Description

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Includes a new foreword by musician Dom Flemons, forty-five illustrations, and a complete session discography.

A founding member of the Grand Ole Opry and the program’s first Black star, DeFord Bailey (1899–1982) was among the Opry’s most popular early performers. Known as the “Harmonica Wizard” for his virtuosity on the instrument, he was also a singer, guitarist, banjoist, and composer. 

For decades following his departure from the Opry, Bailey’s story was shrouded in mystery. This meticulously researched biography, long out of print, tells the story of a pioneering Black star in early country music in rich and fascinating detail. The book’s original publication in 1991 helped pave the way for Bailey’s election to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

About the Author

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David C. Morton holds a B.A. in history from Auburn University and has completed the coursework required for a Ph.D. in history at Vanderbilt University. He retired
after many years as executive director of the Reno (Nevada) Housing Authority. The late Charles K. Wolfe was professor of English and folklore studies at Middle Tennessee State University. He is the author of ten books about American music, and he served as editor of several more.

Praise For…

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“David Morton’s book is a story about this wonderful little man, who stood less than five feet tall, and his gift to this world. It is beautifully illustrated, and is worth reading both to know about the musical contributions of DeFord Bailey, but also for a deeper understanding of the early days of radio, the Grand Ole Opry, the South of that era, and to see how this music came to be, and what still makes it so wonderful.” —James Talley, Journal of Country Music