Ricky Wilson

Ricky Wilson (1953-1985), the lead guitarist for the B-52s, is one of the most prominent figures of Athens’ rich musical history.

Ricky Wilson, famous guitarist and founding member of the Athens-based band the B-52s, was born on March 19, 1953 in Athens, Georgia. Wilson and his bandmates formed the B-52s in 1977 after performing an impromptu jam session following drinks at a local Chinese restaurant. Some of the band’s most popular songs include “Love Shack,” “Rock Lobster,” “Planet Claire,” and “Private Idaho.” Ricky Wilson died on October 12, 1985 from AIDS/HIV-related complications. He did not live to enjoy the release of the band’s fourth album, Bouncing off the Satellites (1986). The band, devastated at his passing, did not tour to promote their album and entered an extended hiatus from music. Ricky’s contemporaries hailed him as one of the era’s best guitarists, and his loss robbed the band of one of its most creative members.

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Oconee Hill Cemetery

Known for its charm and beauty, historic Oconee Hill Cemetery is located in Athens, Georgia adjacent to the University of Georgia campus. Established in 1856 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Oconee Hill is significant for its landscape architecture, decorative funerary markers, distinctive cast-iron fencing, a rare through-truss bridge, and a Sexton's House of architectural significance. The grassy and rolling terrain with woods, flowing water and scenic vistas makes Oconee Hill a pleasant place to visit and stroll among the graves of many notable Georgians including governors, University presidents, veterans, and Congressmen. Oconee Hill is still an active cemetery, and lots are available for sale.