Cardinal Releasing Ltd., MVD Entertainment Group, and Syndctd Entertainment are pleased to announce the U.S. release of The Life of Riley, the much-lauded feature documentary film on the extraordinary life of Blues legend B.B. King. The film will be in theaters nationwide starting on May 21st, on VOD June 1st, and on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms on June 17th. Tickets for the theatrical screenings will go on sale beginning May 1st only at www.BBKing.com
King worked closely with Director Jon Brewer for 2 years to create this powerful film. The heartfelt contributions from a plethora of music’s superstars were a vast indication that this was the time for his story to be told. At 88 years old, King, his family, friends and contemporaries unveil the true-life drama that was the springboard for the future ‘King of the Blues’.
Battling unrelenting racism and the humiliation of segregation whilst working in the cotton fields as an orphaned child, King lived to overcome the toughest critics in the entertainment industry and ultimately be hailed as one of the kingpins of an entire genre of music. This candid biopic of the life story of one of our living legends is highlighted by rare archive footage and beautifully shot scenes of the deep American south. Informative and visually stunning, The Life of Riley is the definitive document of a true American treasure.
“We all have idols,” said King. “Play like anyone you care about, but try to be yourself while you’re doing so.”
The Life of Riley includes appearances and contributions from: Aaron Neville, Bill Cosby, Bill Szymczyk, Bill Wyman, Bono, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Willis, Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, Carver Randle, Derek Trucks, Dr. John, Eric Clapton, George Benson, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Walsh, John Mayer, John Mayall, Johnny Winter, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Mick Taylor, Morgan Freeman, Paul Rodgers, Rev. David Matthews, Ringo Starr, Ronnie Wood, Slash,, Susan Tedeschi, Tina France, Walter Trout, and Wayne Cartledge.
The DVD and Blu-ray release features live footage from the Royal Albert Hall, some of which includes special guests Ronnie Wood, Susan Tedeshci, Derek Trucks, Mick Hucknell, and Slash. In addition, there are bonus interviews from Buddy Guy, Mick Hucknell & Ronnie Wood, Bonnie Raitt, Derek Trucks, Bobby Bland, Walter Trout, Susan Tedeschi, Carlos Santana, Joe Bonamassa, Dr John, John Mayall, Slash, and Leon Russell.
The Life of Riley Original Soundtrack, available digitally on May 20, 2014, carefully follows the specifically chosen music sequence used in the film. The soundtrack contains career spanning songs as featured in the movie from his 1951 hit “3 O’Clock Blues” to his 2000 GRAMMY© winning duet, “Riding With the King,” plus two live songs never available on digital or CD “Walking Dr. Bill” and “Sweet Sixteen.”
