Some famous Motown people buried in Detroit (including our Temptations).... ================================================== Legends for eternity -------------------------------------------------- Detroit News, The (MI)-November 11, 2010 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1310L) Author: Susan Whitall The Detroit News By Susan Whitall Detroit News Music Writer Many musical greats from Detroits storied jazz, R&B and rock past have departed this earthly plain, but that doesnt mean you cant visit them. A number are still in Metro Detroit, laid to rest in historic city cemeteries as well as far-flung, more modern mortuary parks. At old Mount Hazel cemetery in Detroit, you can almost hear the plaintive words and music of Son Houses eerie blues Death Letter as you stand in front of his grave. An inscription by historian Dick Waterman tells how this first generation Mississippi bluesman who spent his last days in Detroit seemed to go into a trance, back to an earlier time, when he played his music. In Warren, at Detroit Memorial Park East, you can visit the memorial for Florence Ballard Chapman of the Supremes and see what fans have left: flowers, a scribbled note, maybe a photo of Diana, Flo and Mary in silvery gowns. Ballard died in 1976, just 33 years old. Woodlawn Cemetery on Woodward Avenue just below Eight Mile in Detroit is a must-see for Motown Records fans, with three out of the four original Four Tops entombed there, as well as three Funk Brothers, Temptations singer David Ruffin and Aretha Franklins singing sisters, manager brother and father, noted gospel preacher the Rev. C.L. Franklin. Theres even a Michael Jackson memorial at Woodlawn. Jackson, whose career started at Motown in 1969 when he was 11, is actually buried at Forest Lawn in Los Angeles, but the many tributes, stuffed animals and tear-stained notes left on the lawn of Detroits Motown Historical Museum after his death in June 2009 were put into a vault and buried here. People visit the Jackson memorial almost every day, said Carlos Rowe, Woodlawn family service counselor. He said they leave flowers, framed photographs and other mementos to the King of Pop. If a photo or object disappears, something else appears the next week. Eminems friend, rapper DeShaun Proof Holton, was buried in 2006 wearing his Timberland boots in Woodlawns locked Rosa Parks Chapel, just inside the cemeterys front gates on Woodward. Some families have only personal information about their loved one inscribed on the headstone †Father, Husband, Brother †with no hint of their musical legacy. Others include musical notes or a piano, or words like Motown legend. What motivates people to visit a piece of stone marking the grave of a stranger, even a famous one? Its because theyre people they admire, said Lee Herberger of the Detroit Blues Society. Its the same reason I chase around looking for these people. Some of them were good friends like the Butler Twins; others like Calvin Frazier I never met, but Im aware of his extraordinary career †he was recorded by ( music historian) Alan Lomax in 1938. Ive had people say to me, Oh, I went out to see the Butler Twins and I left a harmonica on Clarences grave, and for Curtis I left a guitar pick, said Herberger. When you go out there, youll find assorted things lying out there. On a sun-dappled fall day, wandering the winding paths at Elmwood Cemetery with its ancient obelisks and angels, downtown Detroits skyscrapers seem to be a world away, rather than a half-mile. Many prominent Detroiters are buried at Elmwood, including Josephine Ford, John L. Lodge and Bernard Stroh. But its also the final resting place of MC5 guitarist Fred Sonic Smith and singer Nathaniel Mayer, whose grave is yet unmarked. For as any Detroit music fan knows, even a legendary musician may not earn enough money for what middle-class families take for granted †a marker with a name. ELMWOOD CEMETERY 1200 Elmwood St., Detroit. Established in 1846, Elmwood is the oldest nondenominational cemetery in Detroit. Prominent Detroiters buried at Elmwood include Josephine Ford, John L. Lodge and Bernard Stroh. Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg Sept. 9, 1930-Jan. 29, 2000 Steinberg was an integral part of Detroits music history, as a popular air personality on WCHB and WJLB and an early advocate of Motowns Funk Brothers. Several of her best-known homespun taglines are inscribed in and around her mausoleum: You are someone, God Bless You †I Love You and I Betcha. Frederick Dewey Sonic Smith Sept. 13, 1949-Nov. 4, 1994 A guitarist for Detroits proto-punk, pre-metal MC5, one of the citys most influential bands of the 60s, Smith retired to the eastside with wife Patti Smith to raise their two children. His memorial has Sonic engraved on one side, Frederick D. Smith, Musician XX century on the other. Nathaniel Mayer Feb. 10, 1944-Nov. 1, 2008 Mayer hit in 1962 with Village of Love on Fortune Records. After years of obscurity, Nay-dog launched a comeback and several new albums in 2000. Mayers grave at Elmwood is unmarked. Freddie Gorman April 11, 1939-June 22, 2006 Lead singer with Motown group the Originals (Baby Im for Real, 1969). He was co-writer of the Marvelettes Please, Mr. Postman and the Reflections Just Like Romeo and Juliet. Thomas Beans Bowles May 7, 1926 -Jan. 28, 2000 Bowles played baritone sax in Maurice Kings Wolverines, house band at the Flame Showbar. He was part of Motowns first studio band, the Funk Brothers, and he toiled as a road manager for the label. The flute solos in Marv Johnsons Come to Me and in Stevie Wonders Fingertips were his. Theodore Teddy Harris Jr. Aug. 27, 1934-Aug. 15, 2005 Pianist/saxophonist Harris played with jazz greats, including Lionel Hampton, and on Jackie Wilsons hits, was music director for the Motown Revue, and toured with blues rocker Paul Butterfield. His grave is unmarked. ROSELAND PARK CEMETERY 29001 Woodward Ave., Berkley. Established in 1906, Roseland Park takes up 188 acres along Woodward at 12 Mile. Rob Tyner Nov. 12, 1944-Sept. 18, 1991 Lead singer of Detroits MC5, Rob Tyners fuzzy Afro and fiery live performances at the Grande Ballroom in the 60s were legendary. His gravestone is a large black circle inscribed with Robs spirit animal, a buffalo, plus his tagline: Let me be who I am. Mattie Moss Clark March 26, 1925-Sept. 22, 1994 As a vocalist, songwriter, pianist and arranger Mattie Moss Clark had a profound influence on gospel music, with songs like Lord, Do Something for Me, Salvation Is Free and Climbing Up the Mountain. Her daughters record as The Clark Sisters. William Bill Alvin Moss May 22, 1931-June 25, 2007 The younger brother of Mattie Moss Clark, Bill Moss played keyboards and recorded with wife Essie as the Celestials, and had the 1969 hit gospel song Everything Will Be Alright. Bill and Essie are the parents of gospel singer J Moss. Don Rader Dec. 15, 1937-July 4, 2004 Rader recorded Rock and Roll Grandpap for Fortune Records in 1956. He went on to play the Grand Ole Opry and score the 1967 hit Goodbye, I Hate to See You Go on Fortunes Strate 8 label. DETROIT MEMORIAL PARK EAST 4280 13 Mile Road, Warren. Detroit Memorial Park opened in 1925 to serve the citys rapidly growing black population with a modern, park-like cemetery. Florence Glenda Ballard�Chapman� June 30, 1943-Feb. 22, 1976 Her churchy alto was featured as lead on the Supremes Buttered Popcorn, but Motown deemed Diana Ross confiding, girlish soprano more commercial. Ballard was fired from the Supremes in 1967, married Tommy Chapman, a Motown chauffeur, and had three daughters.