DeFord Bailey

He was the defining sound of southern harmonica playing for the better part of the early 20th century. He was a soloist on the Opery stage playing fifteen minute sets, unaccompanied. He was taken on tours to break country artists into mainstream acceptance. He is the only founding member of the Grand Ol' Opery who isn't in the country music hall of fame. He was removed from the stage at the height of his popularity, to spend 25 years shining shoes and playing harp on the streets of Nashville. He was the first black country star, and he was a casualty of his color. . .

I heard DeFord's music tonight for the first time--amazing. He was not the blues, he was the hillbilly sound that defined roots music as much as Bill Monroe, The Carter Family, Lefty Frizzell, or Hank Williams. Yet Nashville has turned their back on his legacy. If you get a chance, check out his documentary: A Legend Lost. It will give you some perspective, to say the least.


pm soundtrack: DeFord Bailey; tom waits real gone; iron & wine our endless numbered days; miles davis bitches brew


PS: Blogspot just changed their policy--now anyone can comment on a post, you don't have to be a member. . . so now you can really abuse me.