09/22/2026
The number one question I get asked is "How do you find them?" First thing is you have to know they existed and made a contribution to the blues. After that is research,research and research. A death certificate most always gives the name of the cemetery if they were buried. Not always where they actually ended up ...Lonnie Johnson and Little Junior Parker. If we're lucky enough to have a cemetery's name hopefully there is an office with records. Then begins the negotiations with the cemetery officials for the privilege to place a marker that they approve of. It's always our hope to be able to find family members to give approval and participate in the final design of the headstone. We have never asked or required any funds from the families for what we consider an honor to recognize and acknowledge the individuals contribution to the uniquely American music called the blues. To date we've been able to purchase 185 stones in 17 states. The funds to do that have come from the fans and fundraisers we've put on over the 18 years we've been doing this.
We have a list of many more still lying in unmarked graves and will continue to place markers honoring them as funds become available. The average cost these days is $1400 but every stone is a unique story as is the artist. Please go to the website Killer Blues Headstone Project to learn more about us, see the stones we've placed and make a donation to help us continue to honor those artists that created the blues.Willie Dixon said "The blues are the roots and everything else is the fruits"! And one final word on funds. No one Connected to the project receives any compensation for what we do. This is a labor of love. Please help us get the word out and share this.
