Matt O'Ree Wins Guitarmageddon King of the Blues

Holmdel, New Jersey, native Matt O'Ree was crowned the Guitarmageddon King of the Blues by B.B. King after winning the crown at the June 8, 2006, Guitarmageddon finals held at the House of Blues in Chicago, Illinois. Over 4,000 guitarists nationwide entered the competition held by Guitar Center. To commemorate the event, Gibson Guitar, a sponsor of the competition, will produce 150 special edition B.B. King Lucille guitars (see photo below) to be sold exclusively through Guitar Center. Each instrument will have a commemorative pickguard and the buyer will receive a certificate of authenticity signed by B.B. King.

Matt O'Ree, winner of the 2006 title, performs at the King of the Blues finals on June 8, 2006

O'Ree is no stranger to playing the blues on a high level as he has opened for such acts as Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Gretchen Wilson, Government Mule, Robin Trower and others. He is also set to perform at this week's 2006 Summer NAMM Show in Austin, Texas, where he will take the stage with Jimmie Vaughan.

The June 8th Guitarmageddon showcased seven finalists who had to impress 10 judges (the panel included Rick Neilson, Hubert Sumlin, Dave Mason, Marc Levy, and John Mayer and other industry leaders) in the categories of originality, technique, style, stage presence, and overall performance. O'Ree, who performed last out of the seven finalists, took home the crown and a prize package valued at more than $40,000, which included a 2006 Toyota Scion, a trip to Los Angeles to record with Pete Anderson, a one-year Gibson Guitar endorsement deal, a new Gibson '59 Reissue Les Paul, a new Gibson GA20 amplifier, and shopping sprees and both Guitar Center and Levi's.

Gibson Limited Edition B.B. King Lucille guitar commemorating the 2006 King of the Blues competition

Closeup of Gibson Limited Edition B.B. King Lucille guitar pickguard