SON HOUSE PROJECT

One of the founding fathers of the blues is buried in Detroit at the Mt. Hazel Cemetery  just south of 7 Mile on Lahser Road.  Eddie James Son House Jr. passed away in 1988 and had been living in Detroit at that time.  Our own Robert Jones served as a pallbearer.  Robert, a founding member of the Detroit Blues Society, keeps the memory of Son House alive through his program on WDET-FM and through his live performances. 

The Detroit Blues Society was pleased to join the effort initiated by publisher Robert Jr. Whitall of the Detroit Blues Magazine to raise money to provide a fitting monument for this great blues man.  In 1997 the black granite headstone was dedicated to his memory. 

The stone is inscribed with the words "The Father of the Blues" and bears his lyric "Go away.  Blues: go away and leave poor me alone."  The angled top includes an etched photo of Son House.  The back of the stone features a dedication by his former manager, Dick Waterman. 

When you find yourself in the area you might consider a visit to this important site.