Entertainment

B.B. King’s Family Loses Bid for Control of His Affairs

Published

11 years ago

May 8, 2015

Patty King, daughter of B.B. King, cries while leaving Clark County Family Court Thursday, May 7, 2015, in Las Vegas. A dispute over B.B. King’s health and wealth has been tossed out of court by a judge in Las Vegas who says two investigations didnt find the blues legend is being abused. Thursday’s court ruling keeps Kings longtime business manager, Laverne Toney, in legal control of King’s affairs. Kings doctor says the 89-year-old musician is in home hospice care. (AP Photo/John Locher)

KEN RITTER, Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Noted blues man B.B. King — his health failing at age 89 — is in the middle of tug of war between some of children and his longtime manager.

Three of King’s 11 surviving children in a bid to take control over their father’s affairs said they suspect the blues legend’s manager of stealing his money and neglecting his medical care while blocking them from seeing him in home hospice care.

But a judge in Las Vegas tossed the dispute out of court Thursday, saying two investigations found no evidence King was being abused and that King’s longtime business manager, Laverne Toney, should remain in legal control of his affairs.

Toney and King’s lead attorney, Brent Bryson, deny the allegations by three of King’s children, Karen Williams, Rita Washington and Patty King. They say the children can schedule visits just like they always have been able to do.

King’s personal lawyer, Arthur Williams Jr., and his physician, Dr. Darin Brimhall, said outside the Clark County Family Court hearing that they saw no neglect or abuse.

King, who suffers from diabetes, did not attend.

Family Court Hearing Master Jon Norheim said police and social services investigations in October and April uncovered no reason to take power of attorney from Toney.

“There is no evidence of need for guardianship,” Norheim said. “Mr. King has counsel. I don’t have anything here that says he lacks capacity. He has some serious health issues. But he has counsel. If he feels like he’s being taken advantage of, he has remedies.”

Norheim said he could not consider daughter Karen Williams’ petition to take over as King’s guardian until all of King’s children and grandchildren get legal notice.

Williams and a family-nominated guardian, Fredrick Waid, want to wrest power of attorney from Toney.

They said in an April 29 petition seeking appointment as temporary co-guardians that more than $5 million in assets was at stake.

Bryson said he couldn’t comment on King’s estate, which is also expected to include intellectual property rights and royalties.

The petition alleges Toney blocks King’s friends — including musicians Willie Nelson, Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton — from visiting him.

They also say Toney put her family members on the King payroll, and that large amounts of money have disappeared from King’s bank accounts.

“The family has been unable to account for what is reported to be in excess of $1 million,” the court document says.

The judge’s ruling doesn’t prevent King’s children from returning to court to press their claim once all family members have been legally informed of the action.

“We lost the battle, but we haven’t lost the war,” Karen Williams vowed.

King was hospitalized a week ago after police were called to his home in a dispute about his condition between Toney and King’s daughter, Patty King. No one was arrested and King returned home to hospice care shortly afterward.

King, born Riley B. King in the Mississippi farm town of Itta Bena, toured and performed almost continually until October, when he canceled the remaining shows in his 2014 tour after falling ill in Chicago with dehydration and exhaustion.

Las Vegas police were called to King’s home in November on allegations of elder neglect and abuse. Officer Jesse Roybal said that case remains open, and no details were available.

King is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and a 15-time Grammy winner. He has released more than 50 albums and sold millions of records. He is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

His guitar, famously named Lucille, has soared and wailed in songs ranging from “Every Day I Have the Blues” to “The Thrill is Gone.”

King was married several times and had 15 biological and adoptive children. Four have died.

His eldest surviving daughter, Shirley King, who tours as “Daughter of the Blues,” said the dispute between family members and Toney has brought disrespect to her father’s name and memory.

“I’m not too sure things are right. But my dad would never want this,” Shirley King said by telephone from her Chicago-area home.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

‘Stand By Me’ Singer Ben E. King Memorialized, Celebrated

Don't Miss

Mariah Carey Hits the High Notes for Las Vegas Residency

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Alameda County

The Marin City Flea Market Is Back

The Marin City Flea Market returns on May 23, offering arts, crafts, vintage items, and collectibles. The market aims to uplift local vendors and celebrate cultural diversity.

Published

1 week ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Customers shopping in Marin City Flea Market. Photo courtesy of marincityflea.org.

By Godfrey Lee

After a long absence, Marin City will once again hold its flea market. The market will have its grand opening on Saturday, May 23, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church parking lot on 101 Donahue St. It will be held every fourth Saturday of the month

The market will be free to the public

There will be arts, crafts, vintage, collectibles, and other items on sale at the market. Interested vendors can contact info@marincityflea.org or text (415) 484-2984 for more information.

