DeFord Bailey

On Wednesday, June 27, 2007 a rose garden in Nashville was named in honor of DeFord Bailey. Two non-profit groups, EarthMatters and Lifeworks, joined together to establish the DeFord Bailey Tribute Garden in the George W. Carver Food Park at the corner of Leland and Gale Lane in the Green Hills area of Music City. The garden contains a variety of roses named after well-known Country musicians and songs. The dedication was attended by Bailey's children (DeFord Bailey, Jr., Dezoral Thomas, and Christine Craig) and a number of other relatives, including his former wife, Ida Lee Haynes. David Morton had planned to attend, but was unable to do so when his flight was cancelled due to thunderstorms in Dallas. On the following Sunday a neighborhood celebration was held in the park with music, readings, poetry, and other entertainment, all in honor of the legendary musician.