DeFord Bailey

Deford Bailey (December 14 1899 - July 2 1982) was a musician best known for his mouth-harp playing, though he also performed on guitar and banjo. He was one of the few notable African-American stars in country music.

Related Topics:
December 14 - 1899 - July 2 - 1982 - Mouth-harp - African-American - Country music

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Bailey was a pioneer member of the WSM Grand Ole Opry, and one of its most popular performers, appearing on the program from 1927 to 1941. During this period he toured with many major country stars, including Uncle Dave Macon, Bill Monroe, and Roy Acuff. Like other black stars of his day traveling in the South and West, he faced many difficulties in finding food and accommodation because of the discriminatory Jim Crow laws.

Related Topics:
Grand Ole Opry - 1927 - 1941 - Uncle Dave Macon - Bill Monroe - Roy Acuff - Jim Crow

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Bailey was fired by WSM in 1941 because of a licensing conflict with BMI -ASCAP which prevented him from playing his best known tunes on the radio. This effectively ended his performance career, and he spent the rest of his life shining shoes, cutting hair, and renting out rooms in his home to make a living. Though he continued to play the harp, he almost never performed publicly. One of his rare appearances occurred in 1974, when he agreed to make one more appearance on the Opry. This became the occasion for the Opry's first annual Old Timers' Show.

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