In recognition of Black History Month, I have to target Music History in this category.
This photo was taken March 15, 1975, backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. That is my father, Loyal Pritchard, in the very front with "Bashful Brother Oswald," Roy Acuff's dobro player, right behind him, and DeFord Bailey seated in the back.
DeFord Bailey was the 1st performer (he was a harmonica player) to be introduced on the Grand Ole Opry, the 1st African-American performer to appear on the Opry and the 1st African-American to become a member of the Opry. He was the 1st performer to have his music recorded in Nashville and has been hailed as the Country's 1st African-American star! If all that isn't enough, he was also considered to be the most influential harmonica player in the 1st half of the 20th century! He was a beloved and frequent performer on the Grand Ole Opry.
How is it that Dad was backstage at the Opry? That is thanks to our good friend, Dianne Sherrill, who was then, and still is today, a beloved entertainer in Nashville!
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