Guitarist and bluesman Preston Shannon, who has his own star on Beale Street, has passed away at age 70.
In June, Shannon was given six months to live after having been diagnosed with cancer, according to family members who said he made through seven months.
A fixture on Beale St., Shannon was born in Olive Branch. His distinctive guitar talent was known to stop passersby on Beale Street, where he starred at B.B. King’s Blues Club.
Shannon opened up many times for King, remarking upon the iconic King’s death that, “Who else could I follow that was any better?”
Like King, Shannon reached deep within when playing the guitar, having learned from his mentor and by personal experience that “it’s all in the feel.”
