Despite bombshell allegations by two of B.B. King’s daughters that the late blues legend was poisoned, a Memphis, Tenn. official told the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper Tuesday that a tribute parade planned for Wednesday would still move forward.
“Our plans have not changed,” said Dewanna Smith, public information officer for the office of Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Jr.in a phone interview.
The tributes include a a Beale Street processional for the King of the Blues, also known as the Beale Street Blues Boy. The city is encouraging residents and visitors to dress in blue to show love and admiration for King’s blues legacy. The processional is scheduled to begin at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday at Beale Street and Second Street, making its way down Beale Street, then turning right onto B.B. King Blues Highway (Third Street/Highway 61).
Following the processional, B.B. King’s body will be driven to his hometown of Indianola, Miss. for his funeral. Before the processional, a Memphis Musical Tribute to B. B. King is scheduled in Beale Street’s W. C. Handy Park.
“The fact that Beale Street Blues Boy is the origin of the nickname B.B. is the type of authentic connection that will never die,” said Mayor A C Wharton, Jr. in a release.
“B.B. King and Memphis had a long-time love affair, so it’s only fitting that the city mark his life on Beale Street.”
King died May 14 in hospice care at home in Las Vegas at age 89. Media reports said no family members were present.
For updates about the week’s ceremonies honoring B.B. King, visit www.bbking.com
