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    • Dec 14, 1899
    DeFord Bailey is born in Smith County, Tennessee. The first African-American to play the Grand Ole Opry, the harmonica player is a key member of the cast until his firing in 1941. He's inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005
    Dec 6, 1925
    Harmonica player DeFord Bailey--destined to be a Grand Ole Opry star--makes what's believed to be his first appearance on the radio, playing "It Ain't Gonna Rain No Mo'" in a talent contest on Nashville's WDAD. Bailey takes second prize
    Jun 19, 1926
    DeFord Bailey makes his Grand Ole Opry debut, becoming the first African-American to perform on the program
    Apr 1, 1927
    DeFord Bailey has his first recording session, cutting "Pan American Blues" and "Hesitation Blues" in Atlanta for Columbia Records. Neither is released
    Apr 18, 1927
    Harmonica player DeFord Bailey records "Pan American Blues" in New York. The record is listed in the Country Music Foundation book "Heartaches By The Number" among the 500 greatest country singles of all-time
    Apr 19, 1927
    DeFord Bailey records "Fox Chase" and "Muscle Shoal Blues" in New York
    Oct 2, 1928
    DeFord Bailey records "John Henry" for Victor in Nashville under the guidance of producer Ralph Peer
    Oct 14, 1939
    NBC's 26-station "Red" network of radio stations carries a half-hour segment of the Grand Ole Opry for the first time, with Roy Acuff hosting. Acts include Uncle Dave Macon, The Fruit Jar Drinkers and DeFord Bailey
    Feb 23, 1974
    Former Grand Ole Opry member DeFord Bailey performs on the show at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium for the first time since he was fired in 1941
    Apr 3, 1982
    DeFord Bailey makes his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry
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