Edgehill in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

DeFord Bailey

1899-1982

Photographed By Don Morfe, April 18, 2014

1. DeFord Bailey Marker

Inscription. Bailey, a pioneer of the Grand Old 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.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 138.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 36° 8.55′ N, 86° 47.214′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in Edgehill. Marker is at the intersection of Edgehill Avenue and 12 Avenue South on Edgehill Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nashville TN 37203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. History of Edgehill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rev. Bill Barnes (approx. ¼ mile away); William Edmondson Studio and Home Site

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(approx. 0.4 miles away); Mississippi to Nashville (approx. 0.4 miles away); Nashville's Music Row (approx. 0.4 miles away); 1303 16th Avenue South/1225, 1227, 1301, 1303, 1305 16th Avenue South (approx. 0.4 miles away); Edmondson Home Site (approx. 0.4 miles away); Belmont Church and Koinonia Coffeehouse / Contemporary Christian Music (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

Also see . . .
1. DeFord Bailey - Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 13, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
2. Pan American Blues - YouTube. (Submitted on June 13, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Photographed By Don Morfe, April 18, 2014

2. DeFord Bailey Marker

The marker is near the Gernert Studio Apartment entrance.

Photographed By Don Morfe, April 18, 2014

3. DeFord Bailey Marker

Entrance to the Gernert Studio Apartments

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 939 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 13, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.