BAILEY, DEFORD
(1899–1982)
BAILEY, DEFORD (b. Bellwood, Tenn., December 14, 1899–July 2, 1982) One of the most popular performers on the original GRAND OLE OPRY, Bailey is one of those tragic pioneers who never received the recognition that he deserved and spent much of his life in a bitter retirement from music making. In his day he revolutionized harmonica playing, and his 1928 recordings, including the famous Pan American Blues with its myriad train sound effects, influenced generations of musicians. For years he was…