the world. Gibson is proud to commemorate the legendary B.B. King and his landmark appearance at the Zaire 74 music festival for one of the most iconic sporting events of all time, the “Rumble in the Jungle.” To honor his performance, Gibson Custom and the Murphy Lab have handcrafted a limited-edition recreation of the 1974 ES-355 that B.B. famously used at the festival in a striking walnut finish. This Gibson B.B. King “Rumble in the Jungle” ES-355 guitar is available worldwide at authorized Gibson dealers, and on www.gibson.com.
B.B. King’s performance at the Zaire 74 festival--which took place September 22-24 at the Stade du 20 Mai in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo)--was a powerful moment in music history, bringing the soul of the blues to the stage, uniting a global audience. B.B. King’s performance alongside James Brown and more set the tone for one of the most iconic sporting events of all time, the “Rumble in the Jungle,” a groundbreaking heavyweight championship fight between boxing legends Muhammed Ali and George Foreman, which ended up taking place on October 30, 1974.
“B.B. King’s performance at the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ was not just a concert--it was a defining cultural moment,” says Vassal Benford, CEO and Chairman of the B.B. King Music Company. “We are honored to collaborate with Gibson to create a guitar that captures both the artistry and spirit of B.B. King’s legendary performance. This instrument is more than a tribute-it’s a continuation of his enduring legacy, ensuring that future generations of musicians can connect with the heart and soul of the blues. The ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ guitar is a knockout, and Gibson’s craftsmanship is unmatched. This is a great surprise for the BIRTHDAY month of the Iconic Mr. King. Thank you, Gibson from the ALL of the King Family!”
Handmade by the master craftspeople of the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee, the B.B. King “Rumble in the Jungle” 1974 ES-355 is an instant collector’s item, and only 100 guitars will be made.
Explore the B.B. King 1974 ES-355 “Rumble in the Jungle” from Gibson Custom HERE.
There isn’t a guitar hero alive today who hasn’t been influenced and impacted by the powerful performances of B.B. King, and none was more legendary than his appearance at a music festival promoting the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” where B.B. played the 1974 ES-355 that he favored up until developing his world-famous and beloved Gibson Lucille model in 1980.
The B.B. King “Rumble in the Jungle” ES-355 from Gibson Custom is a limited edition guitar that accurately replicates B.B.’s Walnut 1974 ES-355 he used for the concert. Like all ES-355 models, the B.B. King “Rumble in the Jungle” 1974 ES-355 features premium appointments befitting every top-of-the-line Gibson ES™ model, including mother-of-pearl fretboard inlays, Murphy Lab aged gold hardware, a Custom split diamond headstock inlay, T-Type Custombucker pickups, a mono Varitone switch, and a Maestro™ Vibrola™ tailpiece. It also comes bundled with a host of case candy that ties back to that historic festival performance, as well as the legendary Rumble in the Jungle fight itself. The B.B. King 1974 ES-355 “Rumble in the Jungle” arrives in a stunning Murphy Lab Light Aged Walnut finish, and a B.B. King “Zaire” hardshell case is also included.
Spending his life sharing the music of his soul, the man born Riley B. King would grow up to be one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, being crowned “The King of the Blues.” Releasing over 50 albums and 2400 master recordings along the way, The King of the Blues, gathered up other musicians in his wake and melded them into the harmony of his animating passion. As a 15-time GRAMMY® Award Winner and the recipient of The Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, King’s global audience continues to expand worldwide and reaches over 90 million average yearly streams.
Check out the B.B. King 1974 ES-355 “Rumble in the Jungle” from Gibson Custom:
