Music Maker Partner Artist Precious Bryant, (b. January 4, 1942), of Waverly Hall, Georgia, passed away over the weekend, on January 12th, 2013. We at Music Maker, along with the Music Maker artists who encountered Precious, and the fans whose lives she touched, all receive this news with deep sadness.

Precious was an amazingly gifted songwriter and spellbinding performer, who picked up the guitar at age nine, performing Piedmont Blues for her home community for over 15 years until meeting folklorist George Mitchell in 1967. In 1995 Music Maker Relief Foundation founder Tim Duffy met Precious, who told him, “The way I learned how to play a song, I would listen to the song on the radio and write the words down, and I wouldn’t worry about the music, ‘cause I could get the music. All I wanted to know was the words.”

Precious recorded three albums in her lifetime, Fool Me Good (2002) and The Truth (2005) both earned her Blues Music Award Nominations. In 2005 Music Maker Relief Foundation released My Name is Precious, which would be her final recorded album.

Music Maker helped Precious financially through the years, providing her with a monthly stipend for prescription medicine, food, and utility bills. In addition, Music Maker provided professional quality guitars and performance opportunities in the U.S. and Europe, including at the Lincoln Center, Blues to Bop in Lugano, Switzerland, and the Port Townsend Blues Festival. Precious is also featured in the book Music Makers: Portraits and Songs from the Roots of America (2004.) In 2012 Music Maker was able to provide Precious with a new, second-hand mobile home with the help of supporters around the U.S., including blues legend Bonnie Raitt.

Precious is survived by her son Tony, her grandson, and her sister Zola. She will be sorely missed by staff, artists and members of the Foundation, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, Precious’ family would appreciate donations to assist with burial costs, which can be sent to Zola Goodwin, PO Box 277, Ellerslie, GA 31807.

You may also send contributions directly to the Funeral Home at:

Leonard’s Funeral Home
735 Old Wire Road
Talbotton, GA 31827

Memo line of check: For Precious Bryant’s funeral

Phone number is (706) 665-3294

Please let us know how much you send directly to the funeral home so that we can help Zola keep track.