Barack Obama Letter To B.B. King Hits Auction Block For $17,500

BY Erika Marie 924 Views
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B.B. King, Barack Obama
Barack Obama wrote music icon B.B. King a letter just a month before he died sending his "warmest wishes during this trying time."

Regardless if there is a global pandemic or not, the auction block remains hot. In recent months we've learned of photos and notes from musicians and popular sports figures that have gone up for auction, and this time, a letter from former President Barack Obama to the late music icon B. B. King is up for sale. 

Jason Merritt/TERM / Staff / Getty Images

After blessing us with decades of music, B.B. King passed away in 2015. A month before he died, Obama sent King a heartfelt letter on official White House stationery. "I recently learned of the health challenges you've been facing, and I wanted to send my warmest wishes during this trying time," Obama penned in the opening of the letter.

According to TMZ, King faced a number of health issues brought on by diabetes and high blood pressure. "As the King of the Blues, you have made music that has changed our country and the world," Obama said. "For decades, your soaring sounds and extraordinary craftsmanship have touched our hearts, moved our souls, and lifted our spirits."

The outlet states that Sylvia Williams, King's granddaughter, received the letter from her mother. The music icon would later suffer strokes before passing away from vascular dementia. His daughters claimed that King's manager was abusing him, however, an autopsy didn't support their accusations. Meanwhile, Barack Obama's letter to B.B. King is expected to fetch $17,500.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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