Bailey was born and raised in Memphis, TN. At the age of 14, he began playing harmonica after his grandmother told him that his great grandfather used to play the instrument to serenade the family. After convincing his mother to buy him his very own, he took the little instruction booklet and started learning how to play from there. He says that most of his more advanced training comes in the form of youtube videos. He feels that the best part about being a musician is having the ability to effect the lives of people by simply expressing himself. His major aspirations in life are to fulfill his dream of becoming a pediatric neurologist while also having a successful career as a musician. When asked how his music is connected to Memphis, he replied, "Everything that I do if based in the foundation of the blues, for which Memphis is so well known for. My biggest inspirations for my instrument, from Sonny Boy Williamson II, to Big Walter Horton to Jason Ricci all performed/lived in Memphis at one point in history. Memphis Music is based in groove and rhythm, which is what my craft is all about."
His debut album "Memphis Grooves" premiered at #1 on the iTunes and Amazon.com blues music charts in the Summer of 2011. That same summer, he was also featured on NPR's Morning Edition with Linda Wertheimer. In February, Bailey will be featured on the PBS music series "Music Voyager" as part of their "Tennessee" episodes. Over the summer he will be teaching and performing at a variety of music camps and conferences across the country.
Brandon O. Bailey's Memphis Recommendations:
Music Venue
The Rum Boogie Cafe
Place to eat
B.B. Kings Blues Club
Place to be enlightened
The Memphis Riverfront
Other local artists
Billy Gibson
