Photo Credit: B.B. King’s Blues Club
Memphis, Tennessee is pulling out all the stops for what would have been the 100th birthday of Riley B. King—better known as B.B. King—the King of the Blues.
The two-day celebration that blends live music, community pride, and tributes to the man who helped put the city’s music on the map. Born September 16, 1925, King’s impact moves far beyond Beale Street, echoing through the halls of American music history.
B.B. King’s Blues Club and Memphis Tourism will present B.B. King’s 100th Birthday Celebration on September 14 – 16. The event is designed to pay homage to ‘The King of Blues’ and invite fans from across the nation to take part. The combination of free and ticketed celebrations reflects King’s own spirit—welcoming, spirited, and always rooted in the people.
“B.B. King’s music echoes far beyond the blues—it’s the heartbeat of American cultural heritage,” says Sara Fay Egan, president & CEO of Beale Street Blues Company. “At B.B. King’s Blues Club, we celebrate not just his sound, but the legacy of storytelling, soul, and Southern roots that shaped generations. We invite everyone—from Memphis to the coasts—to witness where history still plays live.”
The two-day festivities offer something for every fan:
September 14: Beale Street will host a free, family-oriented festival in front of B.B. King’s Blues Club. Performers include DJ Stan Bell, Stax Music Academy, Grizzline, Eric Gales, Corey Lou & DaVillage Band, Beale Street Flippers, Rodd Bland & Friends, Mr. Sipp, and Whitehaven High School. Kontji Anthony and DJ Stan will host the day of music and community.
September 16: The celebration concludes with a ticketed, all-star concert at B.B. King’s Blues Club. The bill features Eric Gales, Bobby Rush, Boo Mitchell, Carla Thomas & Jerome Chism with Hi Rhythm, D.K. Harrell, Southern Avenue, and Shirley King & the B.B. King All-Star Legends. A special jam closes the night by B.B. King’s All-Star Legends. David Porter will host.
“These celebrations serve as a time to pay tribute to the impact that B.B. King had on Memphis and the world—a legacy that continues to bring domestic and international visitors to Memphis year-round,” adds Kevin Kane, President & CEO of Memphis Tourism. “B.B. King helped to put Memphis music on the map. His legacy lives on as the King of the Blues, far beyond his 100th birthday.”
B.B. King’s Blues Club, located at 143 Beale Street since 1991, stands not only as a live music destination but as a beacon of Memphis’s ability to merge history with reinvention. The club’s presence has helped reinvigorate the city’s downtown, turning Beale Street into a thriving destination for music and civic pride. Tickets for the September 16 concert are available on the B.B. King’s Blues Club website.
