From constraints of the bed, a star was born. The legendary DeFord Bailey left his mark as a world renowned country music performer. He rose above the hardships of polio, slave ancestry, and Jim Crow oppression and developed into a country music icon. He made his mark as the first African American to perform on the Grand Ole Opry with his trademark harmonica tune "Pan American Blues." In 2005, Bailey was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame for his extraordinary musical craft.

At the behest of Bailey's son DeFord Bailey Jr. and his family, DeFord Bailey LLC was launched in 2011 to ensure the lasting legacy of DeFord Bailey and his music. The company serves as a medium for those who desire to use Bailey's legendary material or name for future projects. To submit license requests, please contact the company at info@defordbailey.com or Shemika Wiley at (615) 972-0035.