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DeFord Bailey
BornDecember 14, 1899
The Early Years
Grew up in Smith County, TN
Named after his mother’s favorite teachers.
Mother died when he was one year old.
His Aunt Barbara Lou became his foster mother.
DeFord Bailey
Contracted Polio at age three.
Confined to bed for a year.
Foster mother gave him a harmonica.
Imitated sounds he heard.
The Opry Years
October 5, 1925 WSM went on the air.
Dr. Bates invites DeFord to play.
DeFord played regularly on “The Barn Dance.”
December 1927, Judge Hay coins the name “The Grand Ole Opry.”
DeFord Bailey
1929-1940’s—The Great Depression In early 1933, WSM organized the Artists' Service
Bureau, a booking agency designed to promote personal appearances for the WSM stars.
Legal restrictions and social norms of the time made socializing with his white associates or fans next to impossible.
DeFord was the only African American in his day to perform regularly and on an equal basis with white performers, and before white audiences, in Dixie and elsewhere
“The Harmonica Wizard”
Fewer Appearances
In 1939, NBC network begins broadcasting the Opry.
In the spring of 1941, DeFord was about to begin his sixteenth season with the Grand Ole Opry.
The Opry was changing, becoming more slick and professional.
Old-timers played on the non-network portion.
Licensing issue with ASCAP . May 24, 1941—DeFord Bailey
was let go from the Opry.
DeFord took up
shining shoes full time.
White customers would seek him out.
DeFord rarely made public appearances.
He played for family, friends, and customers.
Jimi, David, and Roy
In the 1960's the Nashville music scene changes.
DeFord Junior became involved in the new soul music.
Jimi Hendrix was close to the Bailey family.
DeFord was befriended by David Morton.
1974-82—DeFord performs on Opry 4 more times.
Died July 2, 1982
