As we step into Kilmichael, Mississippi, we are transported back in time to where one of the greatest blues musicians of all time first discovered the power and soul of this uniquely American genre of music. Here, at 104 S Depot Ave, lies a landmark that holds a special place in the heart of every blues fan - the Mississippi Blues Trail - Kilmichael: B.B. Kings Roots.

Born Riley B. King on September 16, 1925, in Berclair, Mississippi, B.B. King would go on to become a global ambassador for blues music, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music with his guitar skills and soulful voice. But it all started right here in Kilmichael.

When B.B. King was just four years old, his parents separated, and he spent time living in both Kilmichael and Lexington before moving to Indianola as a teenager. It was during these early years that he witnessed firsthand the hardships faced by sharecroppers working on plantations. This raw experience would later shape his music and influence his powerful lyrics.

In 1925, Kilmichael became a significant location in the life of B.B. King when it was here, at 105 Depot Ave in the heart of the town square, that the Kilmichael: Roots of B.B. King blues marker was unveiled. Hundreds of fans gathered to pay homage to the legendary singer and guitarist, celebrating his early life and the place where he first encountered the mesmerizing sounds of the blues.

This historical landmark serves as a window into the life of B.B. King - a glimpse at the experiences that molded his music, and the deep connection he shared with Kilmichael, Mississippi. The unveiling of this marker is not just an important tribute to B.B. King but also a vital testament to the impact that Mississippi had on the development of his musical style.

So as we stand at 104 S Depot Ave, lets take a moment to appreciate the significance of this place in the history of blues music and celebrate the life and legacy of B.B. King - a true legend who first discovered the power of the blues right here in Kilmichael, Mississippi.