By Michael Baginski/ In advance of the 100th birthday of B.B. King on Sept. 16, Memphis Tourism in partnership with B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street and the Blues Foundation Blue Hall of Fame, is celebrating “100 Days of Blues” in tribute to the life and legacy of the legendary bluesman with special events, entertainment, themed tours, and exhibits.
A host of activities are taking place in the lead-up to the milestone (King died on May 14, 2015, at age 89), highlighted by three key events in the city around the big day:
• Sept. 14 – Free event that will take place outside on Beale Street. Performances by Corey Lou and Davillage Band, as well as STAX Music Academy.
• Sept. 16 – BB’s Birthday! This event will take place inside of B.B. King’s Blues Club. Tickets are available at bbkings.com. Performances by Robert Cray, Carla Thomas and Hi Rhythm.
• Sept. 18 – Performances by STAX Alumni Band and Jam Session by the B.B. King’s All Stars will take place inside of B.B. King’s Blues Club. celebrating alongside the city of Memphis with several celebrations in store planned.
Other ongoing opportunities include:
• B.B. King Blues Club | Live Music Nightly
• Blues Hall of Fame | Blues History Exhibits
• Backbeat Tours | Mojo Music Tour
• Withers Museum & Gallery | B.B. King and the Blues Exhibit
For a full rundown of events associated with the 100 Days of Blues celebration, visit memphistravel.com/100daysofblues.
And in the meantime, enjoy this performance from the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago, also featuring Eric Clapton.
Lyrics
The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away
The thrill is gone baby
The thrill is gone away
You know you done me wrong baby
And you’ll be sorry someday
The thrill is gone
It’s gone away from me
The thrill is gone baby
The thrill is gone away from me
Although, I’ll still live on
But so lonely I’ll be
The thrill is gone
It’s gone away for good
The thrill is gone baby
It’s gone away for good
Someday I know I’ll be over it all baby
Just like I know a good man should
You know I’m free, free now baby
I’m free from your spell
Oh I’m free, free, free now
I’m free from your spell
And now that it’s all over
All I can do is wish you well
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