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The Documentary: DeFord Bailey and country music in Nashville

Black Roots: Frank Johnson, Joe Thompson and the fiddle in North Carolina

16/11/2022 GMT

DeFord Bailey and country music in Nashville

BBC World Service - The Documentary, DeFord Bailey and country music in Nashville

The story of African-American ‘Harmonica Wizard’ DeFord Bailey and country music

The story of African-American ‘Harmonica Wizard’ DeFord Bailey and his influence in Nashville.

In this episode, acclaimed musician Rhiannon Giddens explores the home of country music in Nashville to see how black people shaped this genre. How black is Nashville and its music history?  Rhiannon uncovers the story of one of the biggest stars of the early country era: the African American ‘Harmonica Wizard’ DeFord Bailey. He was one of the most beloved performers at the Grand Ole Opry and the first black star of the radio age.

Featuring Frankie Staton, Pamela E. Foster, Dom Flemons, David C. Morton, Phil Jamison and Alice Randall.

Presenter: Rhiannon Giddens
Producer: Tom Woolfenden
A Loftus production for BBC World Service

(Photo: Musician Rhiannon Giddens. Credit: Ebru Yildiz)

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DeFord Bailey and country music in Nashville

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