What is the story behind Bruce Bailey in Nellie McKay's song "The Big One"?

Question

I see from previous questions that there are a handful of Nellie McKay fans out here. Does anybody know who Bruce Bailey was (a tenant activist perhaps?) and if he was really "taken down" as described in the song?

Answer 1

Yes, you're right he was a tenant activist. Landlords would hire drug dealers and other local street gangs to intimidate or just plain scare people out of their buildings, so then they can raise the right.
Bruce Bailey had been at court the day of his murder in 1989 with NellieMcKay's mother to support her. His body was found that same night in numerous pieces. Nobody was charged!
Hope that was what you were after!