Dozens of Gibson employees, who couldn't be there in person, sent their birthday wishes to B.B. on a giant birthday card.

The party centerpiece was an ice sculpture featuring B.B.'s name in block letters and the "coolest" Gibson B.B. King Lucille guitar that ever was.

The ice Lucille was rivaled only by the "frostiest" Lucille that ever was--set smack in the middle of a birthday cake.

The packed house partied to the music of Larry McCray, who cranked up his Gibson ES-336 at 9:30 pm and didn't stop until 2 in the morning. He was assisted by his Steinberger-slinging bassist and Gov't Mule's Warren Haynes, who traded countless wicked licks on a Les Paul. Bluesmen J. Geils and Buddy Guy were also on hand to wish B.B. a happy birthday

Stay tuned to Gibson.Net for coverage of B.B's 73rd