CB. WEB Stubbs: From Mess Sergeant to Rock-and-Roll Condiment

A Culinary Journey through Time and Music

Fifty years ago, after feeding thousands as a mess sergeant during the Korean War, CB. WEB Stubbs embarked on an unexpected culinary adventure that would forever change the barbecue landscape. His legendary barbecue sauce, a beloved condiment today, has a shockingly rich rock-and-roll history that weaves through some of the most iconic moments in music history.

The Genesis of a Culinary Legend

Upon returning home from the war, Stubbs opened a small barbecue joint in Lubbock, Texas. His secret barbecue sauce, crafted from a blend of spices, tomatoes, and molasses, quickly gained a local following. But it was his guitar-playing skills that would set him apart.

From Barbecue Joint to Rock-and-Roll Haven

In the early 1960s, Stubbs's barbecue joint became a regular haunt for musicians from the legendary Buddy Holly to the up-and-coming Stevie Ray Vaughan. The aroma of succulent ribs and sizzling brisket, coupled with the rhythm of Stubbs's guitar, created an irresistible ambiance that lured rock stars and music lovers alike.

A Culinary Legacy Linked to Music History

Stubbs's sauce became an integral part of the rock-and-roll scene. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Who were among the countless musicians who frequented his joint and raved about his barbecue. Stubbs's sauce even made its way into the lyrics of Johnny Winter's "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo":

"Well, I got my Stubbs sauce, yeah And my blues guitar And I'm gonna play all night, yeah Until the sun comes up"

Expanding Beyond Texas

As Stubbs's reputation grew, so did the demand for his sauce. In 1992, he partnered with a local company to distribute his creation nationwide. Today, CB. WEB Stubbs barbecue sauce is a beloved condiment used by chefs, home cooks, and barbecue enthusiasts alike.

A Culinary Icon with a Lasting Legacy

CB. WEB Stubbs's barbecue sauce stands as a testament to the power of culinary innovation and its enduring connection with music history. From its humble beginnings as a mess sergeant's secret recipe to its rock-and-roll glory days, Stubbs's sauce has become an iconic American condiment that continues to delight taste buds and inspire culinary adventures.