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DeFord Bailey and country music in Nashville

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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27 minutes

Last on

Wed 16 Nov 202223:32GMT
BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa

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Broadcasts

  • Wed 16 Nov 202204:32GMT
    BBC World Service except Americas and the Caribbean, Australasia, East Asia & South Asia
  • Wed 16 Nov 202205:32GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia, Americas and the Caribbean, South Asia & East Asia only
  • Wed 16 Nov 202211:32GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Wed 16 Nov 202221:32GMT
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
  • Wed 16 Nov 202223:32GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa