Summary of B.B. King’s Life and Legacy
B.B. King: Real Name and Biography
B.B. King’s real name is Riley B. King. He was born in 1925 in Itta Bena, Mississippi, and he moved to Memphis in 1947. His first significant radio appearance was in 1948 at the West Memphis, Arkansas station KWEM. Following that, he gained fame on the Memphis radio station WDIA, where he also worked as a DJ.
During his time at WDIA, he acquired the nickname “Beale Street Blues Boy,” which was later shortened to “B.B.” This name became synonymous with his persona. Sam Phillips, a key figure in Memphis music production, was instrumental in producing some of B.B. King’s early work. In 1952, he reached the top of the Billboard Rhythm and Blues Chart, and his success continued throughout the 1950s.
B.B. King was honored with induction into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Remarkably, he remained a prolific performer into his 70s. Unfortunately, he passed away on May 14, 2015, from heart failure and complications related to diabetes, at the age of 89. His legacy was celebrated with a funeral procession down Beale Street in Memphis, where he is interred at the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, Mississippi.
B.B. King on Beale Street
To immerse yourself in the legacy of B.B. King, there is no better destination than Memphis’ Beale Street. The B.B. King chain of restaurants proudly features its original location at B.B. King’s Blues Club, located at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Beale Street. Additionally, there are several other locations in Los Angeles, New York City, Nashville, Orlando, West Palm Beach, two in Connecticut, and another in Las Vegas.
The Memphis club is renowned for its delicious barbecue and Southern cuisine, combined with live blues and rock music offered every day. Notably, B.B. King’s Blues Club was named the Best Bar For Music in 2016 by the local newspaper the Commercial Appeal.
Just above the club lies the semi-hidden Itta Bena restaurant, a tranquil spot that offers a romantic atmosphere away from the lively streets. This upscale dining destination features a refined menu complemented by mood lighting.
Additionally, B.B. King is honored with a Brass Music Note on Beale Street. The Beale Street Brass Notes Walk of Fame celebrates 150 individuals who significantly contributed to the street’s vibrant musical history through their roles as musicians, entertainers, producers, or promoters.
B.B. King Museum in Indianola, Mississippi
An essential stop for fans of B.B. King is the B.B. King Museum located in Indianola, Mississippi. This museum tells the story of B.B. King’s life alongside the historical context of the era during which he rose to prominence. Visitors can explore the evolution of blues music, the Civil Rights movement, and social changes in the Mississippi Delta. Moreover, rare recordings and unique artifacts that offer insights into his life are exclusively displayed here.
The museum is open Sundays and Mondays from noon to 5 p.m., and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fees are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students and youth.
