Linda Kennedy Edwards — the imaginative spirit who helped turn Blueberry Hill into one of St. Louis’ most beloved cultural landmarks — died on February 15. She was 77.
Born in 1947, Linda grew up in the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood, where she and her sisters Mary and Pat first learned the art of mischief and joy at St. Roch’s School.
In her twenties, Linda fell in love with Joe Edwards — a partnership that would help reshape the cultural landscape of St. Louis. In 1972, the two opened Blueberry Hill Restaurant & Music Club, a cozy neighborhood spot that grew into an iconic institution and sparked the revitalization of the Delmar Loop. What began as a restaurant became a gathering place, a creative hub, and eventually a pilgrimage site for music lovers around the world.
One of Linda and Joe’s most enduring contributions to St. Louis culture was giving rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry a permanent home for his music. When the Edwards’ opened the Duck Room — named after Berry’s signature duck walk — it became the only place on Earth where fans could reliably see the father of Rock and Roll up close.
Berry performed there month after month, year after year, as long as his health allowed. His residency became a living piece of American music history, and Blueberry Hill became the room where generations witnessed a legend still doing what he loved. Linda’s presence, creativity, and warmth helped make that space feel intimate, electric, and unmistakably St. Louis.
In 1986, Linda debuted her now‑famous corner window displays at Blueberry Hill — whimsical, theatrical installations that stopped pedestrians in their tracks. Her daughter Hope later documented these creations in The Window Displays of Linda Edwards at Blueberry Hill Restaurant & Music Club, ensuring that Linda’s artistry will continue to brighten coffee tables and memories for years to come.
Today, the iconic Blueberry Hill marquee in the Delmar Loop reads “RIP Linda E.”
Her light — like the neon glow of the Loop she helped revive — will continue to shine.
She leaves behind a legacy of creativity and community, and she will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends, including her husband Joe Edwards; daughters Christine and Hope Edwards; sons‑in‑law Lee Todorovich and Josh Sommovilla; sister Pat Kennedy; and lifelong friends Barb Dulick, MaryAnn Smith, and Carol Conway‑Long.