Memphis Minnie started recording in 1929 at the age
of 32. She recorded over 200 sides and was an accomplished guitarist,
being able to make any note on her guitar that her male counterparts
could (from Steve Cheseborough).
Minnie is buried
at New Hope M.B. Church, located west of Walls, Mississippi (up
in the far NW corner of the state near Memphis). From US 61, exit
onto MS 302, go west to MS 161 (Old US 61, version 2), then turn
left and go south, then take the first road to your right that
crosses the railroad tracks. After you cross the tracks, turn
right again immediately, then turn left about 1/4 mile afterwards.
You are now heading out of Walls on Old Highway 61 (Old US 61
version 1), go out about 2 miles to the first crossroads and turn
right. Go north almost a mile and you'll see New Hope M.B. Church
and cemetery on your right.
Sign for the church out by the roadside
The stones of New Hope Church's history. The bottom
stone dates back to an 1911 Masonic lodge (the original congression
was organized in 1876!). The middle stone refers to the first
rebuild of this church in 1953. The top stone is dated in April
1973. It's interesting the material used for each of the blocks
and how each gives even more information than the one before it.
The front of Memphis Minnie's grave. Commissioned by
the Mount Zion Foundation (per Steve Cheseborough, date unknown
to me).
The back of the grave
Photos taken in May, 2003
More
photos of Memphis Minnie's grave (Dead Blues Guys)
Page created on January 15, 2004/ last updated on July 4,
2006
Questions and comments can be sent to Sandor
Gulyas
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