BBQ Blues: How Food and Music Form the Soul of the Deep South

On to Mississippi and the legacy of B.B. King

Mississippi’s musical heritage is equally profound, often dubbed the birthplace of the blues. Artists like B.B. King and Muddy Waters are trailblazers from the state, shaping the genre’s soulful sound. This musical legacy is intertwined with Mississippi’s history of racial struggle and resilience, with blues serving as an expressive outlet for marginalized communities.

Mississippi’s music also refelects its eclectic past. The area became part of French Louisiana before being ceded to Spain and later returned to France. It then became a U.S. territory in In 1798, and achieved statehood in 1817.

In Indianola you’ll trace this musical history along the legendary Mississippi Blues Trail, where markers tell the stories of the artists who shaped America’s most influential music. A Local Expert will also lead you through the B.B. King Museum, where you’ll see his guitars, explore interactive exhibits, and visit the restored cotton gin where he once worked.

“BB King is celebrated as one of the most influential blues musicians of all time,” explains Maritza. “Such an important figure in the blues world, there’s no way to travel the through his hometown without incorporating his legacy. A visit to the B.B. King Museum goes beyond viewing personal artifacts, photos, instruments and stage costumes. The museum provides rich cultural context, helping guests understand how B.B. King and other pioneering artists shaped the origins of the blues and transformed American music.

Sing the 12 Bar Blues and dine at Club Ebony

“Club Ebony is our next stop – this venue holds tremendous historical value and is the setting for a fabulous Mississippi meal,” Maritza tells us. “Our lunch includes live music with a local Blues band and brings the guest experience full circle – learning about the origins of blues, BB King and ending with a live musical performance.

“Built in 1948, Club Ebony was once the South’s largest and finest nightclub for Black audiences, playing a vital role on the Chitlin’ Circuit during the Jim Crow era. The club has hosted many historical legends: Ray Charles, Tina Turner, James Brown & BB King himself.

“”Local musician Eric Edwards and Director of Operations Robert Terrell bring the story of Club Ebony and the Southern blues to life including an intro to the iconic 12-bar blues. Together with guests, they’ll craft an original blues song. By the end, you won’t just hear the blues, you’ll feel it in your soul.”

Mississippi’s food scene reflects its cultural melting pot. Soul food ingredients like catfish, collard greens, and cornbread speak to African American culinary traditions, while farm-fresh ingredients illustrate the state’s rural, agrarian roots.

Cooking up a feast in Louisiana

Louisiana’s cultural mix is perhaps the most distinct, blending French, African, Caribbean and Native American influences. New Orleans, in particular, stands at the crossroads of this diversity. Known worldwide for jazz, “The Big Easy’s” musical evolution is deeply tied to its colonial history and vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations. Jazz, blues, zydeco and brass band music all find a home in the city’s lively streets and clubs.

En route to New Orleans, you’ll step into the rich history of Louisiana with a guided tour of Destrehan Plantation, exploring the lives of both the free and enslaved who lived here.

“Plantations hold deep historical significance and were a critical part of American history,” says Martiza. “We chose to include a visit not to romanticize the past, but to deepen guests’ understanding of the realities behind it. At Destrehan, this poignant history is brought to life, slong with a cooking demonstration designed to engage all the senses.

“Before the demo, guests take part in a guided tour that explores not only the lives of the wealthy landowners, but also the stories of the enslaved men, women and children whose forced labor sustained the plantation. You can view rare original documents signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, adding an additional layer for history enthusiasts.

“Food in the South has a distinct identity, shaped by its complex history and the many cultures that have called it home – a true melting pot of flavors. The region is known for its lively, warm hospitality and this cooking deomonstration is the perfect way to capture that spirit, rather then dining a restaurant.

“When you see, taste, hear, smell and touch, you’re more likely to create a long-lasting memory. There’s no better tribute to a destination than returning home, recreating a dish for family and friends, and sharing the stories and flavors that you discovered along the way. Guests will learn to cook signature dishes like jambalaya and chicken, sausage and andouille gumbo – classics that capture the heart of Louisiana’s cuisine.

All that Jazz

In New Orleans you’ll enjoy Mask Making on the Mississippi at Mardi Gras World, explore the city with a Local Expert, and end your tour with a spectacular evening of Jazz.

“You can’t really know New Orlean’s without a visit to a jazz club,” says Maritza. “We chose Frietzel’s European Jazz Club as, although on Bourbon Street, it’s located on the far-right corner of the French Quarter, so it stands slightly apart from the typical bars.

“Frietzel’s has an intimate, old-world vibe. Its a small venue, with limited seating, which adds to the ambiance. You’re not just listening to music in a grand music hall, you’re in the middle of it and we have front row seats secured for guests.

“Live music is everywhere across this  tour, and we’re ending with a step back in time with a raw, jazz experience the way it’s meant to be – up close, personal and unforgettable.”

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