Chris Lilly - Memphis in May - Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q

Chris Lilly. Today we continue the countdown of the Most Influential People in BBQ with the 15^th most influential person in BBQ. Coming in as the 15^th Most Influential Person in BBQ is pitmaster and owner of Big Bob Gibson BBQ and spokesman for Kingsford Charcoal, Chris Lilly.

Chris Lilly's Big Bob Gibson BBQ has one of the most famous and enduring pedigree's in the world of BBQ. Founded in 1925, this BBQ joint has one claim to fame that I'm not sure any other BBQ joint out there can make, they invented their own style of BBQ sauce - the world famous White BBQ Sauce. Lilly might have inherited a BBQ juggernaut, but he certainly hasn't coasted on its coattails. He's added his own chapter to the Big Bob Gibson legacy, and it's a chapter as thick with honors and influence as any other chapter in the institutions 4 generation history.

Lilly's influence spans many facets of BBQ including competition BBQ, restaurants, cookbooks, TV personality, product spokesman and retail products. On the competition circuit there has been no pitmaster with more success at Memphis in May in the Pork category. Lilly is a three time Memphis in May Grand Champion and seven time winner of the Pork category. Other competition accolades include Grand Champion of the American Royal Invitational, Reserve Grand Champion of the Jack, winner of the inaugural King of the Smoker and first place ribs at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo World Championships. Lilly also has an award winning line of BBQ Sauces and spice rubs that are found in retailers throughout the country. In 2009 Lilly wrote his first cookbook, The Big Bob Gibson BBQ Book - one of the best BBQ cookbooks to come out in recent memory.

Perhaps Lilly's biggest influence on BBQ comes as spokesman for one of the two biggest names in BBQ, Kingsford Charcoal. Through his relationship with Kingsford Lilly uses his platform to educate BBQers on not just the merits of using Kingsford, but also on the traditions of BBQ, helping to create more and more BBQ lovers throughout the United States and world. Lilly is also a frequent competitor and judge on BBQ themed TV shows like BBQ Pitmasters and Best in Smoke. When it comes to influence Lilly dips his toes into many facets of BBQ and is working hard everyday to spread his love of BBQ throughout the country.