Precious Bryant

Biography

Precious Bryant (née Bussey; January 4, 1942 – January 12, 2013) was a celebrated American country blues, gospel, and folk singer and guitarist, renowned for her mastery of the Piedmont fingerstyle guitar. Born in Talbot County, Georgia, Bryant was the third of nine children in a deeply musical family. She began singing in her local Baptist church with her sisters and learned guitar from her father and uncle, blues musician George Henry Bussey, becoming proficient by age nine. Bryant left high school in the eleventh grade, married in 1965, and soon began performing locally, developing a repertoire that blended traditional songs with her own original compositions.

Bryant's career took a significant turn when folklorist George Mitchell recorded her in 1967, recognizing her as a 'Georgia musical treasure.' After a pivotal performance at the Chattahoochee Folk Festival in 1983, she gained wider recognition and began performing at regional, national, and international festivals. In 1995, her association with the Music Maker Relief Foundation helped her reach new audiences and facilitated global tours. Bryant released three solo albums, with her 2002 debut 'Fool Me Good' earning two Blues Music Award nominations. Her music, marked by honest storytelling and a deep connection to Georgia's blues tradition, left a lasting legacy in American roots music.

Fun Facts

• Bryant learned to play guitar at age six and received her own Silvertone guitar from her uncle at age nine.
• Her song 'Morning Train' was featured on the soundtrack of the 2007 film 'Black Snake Moan.'
• Despite international touring opportunities, Bryant preferred to stay close to her home in Waverly Hall, Georgia.
• She was featured in the book 'Music Makers: Portraits and Songs from the Roots of America' (2004).

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• George Henry Bussey - Her uncle and mentor, who taught her guitar and supported her early musical development. (Early performances and repertoire development) [1940s–1960s]
• Her father (unnamed) - Taught her to play guitar and bottleneck style, fostering her foundational skills. (Early home performances) [1940s–1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Tony Bryant - Her son, who played bass and accompanied her in performances. (Live performances) [1990s–2010s]
• Tim Duffy - Founder of Music Maker Relief Foundation, helped produce her albums and organize tours. (Albums: 'My Name Is Precious', international tours) [1995–2013]
• Neal Pattman and Cootie Stark - Fellow blues musicians with whom she performed at various festivals and shows. (Live performances in Atlanta, New York, Washington State) [1990s–2000s]

Artists Influenced

• Contemporary Georgia blues musicians - Inspired by her authentic Piedmont blues style and perseverance as a female artist in the genre. (Regional blues festival performances) [2000s–2010s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. The Truth (The Truth)
2. Morning Train (The Truth)
3. Morning Train (Black Snake Moan: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
4. It's Alright (My Name Is Precious)
5. Broke And Ain't Got A Dime (Fool Me Good)
6. Fever (Fool Me Good)
7. Georgia Buck (Fool Me Good)
8. My Chauffeur (The Truth)
9. Black Rat Swing (Fool Me Good)
10. Dark Angel (The Truth)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia