When we think of kings and music in Mississippi, we often conjure images of Tupelo’s favorite son.
Elvis Presley was indeed the “King of Rock and Roll.”
But the world would not have had an Elvis Presley — or rock and roll for that matter — without the blues. Ground zero for this distinctly American artform was Mississippi. It’s impossible to have a conversation about Mississippi blues without talking about B.B. King.
Had he lived long enough, King would have turned 100 this year.
A decade ago this month, King, 89, died following years of health struggles with diabetes.
Although he was born in Berclair and spent his earliest years near Itta Bena, King considered Indianola his hometown.
It was in Indianola where his body laid in state for mourners to pay their last respects back in 2015. Indianola is also home to the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, where blues and King fans from all over the world visit to learn about where King came from, what he went through, and how he impacted the world with his mesmerizing singing and guitar playing.
For this month’s issue, we visited the museum; a beautiful tribute to a legendary life dedicated to one of this country’s truest and purest creative mediums.
But why should we let blues tourists and King fans from the UK, France, and Belgium have all the fun?
As Mississippians, we should visit to learn about King, Mississippi, the blues, and — in some ways — ourselves.
We hope you enjoy the issue.
