Memphis, September 16, 2025
News Summary
In honor of B.B. Kingโs 100th birthday, Memphis will hold a two-day music festival. The event will feature free performances, an all-star concert, and a photo exhibit celebrating the legacy of the ‘King of the Blues’.
Memphis is set to honor the legendary B.B. King with a two-day music festival to celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday on September 16, 2025. The festivities will be hosted by B.B. Kingโs Blues Club and Memphis Tourism, taking place from September 14 to 16, 2025.
The highlight of the celebration will be a block party festival on September 14, running from 2 PM to 6 PM outside B.B. Kingโs Blues Club on Beale Street. This free event will feature an array of performers, including notable artists such as Eric Gales, Rodd Bland and Friends, Mr. Sipp, the Grizzline, and the Stax Music Academy, among others. The block party will be handled by WREG’s Kontji Anthony, with DJ Stan Bell entertaining the crowd.
The second day of festivities will feature a ticketed all-star concert on September 16 at 6 PM. This concert will bring together a host of renowned musicians such as Bobby Rush, Boo Mitchell, Carla Thomas, and Southern Avenue, offering fans a chance to celebrate B.B. Kingโs legacy through live music. Tickets for the concert are priced at $250 plus taxes and fees, which include dinner.
Recognized as the “King of the Blues,” B.B. King has had an indelible impact on the music world, influencing generations of guitarists and artists for over 60 years. Born Riley B. King in Berclair, Mississippi, in 1925, he was the great-grandson of a slave. King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and received more than a dozen Grammy Awards during his illustrious career. Rolling Stone magazine declared him the sixth greatest guitarist of all time in 2020 and his extensive discography includes over 80 albums.
Kingโs music is often described as a vital part of American cultural heritage, with his emotive singing and innovative guitar playing earning him respect from artists like Elvis Presley. Even after his passing in 2015, King remained influential in the music scene, and memories of his profound contributions are preserved in various forms.
In conjunction with the centennial celebration, a photo exhibit titled “B.B. King in Memphis” is currently on display at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, featuring images from a concert King performed in 1982 at Mud Island Amphitheater. This exhibit includes a jukebox lounge with Kingโs 1982 setlist and will remain open until October 19, 2025.
Reflecting on Kingโs legacy, Sara Fay Egan, president and CEO of Beale Street Blues Company, highlighted the significance of Kingโs contributions to American music. Kevin Kane, president and CEO of Memphis Tourism, reiterated that B.B. King played a crucial role in showcasing Memphis music globally.
B.B. Kingโs journey in music started humbly when he briefly worked as a welder at Newberry Tanks in Memphis. However, his passion for music ultimately led him to become an iconic figure whose influence transcends genres and generations. The upcoming celebration promises to be a fitting tribute to his legacy, showcasing the vibrancy of music that he helped promote throughout his life.
FAQ
What is the date of the B.B. King centennial celebration?
The celebration will take place on September 14 and 16, 2025.
Where will the block party occur?
The block party will be located outside B.B. Kingโs Blues Club on Beale Street.
Who are some artists performing at the concert?
Artists such as Bobby Rush, Eric Gales, Boo Mitchell, and Carla Thomas will perform at the all-star concert.
How much are tickets for the concert?
Tickets for the concert are priced at $250 plus taxes and fees, which includes dinner.
What special exhibit is being held in conjunction with the celebration?
A photo exhibit titled “B.B. King in Memphis” is being displayed at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music until October 19, 2025.
Key Features of the B.B. King Centennial Celebration
| Date | Event | Location | Artists | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 14 | Block Party Festival | B.B. Kingโs Blues Club, Beale Street | Eric Gales, Rodd Bland, Mr. Sipp, Stax Music Academy, and others | Free |
| September 16 | All-Star Concert | B.B. Kingโs Blues Club | Bobby Rush, Eric Gales, Carla Thomas, Southern Avenue, and others | $250 plus taxes and fees (includes dinner) |
| Ongoing until October 19 | Photo Exhibit: “B.B. King in Memphis” | Stax Museum of American Soul Music | N/A | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Memphis Flyer Commemorates 30 Years of Local Journalism
Memphis Celebrates Community and Culture with Festivities
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Memphis Named a Top North American Destination by Lonely Planet
Memphis Celebrates Civic Pride at 901 Day Festivities
Memphis Gears Up for a Weekend of Arts and Culture
Shooting Incident During 901 Day Celebrations in Memphis
Memphis Celebrates B.B. King’s 100th Birthday with 100 Days of Blues
Memphis Celebrates Local Music Scene with New Playlist
Additional Resources
- WREG: Memphis to Honor B.B. King’s 100th Birthday
- Daily Memphian: B.B. King Fans Hope for Fun Time on Beale This Weekend
- Clarion Ledger: Celebrating B.B. King’s 100th Birthday
- Southern Living: B.B. King 100th Birthday Celebration in Memphis
- Wikipedia: B.B. King
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
