INDIANOLA, Miss. — Many traveled to remember Riley B. King, better known as B.B. King.
He and his music touched many, especially his family.
From sun up to sun set, thousands made the pilgrimage to Indianola to celebrate the life of blues icon with memories and music.
But this visitation at the Blues Museum that bares his name was more than just remembering the king of the blues.
These people were here to say farewell to a family member.
Modie Faye Henry and William D. Snyder were King’s sister and brother who lived in Memphis.
They didn’t want to talk about the recent controversy surrounding his estate and his death, but did want to reflect on their brother’s life.
” Yes, he meant a lot to the family. We loved him dearly he did so much for all of us,” said Henry.
“What did he mean to you?” asked WREG’s Alex Coleman.
“Everything,” said Snyder.
Others carried family photos of the blues icon.
Mary Alice Smith said her mother was King’s first wife, Martha King.
‘When they were growing up he made his first record Miss Martha King,” she said.
The man who thrilled audiences was also remembered as more than just a musical genius.
Blues great Dorothy Moore remembered King as a true friend.
“I am thankful for what he’s done for music. A great loss. Monumental to the music industry. Monumental as a person, to fans and the world,” she said.
King, along with his famed guitar Lucille, touched the lives of those who knew him best and those who loved the blues he gave the world.
‘It’s really lifted up. Mr. King is already in heaven to lead a heavenly choir,” said Moore.