David Cousar Elmwood Memorial and MusiCares Fund

"Although he often referred to himself as a “journeyman guitarist,” Dave Cousar’s playing was anything but ordinary or workaday. One of Memphis’ most exquisitely tasteful and innately soulful musicians, with a long and varied resume — that included work with Al Green, Sam the Sham and Rufus Thomas — Cousar died on Thursday at the age of 73." -Bob Mehr, Commercial Appeal 10/27/23

Dearest friends,

As we all deal with the indescribable grief over the loss of David, it has become increasingly more apparent that we all want to do something to help honor him and his legacy.

In speaking with his lovely wife, Janet, she has asked me to create this fund raiser for two reasons:

1). First and foremost, a memorial for David at Elmwood. This will be a lasting and loving tribute to David, and will allow us all to contribute to something beautiful in his memory.

2). Janet also told me that, "I don't want what happened to David (not having timely and proper medical care to sustain his life and the quality of it) to happen to anyone else...my family wants to memorialize David in a way that makes it easy for people in the music and the arts to get medical screenings, facilitate medical care, and navigate the maze of advanced illness."

Therefore, the decision was made that after David's final expenses are covered, the family will donate all future donations from this campaign to MusiCares in memory of David. In brief, here is why:

"MusiCares provides a safety net of critical health and welfare services to the music community in three key areas:

Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services: Support, referrals, and emergency financial assistance for counseling, psychiatric care, inpatient treatment, coaching, intensive outpatient care, sober living and more.

Health Services: Financial assistance during medical crises and preventive services such as dental and medical screenings, hearing clinics, vocal health workshops, and assistance obtaining low-cost health insurance.

Human Services: Support for basic living expenses like rent, utilities, car payments and insurance premiums in times of hardship, plus programs addressing affordable housing, career development, legal issues and senior services."

There is so much we can say about the reasons we all love David and why his passing has left such a huge void, but if you are reading this, you probably knew him and loved him. And you already know that David would want his memory honored in a way that not only speaks to his beautiful, creative spirit but helps his brothers and sisters in the music community as well.

So, if you can, please contribute whatever you can, and THANK YOU for your help in sharing this campaign on all your social media platforms.

Peace be with you all.