ABOUT
Are you a descendant or family member of anyone buried in Hollywood and Rose Hill Cemeteries?
We would love to talk with you. muse@callmecrazy.org
The Journey To Get Here
…I decided during this recent trip to go back and revisit the grave of Walter “Furry” Lewis. I had been there many years before. I had been a fan of Furry’s unique country blues songs since I was in my mid-teen years. Going to Peanuts Pub in midtown Memphis in the 1970s with my crew of blues enthusiasts, I would see Furry Lewis playing on stage backed by Lee Baker every Tuesday night. Sometimes Furry would sing one of his earliest songs “Kassie Jones” all the way through…sometimes maybe halfway. But I loved that song so much I named my son after it. Plus, I was going to perform that song live at the Women in Memphis Music Show at the B-Side Memphis’ Live Stream, and I definitely needed to offer Furry a token of gratitude.
From Diane Green’s SubStack entry
Furry Lewis’ Grave is Sayin’ “I Am A Man”.
Where We Are Now
We are inviting you to participate in a vital historical preservation effort: the restoration of the Hollywood Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. This site is not merely a cemetery; it is a sacred ground that holds the stories of those who shaped the cultural and social fabric of our nation. It serves as the final resting place for Blues legends Furry Lewis and Frank Stokes, whose musical contributions defined an era and continue to inspire artists today.
Beyond its musical heritage, Hollywood Cemetery is the resting place of many of the brave Memphis Sanitation Workers who participated in the historic 1968 strike. This movement brought Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Memphis, where he was tragically assassinated while standing in solidarity with workers demanding dignity and fair treatment. Restoring this landmark is an essential step in honoring their sacrifice and ensuring that the history of the Civil Rights movement remains visible for future generations.
This project is a major restoration undertaking located within a significant historical district. Our work is being meticulously documented through an ongoing documentary film that captures the progress of the restoration and the stories of the individuals buried there as well as their living families. By supporting this project, you are helping to reclaim a piece of history that has been overlooked for too long.
We are currently seeking contributions to fund the extensive labor and materials required for this restoration. If you are able to contribute, please visit our GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/5477163a4. Alternatively, donations can be made by mailing a check to the following address:
MUSE, Inc. Cemetery Project
1856 S Throop Street
Chicago, IL 60608
For more information and to view our progress, please visit our website at https://hollywoodcemeterymemphis.art/.
We also ask that you share this mission with your network, particularly with individuals or organizations who may be in a position to provide substantial financial support for historical preservation and the arts. Your advocacy and generosity will ensure that the legacies of these pioneers and heroes are never forgotten.
Thank you for your time and your commitment to preserving our shared history.
Sincerely,
The Hollywood Cemetery Restoration Team
MUSE, Inc. Hollywood Cemetery Project Team
Diane Green muse@callmecrazy.org