Precious Bryant, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (b. 1942)

Precious Bryant (née Bussey; January 4, 1942 – January 12, 2013) was a profoundly influential American country blues, gospel, and folk singer and guitarist, celebrated as one of Georgia's preeminent blueswomen. Her distinctive sound was anchored in the intricate Piedmont fingerstyle guitar technique, a hallmark of the Southeast American blues tradition.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Born in Talbot County, Georgia, United States, Precious Bryant was the third of nine children in a musically inclined family. Her initial exposure to music and performance was deeply rooted in her community and faith; she first cultivated her singing talent by performing hymns and spirituals at her local Baptist church alongside her sisters. This early immersion in gospel music laid a foundational rhythm and vocal style that would later permeate her blues and folk performances.

Bryant's journey into guitar mastery began at home, learning the instrument from her father and her uncle, George Henry Bussey. George Henry Bussey was a respected local blues musician who imparted not only techniques but also the rich oral traditions of the blues. By the time she dropped out of high school in the eleventh grade, her dedication to music was clear, leading her to perform wherever opportunities arose, steadily honing her craft in local juke joints, churches, and community gatherings.

Mastering the Piedmont Fingerstyle

Precious Bryant was renowned for her mastery of the Piedmont fingerstyle guitar. This complex and captivating blues guitar style, originating from the Piedmont region of the Southeastern United States, is characterized by a precise fingerpicking technique. It typically involves the thumb maintaining a steady, alternating bass rhythm, while the index and middle fingers handle melodic and harmonic lines on the treble strings. This creates a full, often ragtime-influenced sound that can mimic a small band, distinguishing it from the single-note lead styles found in other blues traditions. Bryant's command of this style allowed her to perform with remarkable depth and texture as a solo artist.

Discovery and Rising Prominence

Bryant's talent remained largely a regional treasure until 1967 when she was first recorded by folklorist George Mitchell. Mitchell, a pivotal figure in documenting traditional American music, traveled extensively through the South, capturing performances of many unrecorded blues artists. He immediately recognized Bryant's exceptional skill, describing her as a "Georgia musical treasure," a testament to her authentic voice and instrumental prowess.

Despite this early recognition, broader acclaim took time. In 1983, her performance at the esteemed Chattahoochee Folk Festival in Georgia marked a turning point, bringing her unique sound to a wider audience. Following this, she began to grace stages at local, regional, and eventually international venues, steadily cultivating a devoted and growing fanbase who appreciated her heartfelt interpretations of country blues and gospel.

The Music Maker Relief Foundation and Global Reach

A pivotal moment in Precious Bryant's career occurred in 1995 when she met Tim Duffy, co-founder of the Music Maker Relief Foundation (MMRF). The MMRF is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the musical traditions of the American South by supporting elderly, low-income artists who have contributed significantly to blues, gospel, and folk music. This vital partnership provided Bryant with crucial assistance, including financial aid, healthcare, and invaluable support in managing her career.

Through the MMRF's dedicated efforts, Precious Bryant's career experienced a significant resurgence. The foundation was instrumental in booking global tours and high-profile shows, dramatically increasing her following and ensuring her music reached new listeners across continents. Notable performances organized with MMRF's support included prestigious events such as the Blues to Bop festival in Lugano, Switzerland, the Port Townsend Blues Festival in Washington State, and the lively Chicken Raid in Atlanta, Georgia. These engagements cemented her reputation as a formidable live performer and a vital link to traditional American blues.

Discography and Critical Acclaim

During her career, Precious Bryant released three solo albums, each showcasing her remarkable vocal and guitar talents. Her 2002 debut album, Fool Me Good, garnered significant critical acclaim, earning nominations for two prestigious Blues Music Awards (formerly known as the W.C. Handy Awards): Acoustic Blues Album of the Year and Best New Artist Debut. These nominations highlighted her immediate impact on the contemporary blues scene.

Her recognition continued in 2006 when she received another Blues Music Award nomination for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year. This nomination placed her in distinguished company alongside legendary figures such as Koko Taylor and Maria Muldaur, with the iconic Etta James ultimately winning the award. The acknowledgment underscored Bryant's standing among the pantheon of female blues vocalists. Beyond her albums, her enduring legacy was further cemented when her poignant song "Morning Train" was featured on the soundtrack of the 2007 film Black Snake Moan, introducing her music to a broader cinematic audience.

A Lasting Legacy

Precious Bryant passed away on January 12, 2013, in Columbus, Georgia, due to complications from diabetes and congestive heart failure. Her passing marked the end of an era for many who cherished her authentic sound. Precious Bryant left behind a rich musical legacy, not only through her recordings but also through the countless performances where she shared the soul-stirring traditions of country blues, gospel, and folk music, ensuring her place as a true Georgia musical treasure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Precious Bryant

What type of music did Precious Bryant play?
Precious Bryant was primarily known for her mastery of country blues, gospel, and folk music. Her distinctive style prominently featured Piedmont fingerstyle guitar.
Where was Precious Bryant from?
She was born in Talbot County, Georgia, United States, and was deeply rooted in the musical traditions of the American South.
Who taught Precious Bryant to play guitar?
Precious Bryant learned to play guitar from her father and her uncle, George Henry Bussey, who was also a blues musician.
What is the Music Maker Relief Foundation?
The Music Maker Relief Foundation (MMRF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the musical traditions of the American South by providing support, resources, and career assistance to elderly, low-income artists, including blues, gospel, and folk musicians like Precious Bryant.
What awards was Precious Bryant nominated for?
Precious Bryant was nominated for multiple Blues Music Awards, including Acoustic Blues Album of the Year and Best New Artist Debut for her debut album Fool Me Good (2002), and Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year (2006).
Was Precious Bryant's music featured in any films?
Yes, her song "Morning Train" was featured on the soundtrack of the 2007 film Black Snake Moan.