Many guitar legends channeled that same risk-taking energy into games of chance, much like the thrill-seekers who enjoy Le Bandit today. From smoky casino floors to high-stakes poker games, some of music’s most iconic figures found themselves drawn to the thrill of gambling, sometimes with consequences that shaped their lives and careers in profound ways.
B.B. King: The Poker King of Blues
Riley B. King, better known as B.B. King, was as legendary at the poker table as he was with his beloved guitar Lucille. The King of Blues was known to carry substantial amounts of cash and would often engage in high-stakes poker games while on tour. Fellow musicians recall stories of King playing cards until dawn, sometimes winning or losing thousands of dollars in a single night. His gambling wasn’t just recreational – it was part of the culture that surrounded the blues circuit, where musicians would gather backstage or in hotel rooms to play cards between shows.
Hank Williams Jr.: Betting on More Than Music
Hank Williams Jr. has been open about his love for gambling, particularly horse racing and casino games. The country guitar legend has spent considerable time at racetracks and casinos, viewing gambling as both entertainment and a way to unwind from the pressures of the music industry. Williams has described the parallels between performing and gambling, noting that both involve putting yourself on the line and accepting whatever outcome follows.
Keith Richards: Rolling the Dice
The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has lived a life defined by excess, and gambling was certainly part of that equation. Richards was known to frequent casinos during the band’s tours, particularly enjoying blackjack and roulette. His approach to gambling mirrored his approach to music and life – intense, fearless, and often reckless. Stories from the Stones’ touring days include Richards disappearing for hours at casino tables, sometimes emerging victorious, other times significantly lighter in the wallet.
Jerry Lee Lewis: Great Balls of Fire at the Casino
The Killer himself, Jerry Lee Lewis, was known for his wild lifestyle that included regular gambling sessions. Lewis would often hit the casinos after performances, drawn to the same adrenaline rush that fueled his explosive piano and guitar performances. His gambling habits were legendary among his peers, with stories of both spectacular wins and devastating losses that sometimes affected his ability to pay band members or cover tour expenses.
The Culture of Risk
For many of these guitar legends, gambling represented more than just a hobby – it was an extension of their artistic personalities. The same risk-taking mentality that allowed them to push musical boundaries and captivate audiences also drew them to games of chance. The backstage poker games, casino visits, and betting on everything from horse races to dice games became part of the mythology surrounding rock and roll culture.
The gambling habits of these musicians often reflected the broader culture of the entertainment industry, where money flowed freely and the lifestyle encouraged excess. For some, like B.B. King, gambling remained a controllable passion that added excitement to life on the road. For others, it became a more serious issue that sometimes impacted their finances and personal relationships.
Lessons from the Legends
While these stories add to the colorful legends surrounding these guitar masters, they also serve as reminders of the fine line between excitement and excess. Many of these musicians eventually learned to moderate their gambling or found other outlets for their need for risk and excitement. Their experiences remind us that talent and success don’t necessarily translate to wise decision-making in all areas of life.
The legacy of these guitar legends lives on primarily through their music, but their gambling stories remain part of the rich tapestry of rock and roll history – cautionary tales mixed with the wild adventures that defined an era when music and risk-taking went hand in hand.
