"King Ernest" Baker

"King Ernest" Baker
Born	May 30, 1939(1939-05-30) Natchez, Mississippi, United States
Died	March 5, 2000(2000-03-05) (aged 60) Santa Maria, California, United States
Genres	Soul, R&B, blues
Occupations	Singer

"King Ernest" Baker (May 30, 1939 – March 5, 2000)^[1] was an American blues and soul singer. He recorded "I Feel Alright" and "That's When I Woke Up."^[1] Baker was born in Natchez, Mississippi, and died in a car crash in 2000,^[1] just after finishing recording an album.

Career

His first professional outing was in 1958 with Byther Smith at Wynn's Lounge in Chicago, Illinios. Baker credited Smith with giving him his start as a professional.^[2]

He became a popular Chicago club attraction, and performed variously with Tyrone Davis, Buddy Guy and Howlin' Wolf.^[3] Due to some disappointments in his career he got a job with the Sheriffs department. He stayed there for 14 years until retiring at 55, and then returned to show business.^[2]

In 2000, Baker had just finished recording his second album, Blues Got Soul.^[4] He had a listen to the CD on March 2, and a few days later while on his way back to Los Angeles he was killed in a car crash, near to Santa Maria, California on Highway 101.^[5]

Discography

• King of Hearts - Evidence 26084-2 (1997)^[6]
• Blues Got Soul - Fat Possum Records, 80334-2 (2001)^[5]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Thedeadrockstarsclub.com - accessed October 3, 2011
2. ^ ^{a b} Blues Access The Second Time Around
3. ^ Orlando Sentinel A Royal Marriage Of Blues, Soul From Gutsy `King' Ernest Baker
4. ^ All About Jazz King Ernest: Blues Got Soul
5. ^ ^{a b} The Inland Empire Blues Society King ernest - Blues Got Soul - Review
6. ^ Jazz Times King Ernest Baker King of Hearts

External links

• The Dead Musician Directory - Ernest Baker