If you asked people who they thought the first star of the Grand Ole Opry was, they'd probably name stars like Uncle Dave Macon, or even Jimmie Rodgers. But the actual answer is none other than legendary "Harmonica Wizard," DeFord Bailey.
So, just who is DeFord Bailey? Here are a few facts:
- Born in Carthage, TN (about 40 miles east of Nashville) on December 14, 1899.
- He was raised in a family of musicians who played what he later referred to as "black hillbilly music."
- He contacted polio at the age of 3, and while bedridden for many months, learned how to play the harmonica.
- His bout with polio left him handicapped, and he never grew taller than 4'10".
- In 1925, he worked as an elevator operator, and was working in the National Life building, which housed WSM radio. He became friends with a fellow harp player, Dr. Humphrey Bate, who appeared on WSM's Barn Dance. Bate introduced DeFord to George D. Hay, who invited him to be on the show.
- It was DeFord's performance of Pan American Blues that prompted George D. Hay to say "For the past hour we have been listening to music largely from Grand Opera, but from now on we will present The Grand Ole Opry."
- In 1928, when Victor Talking Machine Company came to Nashville to set up the first recording session in the city, DeFord was among the first artists selected to record.
- DeFord became a crowd favorite and played on the Opry 'til 1941.
- He toured with many of the Opry's stars, such as Uncle Dave Macon, Roy Acuff, The Delmore Brothers, and a young Bill Monroe.
- DeFord Bailey died at the age of 82, on July 2, 1983. A plaque was unveiled, and a monument placed near his grave at Nashville's Greenwood Cemetery.
Relevant Links
DeFord Bailey
DeFord Bailey: A Black Star in Early Country Music
Biography: DeFord Bailey
Country's Black Heritage Runs Deep
Stand They Did: The black experience in country music
DeFord Bailey - Historic Sign
DeFord Bailey - 1899-1982
Buy The Legendary DeFord Bailey
Ain't Gonna Rain No More (RealAudio)
Cow Cow Blues (RealAudio
Country Music Hall of Fame
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