I had heard about you long before we moved to the Mississippi Dela where life was a culture shock. I had little, if any real appreciation for the delta blues until I had the pleasure of interviewing you at your annual B.B. King homecoming celebration. I had been warned about your sassiness with reporters, women, and your love of irritations. So, I looked at the interview as a challenge and opportunity. At the first meeting and after interviewing, I was taken aback by your comments on my last name. You were past amused after that; we were off to the races so to speak. I told you that I appreciated you giving me a new and welcomed perspective of the Blues, its history, and cultural context. 

That first interview at your celebration turned into live broadcasts during a nightly news segment that night. My station manager who you know- said there was real chemistry. And subsequently, after that first time with you, we interacted another 43 times over the following years. It was a grand time with Mr. King and Lucille- especially when you let me hold and place Lucille in Memphis. 

You were an inspiration and a big part of my life through the years.  

And sadly, I was honored to cover your journey from Memphis, TN down to your gravesite. I saw the love, the memories, and thousands along the route. It made me proud to know our paths crossed and my life changed in positive ways in full appreciation of the Mississippi Delta experience.