�She landed on welfare and died in 1976 of a coronary thrombosis. Darrell Banks July 25, 1937-Feb. 24, 1970 Banks two best-known songs are Open the Door to Your Heart and Walk Right On In. The singer was shot and killed in a fight with an off-duty policeman over a woman. Scottish fan David Meikle and members of the Soulful Detroit music forum raised enough money to mark Banks gravesite and have a bench installed. William Edward Little Willie John Nov. 15 1937-May 26, 1968 A major R&B star in the 50s, Little Willie John hit with All Around the World and Fever (covered by Peggy Lee). His Leave My Kitten Alone was recorded by the Beatles. Convicted on a murder charge, he died at age 30. In 1996, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His headstone, inscribed Husband Dad Brother/Always in our Memory is a reminder that the famous are grieved, first and foremost, as loved ones. Philippe Wynne April 3, 1941-July 14, 1984 Detroiter Wynne joined the Spinners in 1971. His voice leads Mighty Love and Rubberband Man, among other Spinners classics. He left the Spinners in 1977 for a solo career and died in 1984 of a heart attack while performing at a nightclub in Oakland, Calif. DETROIT MEMORIAL PARK WEST 25200 Plymouth Road, Redford. Formerly known as National Memorial Gardens, with a focus on military graves, until its purchase by Detroit Memorial in 1988. John Ellis Johnny Griffith July 10, 1936-Nov. 10, 2002 A classically trained pianist, Funk Brother Griffith played the mysterious piano line on Marvin Gayes I Heard it Through the Grapevine and swirling organ at the beginning of the Supremes Stop in the Name of Love. Ronald Banks May 10, 1951-March 4, 2010 A founding member of the Dramatics, Banks high tenor powered the soul group into the 1970s with songs like Whatcha See is Whatcha Get (1971), In the Rain (1972) and Get Up and Get Down (1972). 19975 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Woodlawns 138 rolling acres are home to many auto magnates, including the Dodge brothers (Horace and John) whose mausoleum is guarded by sphinxes; Edsel and Eleanor Ford; civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks; former Detroit Mayor Hazen Pingree; retailers J.L. Hudson and Fred Sanders; and many Motown stars. David Ruffin Jan. 18, 1941-June 1, 1991 Ruffin joined the Temptations in 1964, adding his rough, soulful baritone as lead on Aint Too Proud to Beg, Beautys Only Skin Deep, My Girl, (I Know) Im Losing You and other hits. Drug use led to his death in Philadelphia in 1991. Ruffins daughter Nedra said her fathers headstone at Woodlawn will soon be replaced with a new photo and engraving. Ronald Anthony Ronnie White April 5, 1939-Aug. 26, 1995 White sang in early groups with Smokey Robinson and was a founding member of the Miracles. He co-wrote with Smokey My Girl, My Guy, Aint That Peculiar and other songs. Ronnie was the first Miracle to die ; leukemia took him in 1995 at age 57. David Glenn Pop Winans April 20, 1934-April 8, 2009 The patriarch of the gospel Winans family grew up in his grandfathers Mack Avenue Church of God in Christ. He married Delores Ransom in 1953 and had 10 children. In 1989, he and Delores (Mom Winans) recorded their debut album. Winans was active in community groups helping to bring recreation to inner-city youth. Ronald Winans June 30-1956-June 17, 2005 Winans and brothers Marvin, Carvin and Michael were discovered by Andrae Crouch and signed to Light Records. Their 1981 album Introducing the Winans produced the hits The Question Is and Restoration. The group disbanded in the 1990s. Winans died of heart failure in 2005. Marv Johnson Oct. 15, 1938-May 16, 1993 The smooth tenor recorded Berry Gordys first Tamla Records release, Come to Me in 1958. Johnson had nine singles hit the national charts, among them You Got What it Takes. DeShaun Dupree Holton, aka Proof Oct. 2, 1973-April 11, 2006 Rapper Proof, friend to Eminem and founding member of the rap group D12, was shot to death April 11, 2006, at C.C.C., a nightclub on Detroits east side, after he pulled a gun and shot a Gulf War veteran in an argument over a game of pool. Proof is entombed in the Rosa Parks Chapel. Pervis Jackson May 17, 1938-Aug. 18, 2008 Jackson and the Spinners were signed to the late Harvey Fuquas Tri-Phi Records (later absorbed into Motown). Moving to Atlantic Records, the group hit their stride in the 70s with songs such as Ill Be Around, (They Just Cant Stop It) Games People Play, Then Came You and Rubberband Man. Johnnie Mae Matthews Dec. 