“The Marin City Flea Market’s mission is to uplift local vendors, celebrate cultural diversity, and provide an accessible community space where creativity, entrepreneurship, and connection can thrive,” says their website, marincityflea.org.

The flea market is sponsored and run by the Rotary Club of Marin City.

For more information, contact info@marincityflea.org. Or text to (415) 484-2984

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Alameda County

Mayor Barbara Lee Declares ‘Delroy Lindo Day,’ Presents Acclaimed Actor with Key to the City

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee honored acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and declared “Delroy Lindo Day” to celebrate his contributions to film, television, and theater.

Published

1 week ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee presents Oakland actor Delroy Lindo the key to the cCity Council chambers of Oakland City Hall in downtown Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

Oakland honored one of its most distinguished residents on May 6 as Mayor Barbara Lee presented acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and an official proclamation declaring “Delroy Lindo Day.”

The event, titled “Rooted in Legacy: Honoring Delroy Lindo,” took place at Oakland City Hall and brought together community leaders, artists, and young people for an evening centered on storytelling, cultural pride, and intergenerational connection.

Lindo, a critically acclaimed artist who lives in Oakland, was recognized for his extensive contributions to film, television, and theater, as well as his impact on the global African diaspora. Most recently the Oscar-nominated artist was recognized for his phenomenal role as a bluesman in Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” a winner both critically and at the box office.

His celebrated body of work included roles in “Unprisoned,” “Malcolm X”, “Clockers,” “Get Shorty,” and ”Da 5 Bloods,” among others.

“He’s brought depth, inspiration, and authenticity to the screen,” said Lee.

The program highlighted both Lindo’s artistic legacy and his influence as a mentor. A centerpiece of the evening was an intimate fireside conversation between MLee and Lindo.

“I am a living, breathing example of somebody who has achieved the American Dream,” said Lindo. “The other side of that is I walk through the world as a Black man of African descent.”

At 5 years of age, Lindo played King Balthazar in a Nativity play. And years later on Easter of 1973 in New York the Negro Ensemble Company’s play, “The River Niger” left a great impact on him.

“Seeing that production and so many Blacks in the audience, gave me an understanding that maybe I could have a career as an actor,” said Lindo.

Students from the Oakland School for the Arts delivered powerful monologues, adding a dynamic and emotional layer to the program. The students’ instructor, Tavia Percia, chairman of the school’s theatre department, watched the performance proudly. Their performances emphasized the importance of arts education and demonstrated the next generation of talent inspired by figures like Lindo.

Five young men from All Tied Up Academy had the honor of presenting the “Rooted in Legacy” plaque to Lindo with Lee.

The evening also featured a cinematic showcase of Lindo’s work, offering a retrospective glimpse into his decades-long career.

The Golden State Warriors presented Lindo with a custom jersey, symbolizing the city’s appreciation for his contributions both on and off the screen.

The highlight of the evening came as Lee formally presented Lindo with the Key to the City and read the proclamation establishing “Delroy Lindo Day.” The recognition marked not only his artistic achievements but also his enduring connection to Oakland and his commitment to community engagement.

Celebrities, including filmmaker Ryan Coogler, congratulated Lindo via a video presentation. Lindo did not hold back the tears of gratitude. “I carry Oakland with me wherever I go,” said. Lindo, who is Jamaican via the UK, said he chose the Bay Area to call home with his wife and raise his son.

When young men who grew up with his son entered the council chambers, Lindo welcomed them to the stage for a hug and acknowledgement. “These young men are all honorable. I’ve watched them grow up, and they are the future,” he said. “These are three people that give me hope for this country.”

Addressing the audience, Lindo said, “You are part of the infrastructure of my life. My life would not be as it is without you. You give me more than I give you. Wherever I go, I bring Oakland with me.”

advised everyone to push past negativity of the world.

“Hold onto your dreams, particularly now in this country being fed the constant narrative that ‘we are less than,’ because we know we are more than. And kudos to Mayor Lee at the forefront for decades repping us for Oakland and America.”

“Everyone, hold fast to your purpose and charge as a human being and to the young; go for yours!”

Lindo thanked his many fans, friends, and family in the audience. Attendees included broadcaster Dave Clark, attorney John Burris, former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Dr. Albert Brooks who delivered his son, and First African Methodist Episcopal Church Rev. Rodney Smith. Screenwriter David Webb Peoples, who gave him his first film role in Australia, “The Blood of Heroes, was also in attendance.