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DeFord Bailey — Rare Clips — DeepCutsArchive — DeepCutsArchive

DeFord Bailey

United States1980s2020s2000s1940s1960s

About DeFord Bailey

DeFord Bailey was an American old-time musician and songwriter considered to be the first African American country music star. He started his career in the 1920s and was one of the first performers to be introduced on Nashville radio station WSM's Grand Ole Opry, and becoming, alongside Uncle Dave Macon, one of the program's most famous performers. He was the first African-American performer to appear on the show, and the first performer to record his music in Nashville. Bailey played several instruments in his career but is best known for playing the harmonica, often being referred to as a "harmonica wizard".

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United States

DeFord Bailey by Type

LiveRareDocumentaryTV Appearance

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Thumbnail for Bill Monroe - DeFord Bailey & "Evening Prayer Blues" by DeFord Bailey3:01

Bill Monroe - DeFord Bailey & "Evening Prayer Blues"

DeFord Bailey

1980sLive
Thumbnail for Alcoholic Blues, a DeFord Bailey cover (pre-war blues) with a Vintage Harmonica Megaphone by DeFord Bailey1:23

Alcoholic Blues, a DeFord Bailey cover (pre-war blues) with a Vintage Harmonica Megaphone

DeFord Bailey

DeFord Bailey by Decade

1940s1960s1980s2000s2020s

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Live3 clips

  • Thumbnail for Bill Monroe - DeFord Bailey & "Evening Prayer Blues" by DeFord Bailey3:01

    Bill Monroe - DeFord Bailey & "Evening Prayer Blues"

    DeFord Bailey

    1980sLive
  • Thumbnail for DeFord Bailey - Pan American Blues - Grand Ole Opry Shown December 15th 2024 by DeFord Bailey1:01

    DeFord Bailey - Pan American Blues - Grand Ole Opry Shown December 15th 2024

    DeFord Bailey

    2020sLive
  • Thumbnail for Bill Monroe - DeFord Bailey & "Evening Prayer Blues" by DeFord Bailey3:01

    Bill Monroe - DeFord Bailey & "Evening Prayer Blues"

    DeFord Bailey

    1980sLive

More Clips10 clips

  • Thumbnail for DeFord Bailey - Kansas City Blues (1947) by DeFord Bailey3:04

    DeFord Bailey - Kansas City Blues (1947)

    DeFord Bailey

    1940sRareLive
  • Thumbnail for April 19, 1927 recording "Dixie Flyer Blues", Deford Bailey by DeFord Bailey3:01

    April 19, 1927 recording "Dixie Flyer Blues", Deford Bailey

    DeFord Bailey

    1980sDocumentaryTV Appearance
  • Thumbnail for Alcoholic Blues, a DeFord Bailey cover (pre-war blues) with a Vintage Harmonica Megaphone by DeFord Bailey1:23

    Alcoholic Blues, a DeFord Bailey cover (pre-war blues) with a Vintage Harmonica Megaphone

    DeFord Bailey

  • Thumbnail for Who Was DeFord Bailey America's Lost Country Music Star #shortsfeed by DeFord Bailey0:59

    Who Was DeFord Bailey America's Lost Country Music Star #shortsfeed

    DeFord Bailey

  • Thumbnail for FOX CHASE HARMONICA in key of G by DeFord Bailey1:35

    FOX CHASE HARMONICA in key of G

    DeFord Bailey

  • Thumbnail for A Black man inspired the name The Grand Ole Opry. His name is DeFord Bailey. by DeFord Bailey0:50

    A Black man inspired the name The Grand Ole Opry. His name is DeFord Bailey.

    DeFord Bailey

  • Thumbnail for Carlos DeFord Bailey / "Music City Shoe Shine Man" by DeFord Bailey3:29

    Carlos DeFord Bailey / "Music City Shoe Shine Man"

    DeFord Bailey

  • Thumbnail for DeFord Bailey - Country Music Hall of Fame - 2005 by DeFord Bailey2:43

    DeFord Bailey - Country Music Hall of Fame - 2005

    DeFord Bailey

    2000s
  • Thumbnail for DeFord Bailey - Pan American Blues by DeFord Bailey1:01

    DeFord Bailey - Pan American Blues

    DeFord Bailey

    1960s
  • Thumbnail for Donnie Miller, Host Tennessee Blues Society Jam at Carol Ann's by DeFord Bailey5:10

    Donnie Miller, Host Tennessee Blues Society Jam at Carol Ann's

    DeFord Bailey

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