31, 1922-Jan. 6, 2002 Singer and owner of Northern Records in the late 50s, Matthews recorded future Temptations Melvin Franklin (then David English), Otis Williams, Richard Street, Elbridge Bryant and James Pete Crawford as The Distants. Billy Roquel Davis July 11, 1932-Sept. 2, 2004 Davis co-wrote several of Jackie Wilsons hit songs with Berry Gordy Jr., including Lonely Teardrops. Davis became an executive at Chess Records, and as an advertising executive, co-wrote and produced Id Like to Teach the World to Sing for a 1971 Coca-Cola commercial. Edward Roy Patten Aug. 27, 1939-Feb. 25, 2005 Cousin to Gladys Knight and one of her Pips, Patten was responsible for the groups tight choreography. Richard Popcorn Wylie June 6, 1939-Sept. 7, 2008 The Motown pianist and producer joined the company in 1959. He played on Barrett Strongs Money, the Miracles Shop Around and the Marvelettes Please, Mr. Postman. � THE FOUR TOPS Levi Stubbs June 6, 1936-Oct. 17, 2008 He formed the Four Aims in 1953 with Pershing High School classmate Abdul Duke Fakir, Lawrence Payton and Renaldo Obie Benson. Berry Gordy Jr. snagged them for his Motown label in 1963. Stubbs impassioned, gospel-infused baritone was an instant hit on Baby, I Need Your Loving, Bernadette and Ask the Lonely. Renaldo Obie Benson June 14, 1936-July 1, 2005 Benson also was a songwriter; he co-wrote Whats Going On, one of Marvin Gayes, and Motowns, most enduring songs. Lawrence Payton March 2-1938-June 20, 1997 His death ended the Four Tops 50-year span as the longest-running, all-original Motown group. THE FRANKLIN FAMILY The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklins father, brother and two sisters are inside Woodlawns main mausoleum. Rev. C.L. Franklin Jan.. 22, 1915-July 27, 1984 The pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church sang and delivered fiery, gospel sermons, some of which, like The Eagle Stirreth its Nest, were released on record. Franklin was injured during a break-in at his Detroit home in 1979 and remained in a coma until he died in 1984. Erma Franklin March 13, 1938-Sept. 7, 2002 She sang on the road with R&B singer Lloyd Prices band and recorded a 1967 hit Piece of My Heart, covered by Janis Joplin a year later. Rev. Cecil Franklin March 1940- Dec. 26, 1989 An ordained minister, Cecil served as Arethas manager until his death. Carolyn Franklin May 13, 1944-April 25, 1988 She recorded her debut album, Baby Dynamite, in 1968. As a backup singer for Aretha, Carolyn helped come up with the sock it to me line in Respect. THE FUNK BROTHERS Three members of Motowns studio band are in close proximity at Woodlawn. James Jamerson Jan. 29, 1939-Aug. 2, 1983 The musician learned to play bass at Northeastern High School and is revered for his busy, syncopated bass lines on such classics as the Four Tops Bernadette and Stevie Wonders I Was Made to Love Her. Jamersons life story inspired the book and film Standing in the Shadows of Motown. Earl Van Dyke July 8, 1930-Sept. 18, 1992 The keyboard player and bandleader studied classical piano at Juilliard, toured with R&B star Lloyd Price and Aretha Franklin and joined Motown in 1961. After Motown moved west, Van Dyke taught music at Detroits Osborn High School from 1980-1991. Uriel Jones June 13, 1934-March 24, 2009 The drummer toured with Marvin Gaye, then became a Motown studio musician in 1964. He rocked hard on the Temptations Aint Too Proud to Beg, Cloud Nine and the memorable Gaye version of I Heard it Through the Grapevine. Jones family is getting funds together to mark his grave, next to his mother, Margarite. MOUNT OLIVET CEMETERY 17100 Van Dyke Ave., Detroit Joseph E. Joe Hunter Nov.19, 1927-Feb. 2, 2007 Hunter played for Hank Ballard & The Midnighters and other acts in the 50s, joined Motowns studio band in 1959 and was its first bandleader. His piano is dominant in songs like Marvin Gayes Pride and Joy, Martha and the Vandellas Heat Wave and the Supremes Come and Get These Memories. Hunters headstone is inscribed: Beloved father and grandfather