It was a send-off fit for a King.
Blues legend B.B. King was honored by mourning fans as his hearse made its way down the street where it all began. Memphis' Beale Street was filled with thousands of people who wanted to join the King in his final march.
King's beloved guitar Lucille led the processional. The black Gibson ES-355 was carried ahead of the hearse by musician Rodd Bland. The band played 'As The Saints Go Marching In.'
The rain couldn't stop the crowd from following the procession. Many were armed with umbrellas and even brought along artworks and placards dedicated to the legend.
The sights and sounds of #BBKing 's homegoing procession https://t.co/WnOOD1mlOe pic.twitter.com/cwWM2qCBJy
— WREG News Channel 3 (@3onyourside) May 27, 2015
King's name actually came from Beale Street. Although he was born Riley B. King, he slowly got the nickname from being called the 'Beale Street Blues Boy.' It was shortened to 'Blues Boy' before finally becoming 'B.B. King.'
The legend was born in a cotton plantation in Mississippi and decided to join a gospel choir at a young age. When he was 12, King got his first guitar and slowly taught himself how to play. He got his big break when he moved to Memphis and began releasing hits like 'You Know I Love You,' 'When My Heart Beats Like a Hammer' and 'Every Day I Have the Blues.'
In early May, King was brought to the hospital for diabetes and high blood pressure complications. He eventually died in his sleep on May 18.
#BBKing 's final ride down Beale Street. #RIP :( pic.twitter.com/2NC3r5KDz9 — Kimba (@me_kimba) May 27, 2015
Although the cause of death is believed to be diabetes-induced strokes, King's daughters have alleged that the guitarist has been poisoned. Karen Williams and Patty King are pointing to Laverne Toney, King's business manager, for allegedly administering medication that caused diabetic shock.
The sisters also indicate that Toney's personal assistant Myron Johnson might be involved. Homicide investigation is currently being conducted by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
