In a message dated 2/4/99 4:07:39 PM PDT, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< Under the listing for Ernest Tubb, it states that although he's buried at
Hermitage Memorial Gardens in TN, his grave is unmarked, just a number (38-C)
due to his family's forgetfullness/selfishness/whatever. Is this true? Is
his grave still without a tombstone? If so, why the hell hasn't any country
performers done anything about it? >>
While I agree with your sentiments in principle, it's always the *family,* not
the public or other musicians, who determine what (or if any) headstone is
placed. There can be any number of reasons why he has no headstone. If it were
a question of financial need, someone would have taken up the matter long ago.
Since it's not, then it's more likely to be the family's wishes.
The ET situation may change in future. I know of one legendary black musician
who lies in an unmarked grave because his widow hated him so bitterly that she
refuses to see "pilgrims" coming to pay their respects at his graveside;
however, their oldest son has said privately to me that, although he cannot
argue with his mother, as soon as she passes away he will take steps to see
that his father's memory is properly honored. I don't know whether there's a
similar reason in ET's case (one family member refusing to have it done), but
if so, then another family member may alter that situation at some later time.
But we as members of the general public really have no say over the private
wishes of family members.
Mary Katherine
