b. 9 January 1901, Byram, Mississippi, USA, d. 12 February 1970, Jackson, Mississippi, USA. Bracey’s blues had the uncompromising directness both of the aggressive youngster, and of the preacher he eventually became, with little of the melodic decoration and conscious artistry of his associate Tommy Johnson. He learned guitar from the Rev. Rubin Lacey, with whom he played. Bracey was also accompanied by Johnson and others, while performing at black social events around Jackson. It was in company with Johnson that he recorded for Victor in 1928, but they never played together on record. Charley McCoy’s mandolin-like guitar provided a perfect foil to Bracey’s nasal singing and unadorned guitar playing. A subsequent session for Paramount in 1930 was marred by the unsympathetic clarinet of Ernest Michall. In 1951, Bracey embraced religion and was ordained in the Baptist church; he thereafter steadfastly refused to play blues.