Indianola’s
Club Ebony plays a most important role in the history of the Delta blues. Built in 1948, the Ebony was once a show palace, incredibly large and decked out with high, decorative ceilings and glass panels around the stage and on walls. The club was undoubtedly a source of pride for Indianola’s Black community back in the rough days of segregation just after World War II. The Ebony also figured in B.B. King’s career. Not only did King play there in his early days, but he fell in love with and married a daughter of the owner. When the final owner, Mary Shepherd, decided to retire, there was fear that the Ebony would close. Instead, it was purchased by B. B. King, who operated it for a couple of years before giving to the museum. The museum now operates the Club Ebony, which is in the process of being restored to its 1948 grandeur. Live music still happens at the Ebony, but the down side to the museum administration is early closing hours- the Ebony now shuts down at 10 PM, even on weekends.
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