Deford Bailey

Marker # 3A 138

Text: “Bailey, a pioneer of the Grand Ole Opry and its first black musician, lived in the Edgehill neighborhood for nearly 60 years. His shoe-shine shop was on 12th Ave., South, near this intersection. His harmonica performance of the “Pan American Blues” inspired Judge George D. Hay to dub WSM‘s Barn Dance the “Grand Ole Opry.” Traveling extensively with Opry musicians, he entertained audiences throughout the South and Midwest. In 1928, he recorded eight sides for RCA Victor during Nashville‘s first recording session.”

Notes: Marker is easy to get to. Located at the intersection of 12th Avenue South and Edgehill Avenue, diagonally across from Operation Stand Down Nashville (a great organization, I might add). Public parking is ample in this area. Use the normal caution when crossing the street at the crosswalks.

Marker Name: Deford Bailey Marker Location: Roadside Type of Marker: Person Marker Number: 3A 138 Group(s) Responsible for placing Marker: Tennessee Historical Commission

Visit Instructions:
At minimum, your visit must consist of a picture of the marker itself or anything referenced on the marker plus additional information you may have learned about the waymark topic. (You and your GPS receiver do not need to be in the picture, but can.)

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   01/12/2023 Don.Morfe visited it