Memphis—the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, home of the blues, and the city where B.B. King’s legend took root. As we approach what would have been King’s 100th birthday, there’s no better way to honor his legacy than to explore the places where his music and story live, proving that unlike the name of his Grammy-winning recording–the thrill is not gone.
Memphis—the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, home of the blues, and the city where B.B. King’s legend took root. As we approach what would have been King’s 100th birthday, there’s no better way to honor his legacy than to explore the places where his music and story live, proving that unlike the name of his Grammy-winning recording–the thrill is not gone.
Follow this three-day itinerary to walk in the footsteps of the King of Blues and soak up the vibrant Memphis music scene he helped shape.
Stay tuned for an exciting roundup of events ahead of King's 100th birthday on September 16, 2025.
From left to right: B.B. King mural, Backbeat Tours ride, Blues Hall of Fame, and B.B. King's Blues Club.
Day 1: Welcome to B.B. King’s Memphis
Day 1: Welcome to B.B. King’s Memphis
Morning: Start your journey at the Tennessee Welcome Center (119 N. Riverside Drive). Inside, you’ll find a stunning statue of B.B. King playing his beloved guitar, Lucille. It’s the perfect introduction to the man whose music changed the world.
Midday: Head to Beale Street, where King’s career began. Stroll along this iconic strip, stopping at the brass note honoring him outside B.B. King’s Blues Club. Enjoy a soulful lunch at the club.
Afternoon: Visit the Blues Hall of Fame, just steps away from Beale Street. This museum dives deep into the history of blues music, with exhibits featuring King and his contemporaries. Don’t miss seeing memorabilia from his career, including awards and recordings.
Evening: Return to Beale Street for live music—after all, it’s where B.B. earned his nickname, the “Beale Street Blues Boy.” Catch a show at one of the historic clubs or at B.B. King’s Blues Club to end the night on a high note. Prior to club hopping, head up the back stairways of B.B. King's Blues Club for all the speakeasy vibes at Itta Bena, the restaurant upstairs named after King’s Mississippi birthplace.
Must-Visit Places for Fans
Day 2: From Memphis to the World
Day 2: From Memphis to the World
Morning: Begin at Sun Studio, where B.B. King recorded early tracks, including “3 O’Clock Blues”—the song that launched his career. Take a guided tour to hear stories about his time in Memphis and his influence on rock ‘n’ roll. King never forgot his roots, later in life returning to Sun Studio to record with U2.
Midday: Stop by the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery, home to photographs of Memphis’ famed Beale Street musicians, including B.B. King. Ernest Withers’ work captures the energy of Memphis during the height of King’s career. Before enjoying dinner at a local favorite, visit the B.B. King mural, a colorful tribute to the blues icon. Reflect on the enduring legacy of the man who brought the blues to audiences around the world. You can find the B.B. King mural on Lamar Ave.
Afternoon: Explore the National Civil Rights Museum, once the Lorraine Motel. King often stayed here when performing in Memphis. Learn about the Civil Rights Movement and how it intersected with the lives of musicians like B.B. King.
Evening: Stop by one of the best dive bars in the world, Earnestine & Hazel's. Today, it's known for its frozen in time atmosphere, live music, and famous soul burgers but it was once a popular place for musicians like B.B. King, Tina Turner, and more to hang out after performing. Be sure to make your way upstairs.
Day 3: Honoring a Legacy
Day 3: Honoring a Legacy
Morning: Pay tribute to King’s roots and milestones by following the Civil Rights Trail, which highlights the interconnected stories of civil rights and blues music in Memphis. Stop by WDIA Memphis, the radio station in downtown where King got his start as “The Beale Street Blues Boy." WDIA is one of eight Memphis locations on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.
Midday: Take a lunch break on Beale Street or grab a bite at one of Memphis’ many soul food spots. Then, head to the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum just ten feet off of Beale Street, created by the Smithsonian Institution that tells the complete Memphis music story. Then pop over to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, the only Memphis museum focusing specifically on the city's music heroes like King.
Afternoon: Hop aboard a Backbeat Tour for an immersive experience into Memphis’ music history. These engaging tours, often led by local musicians, provide a lively journey through the city’s iconic sites, including stops tied to B.B. King’s story. You’ll hear live music on the bus and learn about the influence of the blues on Memphis and beyond.
Evening: Cap off your trip with a dinner from one of Memphis' 101+ barbecue joints before a farewell toast at B.B. King’s Blues Club, where his spirit still resonates in every note played. Order a cocktail and raise your glass to the King of Blues.
Bonus Stop: If you have time during your Memphis trip, another must-stop for music lovers is the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Walk through an amazing collection of more than 2,000 interactive exhibits, films, artifacts, items of memorabilia, and galleries through all eras of soul music beginning with its roots in gospel.
BONUS: Day Trip to Mississippi
Before B.B. King made Memphis home, Mississippi was where his roots began. Located about two and half hours south of Memphis in Indianola is the B.B. King Museum with interactive displays, countless personal items of King's like his iconic Lucille guitars, outfits, and awards.
