At the beginning of his music career, Presley drew inspiration from gospel and R&B music of the time, which included artists like B.B. King. Known as "The King of the Blues" for his incredible vocal style and smooth guitar riffs, King started his music career in the early 1950s while navigating various gigs on Beale Street in Memphis and working as a disc jockey, according to Biography. As Presley was launching his singing career in the mid-1950s, he and King often crossed paths, and the two grew close over the years. In King's autobiography, the musician said he liked Presley and that, "I saw him as a fellow Mississippian. I was impressed by his sincerity," he wrote (via Elvis Australia).
The blues singer went on to have a legendary music career, performing well into his 80s. King died in 2015 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that continues to impact artists today.