B.B. King Manager Sherman Darby Dies

Sherman Darby, B.B. King’s longtime tour manager and an industry veteran of more than 40 years, died early this morning at his Gilbert, Ariz., home after a third battle with cancer, a family friend told Pollstar.

King’s driver, Jimmy Barre, said that funeral arrangements are pending but a service is expected to take place next week at Weyman’s funeral home in Mesa, Ariz.

A constant companion with King on the road and elsewhere, Darby also managed the legendary bluesman and worked with others including Tony Williams, Etta James, Chick Corea, Sarah Vaughan, Herbie Hancock and Kid Creole and the Coconuts. He was 67.