B.B. King Museum has Banner First Year

The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, located in Indianola, Miss., has been packing them in during its first year of operation despite the economic hits taken by most popular tourist attractions in this country. More than 30,000 visitors paid the $10 admission to see artifacts from the "birthplace of the blues."

The museum is a tribute to the legendary bluesman who grew up in the Mississippi Delta, as well as a collection of the history and culture spawned by the area. The building itself is carved out of a cotton gin where King worked before music took over his life.

Visitors can see memorabilia of King's life and musical career-- a quilt from childhood, his draft card, and versions of his famous guitar, Lucille. In addition, there are display items on loan from other artists, including hand-written lyrics from Janis Joplin.

Be sure to put this fascinating landmark on your "must see" list the next time you travel down south. No music fan should miss it!