INDIANOLA, Miss. – Fans from around the world, numbering in the thousands, completed their blues music inspired journey to Indianola Sunday for the B.B. King Homecoming Festival.
The event was started by King in his hometown, and was free for his free spirited beloved fans. King died May 15. Sunday’s event was the first in its 35 year run without the blues legend. While he was still alive, organizers were planning this year’s event as a tribute to him; since his death, many are calling it a memorial celebration.
Following a public viewing and private family memorial in Las Vegas this weekend, King’s body is being flown to Memphis for a Wednesday tribute at W.C. Handy Park on Beale Street.
A second public viewing is scheduled Friday, May 30 at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center where Sunday’s festival was held. It will be followed by a Saturday funeral at nearby Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Then King will be laid to rest during a private service on the museum’s grounds.
