B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, Mississippi
Located in the heart of the Delta in Indianola, the B.B. King and Delta Interpretive Center, through exhibits, tells the story of King’s life and music.
“The mission of the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is to empower, unite and heal through music, art and education and share with the world the rich cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta.“
Located in Indianola, Mississippi, the mission of the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center is “to empower, unite, and heal through music, art, and education and share with the world the rich cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta.” For tourists traveling through this region, this means they can find a one-of-a-kind experience at one of the most beloved music attractions in the state. Allow Visit Mississippi to provide you with more information about the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center and assist you with planning an unforgettable trip.
Who Is B.B. King?
Born as Riley B. King on September 16, 1925, B.B. King is a native of the Mississippi Delta region, one of the country’s most impoverished locations at the time, though that didn’t keep him from pursuing his dreams of becoming a famous blues musician. Not only did he defy the odds, he also made great contributions to the development of the blues genre and provided inspiration for future generations of musicians.
With popular tunes such as “The Thrill Is Gone,” “3 O’Clock Blues,” “Downhearted,” and “Sweet Little Angels,” B.B. King recorded numerous albums, accumulated 15 GRAMMYs, received Kennedy Center Honors, and was even awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He graced stages at major venues around the globe, and his international fame is a large part of the reason the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center was born, as many fans of blues music yearn to know more about one of the forefathers of the genre.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Situated in Indianola in the heart of the Mississippi Delta region, the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center offers a host of programming that depicts the story of B.B. King’s life in the Delta and his legendary career. A family-friendly destination ideal for music fans of all ages, this attraction teaches visitors about the events of B.B. King’s time, including discussions about civil justice and race relations, and it also explains how King contributed to Mississippi becoming known as “The Birthplace of America’s Music.”
When you visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, you’ll be able to experience fascinating exhibits such as the following:
- The Theatre: The first stop on your journey through the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, you and your party will view an introductory video about King with the facility’s advanced HD technology and robust audio system.
- The Delta, 1930’s: Learn about what life was like in and around B.B. King’s birthplace and what the young musician-to-be experienced both socially and as a farmworker.
- Memphis, 1950’s: In this gallery, learn how B.B. King made his way to a radio appearance on WDIA.
- Artist to Icon, 1960’s: Documenting his days of touring the South’s Chitlin’ Circuit, this exhibit also delves into the effects of the Civil Rights movement on the music industry.
Also, be sure to visit Lucille’s Gift Shop, which offers B.B. King memorabilia like coffee mugs, guitar picks, and more, to help you remember your visit for many years to come.
Hours of Operation and Additional Information
The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center is located at 400 Second St.,Indianola, MS, 38751. It is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call the B.B. King Museum and Interpretive Center at 662-887-9539, email info@bbkingmuseum.org, or contact Visit Mississippi.
