Bluesman B.B. King Wins Polar Prize
| Legendary BMI artist B.B. King was awarded the 2004 Polar Music Prize for his significant contributions to the blues. King's total dedication to his music, a rich recording history and tireless touring lasting more than half a century have made him one of the most prominent figures in the blues. Known as the "King of the Blues," he has influenced an array of artists including Chuck Berry, Bo Didley, Prince, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Keith Richards. |  |
The Polar Music Prize was founded in 1989 by the late Stig Anderson, publisher, lyricist and manager of ABBA. The name stems from Anderson's legendary record label, Polar Records. This international music prize is awarded to individuals, groups or institutions in recognition of exceptional achievements in the creation and advancement of music and is presented in Stockholm, Sweden by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
Today, the Polar Music Prize has become the most prestigious music prize in the world. Previous winners include Sir Paul McCartney, Dizzy Gillespie, Witold Lutoslawski, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Quincy Jones, Mstislav Rostropovitch, Sir Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Pierre Boulez, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Ericson, Ray Charles, Ravi Shankar, Iannis Xenakis, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Isaac Stern, Burt Bacharach, Robert Moog, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Sofia Gubaidulina, Miriam Makeba and Keith Jarrett. Hungarian composer Gy�rgy Ligeti was also a Polar Prize winner this year. Each recipient receives one million Swedish Crowns, or approximately $125,000.
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