Deford Bailey

Born in Smith County, Tenn. in 1899, Bailey suffered from infantile paralysis, which left him with a deformed back and only allowed him to grow to an eventual height of 4 feet 10 inches. Bailey’s father and uncle were noted musicians who played what they referred to as “black hillbilly music.” They taught young Bailey to play banjo, fiddle, guitar and, what would become his signature instrument, harmonica.
Bailey began playing harmonica professionally around Smith County at age 14 and moved to Nashville in 1925. Around this time he met Dr. Humphrey Bate, a respected physician and harmonica player who introduced Bailey to George D. Hay. Hay, who was known as “The Solemn Old Judge,” was both announcer and booking agent for the WSM Barn Dance. Bate’s support was instrumental in Bailey being accepted as the first African American artist to join the national radio show. In 1927, the WSM Barn Dance was renamed the Grand Ole Opry with Bailey becoming one of the radio show’s first solo stars. He performed on 49 of the 52 Opry programs during its first year under the new name, more than any other artist.
Bailey recorded albums in the late ‘20s on labels including Brunswick, Columbia and Victor. His recordings are critically viewed as the first decently recorded examples of harmonica playing, and his best-known songs were “John Henry,” “Fox Chase,” “Muscle Shoals Blues” and his signature tune “Pan American Blues.” His success helped create opportunities for other harmonica players to record and perform across the country. In addition to recording and performing on the Opry, Bailey often worked road shows with other Opry acts during the ‘30s, including opening for Roy Acuff as well as a package tour with Uncle Dave Macon.
Bailey left the music industry in 1941. He returned to the Grand Ole Opry stage in 1974 to inaugurate the First Annual Old Timers Show. In 1982, he passed away at the age of 83. Bailey’s pioneering efforts have been an inspiration to many, including fellow Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride. Tonight Deford Bailey was inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame.