B.B. King, legendary “King of the Blues” who died in at the age of 89 in 2015, would have turned 100 on Sept. 16, 2025.
In 1925, Riley B. King was born in Berclair, Mississippi, a small, unincorporated community between Itta Bena and Indianola.
King’s tumultuous childhood was marked by frequent tragedy. Abandoned by his father, King moved with his mother from farm to farm until her death in 1935, according to the Memphis Hall of Fame.
As a teen, King saved enough money for his first guitar while working the land for the Cartledges, a white family in Kilmichael.
King moved back to Indianola, which became the epicenter of the young musician’s blossoming career. He spent his days working as a tractor driver and his nights playing for friends and street crowds.
In the late 1940s, King began working a radio job in Memphis under the moniker “The Beale Street Blues Boy.” This nickname was ultimately shortened to “B.B.”
King’s career took off when Beale Street club-owner Sunbeam Mitchell put the young musician in front of his house band.
In 1952, King’s record of “3 O’Clock Blues” spent five weeks at No. 1 on the R&B charts, pulling him into the national spotlight.
King recorded more than 50 albums during his prolific career. He won 18 Grammy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Kennedy Center Honors.
In 1991, King opened B.B. King’s Blues Club in Memphis, which carries on his legacy today.
King never stopped performing until his death on May 14, 2015, at the age of 89.
As the date of King’s 100th birthday approaches, the B.B. King Museum in Indianola and B.B. King’s Club in Memphis are both hosting several events.
B.B. King Hologram Experience, Indianola, MS
When: 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: Historic Club Ebony, 404 Hanna Ave., Indianola
King’s legacy will come to life in a unique concert experience at the Historic Club Ebony on Saturday, Sept. 13.
A realistic hologram of the “King of Blues” will sing alongside a live band, evoking the feelings of King’s past performances.
Tickets start at $75, and the proceeds will support the B.B. King Museum. As of Sept. 11, tickets are still available through Eventbrite.
Mississippi Book Festival: What to know about the 11th annual event
B.B. King Block Party, Memphis, TN
When: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 14
Where: B.B. King’s Blues Club, 143 Beale St., Memphis
B.B. King’s Blues Club will host a free block party on Beal Street on Sunday, Sept. 14.
The block party will include live music, food and drinks.
Kontji Anthony will host, and Stan Bell will DJ.
Grab a drink: Mississippi is known for its authors. This Jackson bar has 10 drinks inspired by them
Legendary blues artist B.B. King performs at the Crown Theatre Monday night, Oct. 6, 2006, in Fayetteville, N.C.
Cake with the King, Idianola
When: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16
Where: B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, 400 Second St., Indianola
The B.B. King Museum will pass out cake to celebrate King’s birthday on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
The event will also include a setup to take pictures and mini souvenirs.
B.B. King’s Blues Club dinner and a show
When: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16
Where: B.B. King’s Blues Club, 143 Beale St., Memphis
On King’s birthday, B.B. King’s Club will offer dinner and a show, a tribute to the legendary musician featuring some of today’s blues legends.
David Porter will host the night, which will include performances from Boo Mitchell, Bobby Rush, Eric Gales, Carla Thomas & Jerome Chism with Hi Rythm, Southern Avenue, D.K. Harrell and Stax Alumni Band.
King’s daughter, Shirley King, will also perform with The B.B. King All-Star Legends.
Tickets are $195 and include a three-course meal, birthday cake and a cocktail. As of Sept. 11, tickets are still available through Eventbrite.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and performances start at 7 p.m.
Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Happy birthday BB King at 100: Celebrations in Indianola, Memphis
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com ’
