DeFord Bailey (December 14, 1899 - July 2, 1982) was an early country music star and the first African American performer on the Grand Ole Opry. Bailey played several instruments but is best known for his harmonica tunes. He was one of the few notable African-American stars in country music. A grandson of slaves, Bailey was born in Smith county in Tennessee and moved to Nashville in 1925. His first documented radio appearance was June 19, 1926 on WSM in Nashville. Wikipedia
The definitive Wikipedia entry for Deford Bailey. Wikipedia is the biggest multilingual free-content encyclopedia on the Internet. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeFord_Bailey
David Morton assisted the magazine staff by providing a vintage photo of the "always dapper Deford Bailey" with his foot on a Coca Cola crate to include with the article. defordbailey.info/
Who was the first star of the Opry? Most people would think it was a familiar great like Jimmie Rogers or Uncle Dave Macon. But contrary to popular belief the Opry's First Star was none other than the legendary Harmonica Wizard, Deford Bailey www.netowne.com/deford/deford.htm
Deford Bailey was the most influential harmonica player in the first half of the 20th century. Despite such acclaim, DeFord died quietly without recognition of his place in American music history. www.pbs.org/deford/
Ever since country music came into its own, the figure of Deford Bailey (1899-1982) has fascinated and puzzled historians. A harmonica virtuoso, blues singer, guitarist, banjoist, and composer, Bailey was a founding member of the "Grand Ole Opry." One o utpress.org/a/searchdetails.php?jobno=T00262
Deford Bailey was an early country music star and the first African American performer on the Grand Ole Opry. Bailey played several instruments but is best known for his harmonica tunes. He was one of the few notable African-American stars in country mu www.basicmusic.net/musicians.php?aid=4129