Preacher Bill Bailey...Pretty Roof Hollow, Eastern Kentucky, 1964

Here's a shot of preacher and retired miner Bill Bailey at his home in

Pretty Roof Hollow, Perry County, Kentucky, taken on one of my five

visits to the area over the several years I covered the labor unrest

in that hard-scrabble, mountainous coal-mining region. With little

more to eat than the food they could raise themselves on their tiny

plot, Bailey and his family were always the most gracious hosts. The

mountain music he played on his guitar in the evenings was magical.

Thanks for visiting...Bill

This is a beautiful portrait Bill. Thanks for the backround information. Usually the people who have the least are willing to give the most. What a great career you're having.

I agree with all Mike said. I recently watched a documentary film on the work of Shelby Lee Adams, and without getting into a critique of his work, I would say only that I prefer yours. Thanks for sharing. Do you have any info as to Mr. Bailey's life after this?