Video: North MS Tribute To B. B. King

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MACON, Miss.(WCBI)–Blues legend B. B. King is remembered by fans in North Mississippi. In a statement released from his office, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant referred to King as being one of the state’s most treasured gifts to the music world. His real name was Riley B. King, fans and friends called him BB, which stands for blues boy.

Since blues musician Big Joe Shelton heard of the passing of his blues icon, he has been teary eyed. But that hasn’t stopped him from singing the praises of one of his favorite artists. In 1970- a then 18 year old remembers catching a ride to a BB King Concert.

“My mama took me out to Old 82 where the truck scale use to be and let me out and I hitchhiked to Atlanta and then I caught a ride with some folks headed down to the festival and it was like the year after woodstock,” said Big Joe Shelton/Blues Musician.

Columbus businessman Stewart Stafford got a chance to meet King close up on two occasions. Stafford still has his 1995 backstage pass from a Tupelo gig.

“And I caught him at a right time and there weren’t many people in line so we talked for quite awhile. He was pleasantly, I told him I had been to Club Ebony several times to see him. And that’s a little small club holds about 100 people,” said Stewart Stafford.

Blues singer and musician Sam Mosley got a chance to tour with King remains in awe of the unique sound produced by the blues icon.

“I liked the blues and I always tried to figure out how did he get the sound that he was getting. Haven’t figured that out yet,” said Sam Mosley/Blues Musician & Singer.

B.B. King passes away at age 89, and yes he leaves behind a lot of fans, and a lady named Lucille he always kept by his side.

“You know it such a gracious nice guy and I think it just shows that if you work hard at your craft and you are a good person, you know, success is going to come,” said Stewart Stafford.

In addition to appearing at the request of Presidents George W. Bush and President Barak Obama, He was the first blues musician honored with the Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1987 King was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame, his career spanning over 60 years.