Blues Cruise Day 6 - Memphis

Arrived in Memphis this morning; despite national news reports of impending peril from flooding; the city was calm and not expecting major disaster.  We took the trolley to the Civil Rights museum located adjacent to the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968.  We could not take pictures inside the museum.  It was a bit depressing to revisit the the painful events leading up to the death of Dr. King.  I had forgotten that he was only 39 yrs old when he died.

Wreath marks room that MLK was leaving at time of assassination.

We left the museum to take the trolley along the river to see how high the water had risen.  The river is expected to crest today.  The riverside sidewalk and the street along the river was flooded in places but the water is not expected to reach any significant part of the city.  Frankly, I was expecting to find worse.



There is a sidewalk to the right of the large tree on the left; it is under water.



Starting to get a little messy

These trolleys are very old; mostly wooden construction.  The operators are engaged with the passengers and passersby.  Riding these are a must to see downtown.  Most go right past Beale Street.

Art talking some smack on the trolley.

Ah, next for some fried chicken at Gus' Fried Chicken.  Our trolley operator assured us that Gus has the best fried chicken in Memphis (only because Patti Weber lives in Portland).  It was good; rated bona fide!

 

No wasted calories!

Finally, Beale Street and BB Kings place for Bread pudding and Blues.  What is Blues, you ask?  Well, according to Willie Brown, it ain't nuthin' but a good man feelin' bad!  However, no one at BBs was feeling bad.  Music was by the BB King All Stars, also quite bona fide, as was the excellent bread pudding.  Damn, another good day on the Blues Cruise!!!!

Beale Street in full regalia!



 

The BB King All Stars



Entire band was excellent; the lead singer reminded me of . . . me!