MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - The city of Memphis is honoring blues musician B.B. King by declaring Tuesday "B.B. King Day."

Mayor A C Wharton Jr. says Memphis residents will be sending get-well cards, messages and videos to the 89-year-old King, who suffers from diabetes and is in hospice care in Las Vegas.

Born Riley B. King near Itta Bena, Mississippi, King traveled to Memphis in the 1940s and began playing clubs on Beale Street. There, he earned the nickname "Beale Street Blues Boy," which eventually became "B.B."

A giant card has been mounted on the wall of B.B. King's Blues Club on Beale Street for fans to sign and express get-well wishes. Wharton will film a video message that will be shared on social media.

Wharton says Memphis will "forever be indebted" to King.

We have Rodney King, Martin Luther King and BB King...

at least BB is my favorite King...

got to meet him when I was in charge of Student Unions in College and brought him to campus for a concert...

3 sheets to the winds and still put on one hell of a show...

Massachusetts had already passed a mandatory on year sentence for those carrying a concealed weapon with out a permit.. yet I was back stage and before BB King goes on, and before he puts on his jacket, he puts his 38 in an under the armpit holster and then his jacket...

whatta guy...

and he wouldn't let anyone touch "Lucille"...

He died late Thursday night, just minutes after the OP's post.

Peace be with ya BB....

you were the best of the "KINGS" and one hell of a darn good human being....will always love your music sir...

now you can give the Good Lord a personal concert....

thanks for the music.. every note of it...

Prayers sent "Blues Boy" King, you are one of the greatest.

Rest In Peace

R.I.P.B.B.

Blues Boy is gone. Love his music. RIP.

I've been to his club in Memphis and always liked his music. RIP BB.

A great entertainer, RIP.

RIP Mr. King.. One of the very greats - gone..

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