Elaborate Grave of Singin' Sam
Hillside, New Jersey
"Singin' Sam" Stevens was a gypsy. He died in 1984, but his impressive grave in Evergreen Cemetery has been immaculately maintained (Evergreen has historically been a popular burial ground for gypsies).
Sam's burial plot takes up an entire corner of the cemetery. It's a black granite colonnade inlaid with many gold musical notes. "Signin' Sam" is inlaid in gold as well, right in the center. To the right is a granite amp and Gibson electric guitar with a laser-etched portrait of Sam on its back.
To the left is an oversized 33 rpm record (Sam died just as CDs were coming in) engraved "Greatest Hits" -- evidently popular with his audiences -- with titles such as "Da-Day," "Alay-La-Lay," and "Oih Leno." Below this list are engraved what we assume are Sam's favorite personal attributes: "Singer," "Song Writer," and "Peace Maker." Off to one side is the grave's own personal picnic table, also made of granite inlaid with gold musical notes.
Although the grave is designed for both Sam and his wife, Mary, her presence is limited to her name, birth date, and a color photo of her posing with Sam, who wears a white cowboy hat and appears with drink in hand.
Singin' Sam Stevens was only 45 when he died.