and A Motown legend. LINCOLN MEMORIAL PARK 21661 E. 14 Mile Road, Clinton Township. Paul Williams July 2, 1939-Aug. 17, 1973 Temptation Williams choreographed many of the groups routines. As Melvin Franklins mother Rose said: The steps and moves he taught them in the 60s are still a part of The Temptations show today. He left the Tempts in 1971 and was found dead beside his car in 1973, of what police said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. TRINITY CEMETERY 5210 Mount Elliott, Detroit. Beulah Sippie Wallace Nov. 1, 1898-Nov. 1, 1986 The Texas Nightingale was born in Houston and moved to Chicago in 1923 where she recorded Mighty Tight Woman among other songs for Okeh. She moved to Detroit in 1929 and gave up jazz for gospel. Lured back to the spotlight, she recorded Women Be Wise, toured with Bonnie Raitt and recorded a 1982 album for Atlantic. METROPOLITAN MEMORIAL PARK 48300 Willow Road, Belleville. Georgeanna Marie Tillman Gordon Feb. 6, 1943-Jan. 6, 1980 A founding member of the Marvelettes, the Inkster group that earned Motowns first No. 1 record with their self-penned song Please Mr. Postman. Illness forced Tillman to leave the group in 1965. She died in 1980 of complications from lupus and sickle cell anemia. 19807 Woodward Ave., Detroit (just south of Woodlawn Cemetery). Leonard Cornell Lenny Mayes April 5, 1951-Nov. 8, 2004 Mayes attended Pershing High School in Detroit, where he knew Larry Demps and Elbert Wilkins of the Dramatics. He was in the Casanovas before joining the Dramatics in 1973. Their best-known songs include In the Rain and Whatcha See is Whatcha Get. MOUNT ELLIOTT CEMETERY 1701 Mt Elliott St, Detroit James Jimmie Thomas Epps March 30, 1947-Sept. 7, 2000 Singer with the Fantastic Four, on Ric-Tic, part of Ed Wingates Golden World empire. The groups first single, 1967s The Whole World Is a Stage, is their best known. MOUNT HAZEL CEMETERY Lahser Road, south of 7 Mile Road, Redford Eddie James Son House March 21, 1902-Oct. 19, 1988 This Delta bluesmans songs have inspired musicians from Robert Johnson to the White Stripes, who covered his Death Letter. House retired to Detroit to be close to family. The Detroit Blues Society raised money to mark his grave in 1997, including a long inscription by blues scholar Dick Waterman. WESTLAWN CEMETERY 31472 Michigan Ave., Wayne. Jack Leroy Jackie Wilson June 9, 1934-Jan. 21, 1984 Wilsons solo career highlights were Reet Petite and Lonely Teardrops in the 50s and Higher and Higher in 1967. Known for his breathtaking dance moves, he suffered a stroke onstage at a New Jersey club in 1975 and lingered in a coma until his 1984 death. He was buried in an unmarked grave until fans raised money for a large headstone and bench. Nolan Strong Jan. 22, 1934-Feb. 21, 1977 His high tenor was a great influence on singers like Smokey Robinson, on hits such as The Wind and Mind Over Matter. When Berry Gordy couldnt lure Strong from Fortune Records to Motown, he had the Temptations do a cover of Mind Over Matter as the Pirates. Fans raised money for a marker inscribed Daddy Rocking Strong. Where theyre buried The cemeteries where Detroits music greats are buried are scattered throughout the city and into the suburbs. Martha Jean The Queen Steinberg and Motown bandleader Beans Bowles are at Elmwood, a 19th century cemetery located within the city limits. Woodlawn, located on Woodward just below 8 Mile, was founded in the early 20th century and has the most Motown legends within its gates. R&B greats Jackie Wilson and Nolan Strong are at Westlawn in Wayne, out toward the airport. swhitall@detnews Research By Rob LHeureux and Susan Whitall Edition: no-dotSection: FeaturesPage: A8 Record Number: det-89654912(c) 2010, The Detroit News. All rights reserved. docs.newsbank/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/NewsBank/13399ED9A9B4AE78/5F1FCB0850F04A65B8F8F6AC358679F5?p_multi=DTNB&s_lang=en-US
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 00:09:16 +0000
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