B.B. King honoured in Memphis

B.B. King was honored during a street procession in Memphis.

The ‘Rock Me Baby’ hitmaker – who passed away at his home in Las Vegas aged 89 last week – was driven through the streets of the city in Tennessee yesterday (05.27.15) led by a Dixieland jazz band as crowds gathered to pay their final respects.

The convoy – which also included legendary blues singer Bobby Bland’s son Rodd carrying one of King’s iconic Lucille guitars – made its way down Beale Street before passing B.B. King’s Blues Club and turning on to B.B. King Blues Highway.

Residents and fans gathered in their thousands to honor the late singer – who was known affectionately as the ‘King of the Blues’ – with one onlooker describing the procession as ”amazing”, another added it was an ”awesome feeling” to be part of King’s send off.

Memphis-born Gary Daly said: ”Such a beautiful day. It’s a great tribute to a wonderful contributor to the world of music. It’s been really amazing to see the people of Memphis coming out … celebrating a wonderful, loving man.”

Mary Springfield, who had travelled from Detroit, Michigan, added: ”This is history. This is an awesome feeling.”

Crowds later gathered at WC Handy Park to hear spoken and musical tributes to the star.

King’s body will now travel to his native Mississippi where his funeral is set to take place on Saturday (30.05.15).