This project is completed! Will Shade now has a gravestone, and we hope we've brought him some new recognition as well. You can visit our Events page to see what we've done.
Will Shade Tribute
January 27, 2008 • Chicago, Illinois
May 3, 2008 • Memphis, Tennessee
Will Shade
Shelby County Cemetery opened as a pauper's cemetery in October, 1965, and Will Shade was buried in the oldest section when he died in September, 1966. [view map]
Earl McDonald
A generation older than Will Shade, it was Earl McDonald's Louisville groups that inspired him to start the Memphis Jug Band. A project is currently underway to purchase a gravestone for Earl McDonald. [view map]
Gus Cannon
A friendly competitor of the Memphis Jug Band, Gus Cannon admired Will Shade and recorded with him several times in the 1960's. Del Goldfarb located his grave on Highway 51, a short drive south of Graceland, and organized a concert to raise funds for a new gravestone. [view map]
Furry Lewis
Another longtime friend, Furry Lewis was part of the Memphis Jug Band for a time, and, like Will Shade, lived near Beale Street for the rest of his life. [view map]
Memphis Minnie
Although her career took her to Chicago and much greater fame, Memphis Minnie played with the Memphis Jug Band, and even married Will Weldon, one of its early members. She is buried among cotton fields a couple hours south of Memphis. [view map]
Mississippi John Hurt
John Hurt had no direct relationship with Will Shade, but the Jim Kweskin Jug Band recorded a version of his "Richland Woman Blues." He is buried in a family cemetery in the beautiful hill country of northern Mississippi, and the intimate Mississippi John Hurt Museum is well worth the trip. [view map]
Have you visited other blues gravesites? If you can create a Google map with location markers like the ones above, send us the link and we'll post it here!