A new Mississippi Blues Trail marker has been unveiled at the B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola.
This distinguished recognition by Visit Mississippi celebrates the museum’s enduring commitment to preserving and promoting the life, music, and legacy of the late American blues legend, B.B. King. King, who played an integral role in Mississippi being branded the “Birthplace of America’s Music,” was born in Berclair in 1925, though he claimed Indianola as his hometown.
His musical journey spanned more than six decades and was deeply rooted in Indianola, where he returned regularly to perform, visit friends, and participate in annual homecoming events.
The establishment of the B.B. King Museum was the result of a grassroots effort in the early 2000s to honor King’s legacy. The museum’s location, centered around a historic brick cotton gin where King once worked, was selected for its architectural significance and personal relevance to King himself.
Since its opening in September 2008, the museum has served as a cultural institution, drawing visitors from around the world. The facility includes interactive exhibits and original films that explore key chapters of King’s life, from his early years in Mississippi and his career in Memphis to his international acclaim and lifelong connection to Indianola.
“The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center stands as a powerful tribute to the legacy of one of Mississippi’s greatest cultural icons. This museum not only preserves the life and music of B.B. King, but also serves as a beacon of education, inspiration, and community pride,” Visit Mississippi Director Rochelle Hicks said.
King’s career in music began in juke joints and local radio stations. He later lived in Memphis, Chicago, and Las Vegas, and as his fame grew, he toured the world extensively. His soulful voice and expressive guitar playing resonated with audiences across generations.
During his lifetime, the Mississippian recorded more than 50 albums and won 15 Grammy Awards, including the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. In 1986, he earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine ranked King No. 3, behind only Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman, on the list of “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”
The Indianola-based museum not only highlights King’s accomplishments as one of the most renowned artists of his time but also celebrates the Mississippi Delta and how the region shaped America’s music scene.
