Born on This Day in 1899, the Legendary “Harmonica Wizard” and “Grand Ole Opry Pioneer” Who Left a Lasting Mark on Country and Blues Music

The Grand Ole Opry first came to be back in the 1920s. It remains one of the most important radio broadcasts in country music history. And, born on this very day in 1899, one DeFord Bailey became one of the very first performers on the acclaimed broadcast. In the Opry’s early days of the 1920s, Bailey performed with a number of other artists and bands. And Bailey’s influence on country and blues music extends beyond the Grand Ole Opry.

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The Incredible Legacy of DeFord Bailey

In the clip above from the National Life Grand Ole Opry in 1967, DeFord Bailey is introduced as a “Grand Ole Opry pioneer.” He is also hailed as one of the musicians who was present when the Opry got its name. The story goes that the words “Grand Ole Opry” were uttered on December 10, 1927, as George Hay was introducing none other than Bailey as the night’s performer. He is quoted as saying: “For the past hour, we have been listening to music largely from Grand Opera, but from now on, we will present ‘The Grand Ole Opry’.” Without Bailey, who knows if the Opry would have gotten its name?

One of the most influential country and blues musicians of his time, Bailey was an incredible talent at the harmonica. He had an uncanny ability to both vocalize and play the harmonica flawlessly.

DeFord Bailey was born in Smith County, Tennessee, to a family of country and blues musicians. Unfortunately, he was one of many children of the time to contract polio in his younger years. Bailey learned how to play the harmonica and mandolin while he recovered from the disease. He moved to Nashville as a teenager. He would go on to be one of the most influential early contributors to Nashville’s then-burgeoning music scene.

Sadly, Bailey’s story doesn’t have the happiest ending. In 1941, Bailey was fired by WSM because of licensing conflicts that prevented him from performing his most popular songs live. The Opry let him go, and his performing and recording career effectively came to an end. He lived out the rest of his life running a shoeshine stand and renting rooms at his home. He passed away in 1982 at the age of 82.

Bailey deserved better, and his legacy lives on as one of the most important Black musicians of the early 20th century.

(Photo via Getty Images)