Folk acoustic music icon Precious Bryant passed away Saturday at The Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio after a fight with congestive heart failure and diabetes. She was 71.
Born January 4th, 1942, Bryant was best known for playing Piedmont style finger picking. She learned guitar by age six, growing up in an extended family of musicians. She released two albums, The Truth and 2002’s Fool Me Good, which was nominated for a Blues Music Award. One of her tracks from Truth was also featured in the 2006 film Black Snake Moan.
A finger picking expert, Bryant’s talents spanned multiple genres, including folk, gospel, acoustic country and blues. She was first recorded by folklorist George Mitchell in 1967.
Most recently, Precious was involved with the Music Maker Foundation, which set up international tours and aided the musician with various living needs.