Mississippi Blues Trail Marker unveiled at FedExForum

B.B. King Joe Murphy Photography

Friday, May 08, 2009
There was star power to spare as an appearance by blues legend B.B. King highlighted the unveiling of the first Blues Trail Marker outside of the state of Mississippi on the FedExForum Plaza. View photos

The music icon was joined by Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton, Grizzlies President of Business Operations Greg Campbell, Memphis Conventions and Visitors Bureau President Kevin Kane, and Blues Trail Director Alex Thomas on stage for the dedication of the marker that acknowledges the many native Mississippians who performed and made their name in the Bluff City from the earliest days of the blues to the present. Action movie star Steven Segal, and friend of B.B. King, even flanked the press conference stage, adding even more punch to an already exciting event.

When it came time for B.B. King to speak to the adorning crowd and media that had assembled, he mentioned at first that he was nervous speaking without his beloved guitar Lucille. But the man who’s name is synonymous with the blues was as comfortable speaking about the importance of the blues markers as he is singing the blues and delivered a charismatic speech that is sure to be remembered.