Walter Vinson Gets A Headstone!

Press Release:

Cook County, IL – Walter Vinson may not be “sittin’ on top of the world” but at least he’s no longer lying in an unmarked grave thanks to Steve Salter’s Killer Blues Headstone Project.  Vinson, one time member of the Mississippi Sheiks and author of the song “Sittin’ on Top of the World” now has a proper marker in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, IL. This is the second marker purchased by the Headstone Project this year.  The first was for Big Maceo, King of the Blues Piano.   For more information on how you can help with the next headstone, visit killerblues.net.

Steve "The Killer" Salter at Walter Vinson's Grave with new headstone, purchased by Killer Blues

(Click to enlarge)

Big Maceo Merriwether Gets A Headstone!

Press Release:

Warren, MI -After 45 years of lying in an unmarked grave, Big Maceo, King of the blues piano, has finally received a headstone due to the efforts of blues enthusiast Steve Salter.  Salter purchased the headstone with funds raised from a recent blues festival in his home town of Whitehall, MI.  Salter, a CD and t-shirt vendor at blues festivals has travelled throughout the country collecting photographs of blues artist’s headstones often finding that many didn’t have markers.  He resolved to do something about it and created the Killer Blues Headstone Project.  In 1999 he began his project by submitting a letter to Blues Review Magazine to voice his outrage that the great Otis Spann who contributed so much to the development of Chicago Blues, had no headstone.  This lead to a grass roots campaign with donations coming in from all over the world resulting in a proper marker.  With the placement of Big Maceo’s headstone this month, Salter is on to his next project, Walter Vincent, who lies in an unmarked grave in Chicago.  If you are interested in helping the Killer Blues Headstone Project, visit killerblues.net for more information.   

Big Maceo's new headstone!

(Click to enlarge)