Black Country Music History: 7 Artists You Need To Know - Page 2
2. DeFord Bailey
Source: GAB Archive / Getty
One of the genre’s earliest trailblazers was DeFord Bailey, born in 1889 in Smith County, Tennessee. Raised in a farming family, Bailey became known for his iconic harmonica playing and is widely regarded as the first Black country artist. Per the Country Music Hall of Fame, his musical roots ran deep. He was the grandson of a fiddler and grew up in a household that embraced “Black hillbilly music,” a genre that fused elements of both Black and white rural traditions. Bailey’s musical education began in church, where he learned hymns, and from there, he honed his skills by mimicking the sounds of nature: the rhythm of passing trains, the howls of hounds chasing foxes, and the cacophony of animals on the farms he worked on.
Bailey’s talents soon earned him radio airtime, and his big break came in 1927 when the WSM Barn Dance was spontaneously renamed during a broadcast. The program, which had previously focused on classical music, made an intentional shift toward showcasing “realism.” Bailey was introduced by announcer George Hay, who famously declared, “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.’” This moment marked the birth of the Grand Ole Opry, one of the most iconic country music shows in history, and Bailey played an instrumental role in shaping its future.
Bailey quickly became a staple of the Opry, earning the nickname “The Harmonica Wizard” for his dazzling performances. His renditions of songs like “Fox Chase” and “Pan American Blues” became legendary, showcasing his ability to mimic train whistles, animal calls, and other sounds of rural life. In 1932, as WSM expanded its broadcast power to 50,000 watts, Bailey’s music reached a wider audience, from the East Coast to the Rocky Mountains, inspiring countless harmonica players, both Black and white.
DeFord Bailey’s contributions to country music were groundbreaking, and his influence continues to be felt today. His early work not only helped shape the sound of country music but also laid the foundation for future generations of Black artists to break into the genre and leave their mark on its rich history. From pioneers like Charley Pride to the new wave of talent like Mickey Guyton, Shaboozey, and Kane Brown, here are six more Black country musicians who have redefined the genre.
