PAYING THE COST TO BE THE BOSS

wants to play guitar. He realized long ago that scoring pop hits and achieving massive fame leads to an endless cycle of trying to constantly one-up your last big win. So he plays the music he wants to play, whether it’s blues, rock or his. He performs in the venues he prefers — small, intimate theaters — even though he could easily sell out arenas. And he takes to the stage in a conservative suit and tie, the same style of attire preferred by many bluesmen who preceded him, including his onetime benefactor B.B. King.