Born near the community of Bellwood, in the 1920s and 1930s DeFord Bailey won nationwide fame as the “Harmonica Wizard.” A founding member of the Grand Ole Opry, he was the first African American to win fame in country music. Through his phonographic records and broadcasts, he took the folk music of his rural family and community to a national audience. His famous harmonica solos, such as “Pan American Blues” and “Fox Chase,” are recognized as folk music masterpieces.