Blues heritage and New Jersey’s independent music scene have officially crossed paths in a meaningful way. Claudette King, widely recognized as “The Bluz Queen” and the youngest daughter of the legendary B.B. King, has entered a new chapter of her career through a late-2025 signing with Union-based Banner Records, positioning the Garden State at the center of a growing national blues and soul resurgence.
For fans of authentic American roots music, King’s arrival on a New Jersey label represents more than a roster addition. It marks a generational continuation of one of the most influential musical legacies in history, now intertwined with a company that has quietly built one of the region’s most respected independent catalogs.
King’s artistry stands firmly on its own merit. While her lineage is legendary, her voice and musical vision have earned respect across blues, R&B, jazz, and soul circles. Her sound is defined by a commanding vocal presence, a smoky rasp that carries both grit and elegance, and an instinctive emotional delivery that feels deeply personal. Her debut album introduced her as more than a famous surname, establishing her as a contemporary blues interpreter with modern sensibilities and timeless phrasing.
In recent years, she has continued touring globally as part of the B.B. King Experience, performing alongside B.B. King’s Blues Band to keep her father’s music alive for new audiences. These performances serve as both a tribute and a reminder that the blues remains a living, breathing art form rather than a museum piece.
King’s journey into music came with intention rather than inevitability. Raised largely in the San Francisco Bay Area, she grew up attending public school and church, insulated from much of the spectacle that surrounded her father’s career. Despite B.B. King’s constant touring schedule, she has often spoken about his role as a supportive and encouraging parent. It was only later in life, after his direct encouragement, that she chose to step fully into her own professional music career.
While I was working at MCA, I spent a lot of time doing administrative work tied to the B.B. King account. MCA was actively involved in keeping his career moving, and I was part of the office support that helped make that happen. One day, B.B. King came into the office, and I had the chance to meet him in person. He was very open, easy to talk to, and took time to sign items for the staff. Having him in the office that day was a real moment for me — it made the work feel real in a way that stuck with me.
Her relocation to Atlanta in 2010 marked a turning point, placing her closer to family while immersing her in a city known for musical innovation and cultural influence. Since then, her career has steadily expanded, blending heritage blues with contemporary soul textures that resonate across generations.
Behind the scenes, King has also remained involved in long-running legal proceedings related to the B.B. King estate, following her father’s passing in 2015. These ongoing matters, which are expected to move into arbitration in 2026, reflect the complexities of preserving one of the most valuable and influential names in music history.
Now, that legacy finds a powerful new platform in New Jersey through Banner Records, a Union-headquartered independent label founded by veteran executive John Anthony. For over two decades, Banner has quietly cultivated a reputation for discovering, recording, and promoting artists positioned for longevity rather than fleeting trends. With deep roots in artist development and promotion, the label has assembled a focused roster that reflects its commitment to quality over quantity.
Banner’s leadership team has expanded strategically over the years, bringing in respected industry veterans with backgrounds across multiple genres. The addition of Arnie Abrams, now serving as Vice President, strengthened the label’s A&R vision, while Dylan Bernstein continues to help guide its evolving direction. Together, they have shaped a company that balances traditional craftsmanship with modern music marketing strategies.
Claudette King joins a roster that also includes the Sensational Soul Cruisers, an 11-piece New Jersey-based soul band gaining national traction, and rising R&B/pop artist Magdalena Tul. With new releases scheduled across the roster, Banner is positioning itself for a significant 2026, making Union a quietly influential hub in the independent soul and blues landscape.
For New Jersey music fans, King’s arrival further elevates the state’s growing profile within the national conversation. As more heritage-rooted artists find creative homes here, the Garden State continues to strengthen its role as a destination for authentic American music traditions. Readers following the evolving arts and entertainment footprint of the Garden State can explore expanded coverage through Explore New Jersey’s New Jersey Devils and cultural reporting hub, which regularly highlights organizations and figures shaping the region’s creative economy.
As Claudette King prepares to release new material under Banner Records, her presence signals more than a career milestone. It represents the meeting of legacy and innovation, uniting one of the most storied names in blues with a New Jersey label determined to preserve timeless music while guiding it confidently into the future.
