B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center

B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center is .3 mi. n. on B.B. King Rd., then .2 mi. w. to 400 Second St. It pays homage to legendary bluesman and songwriter B.B. King, born in 1925 in nearby Berclair, and to the Delta blues culture and music he and other contemporaries were instrumental in creating. The museum stands at the site of the renovated 1910 brick cotton gin where King once worked. Interactive exhibits detail his childhood and early career performing in Memphis and on the so-called “Chitlin' Circuit,” a string of African American nightclubs throughout the southeastern United States.

After an introductory film, exhibition galleries are visited in chronological order, beginning with the 1930s. On display is King's celebrated guitar, Lucille, which played a pivotal role in the creation of such classics as “The Thrill Is Gone.” You can learn how to “play like B.B.” via the interactive Guitar Studio with King serving as the guide. Also featured are vintage vinyl records; original recording contracts signed by musicians; King memorabilia and his home recording studio; photographs including another king, Elvis Presley; and live performance footage of greats like bandleader/songwriter Cab Calloway.

Time: Allow 2 hours minimum.