Masters
Hall of Honor Inductees
Kenny Baker - Born June 26, 1926
Kenneth Clayton Baker's prolific recording of instrumental fiddle albums in the 1960s-1980s, combined with exposure provided by more than two decades
recording and performing with Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys, enabled him to become one of the most influential bluegrass fiddlers of his generation. Born in Burdine, Kentucky, near Jenkins, Baker began his professional career in 1953 with Don Gibson at WNOX in Knoxville. Between September, 1956 and October, 1984, he was a member of The Blue Grass Boys four separate times, totaling 23 years. His precise, melodic long-bow breaks and backup were featured prominently, giving Monroe a consistent band sound, both on stage and on close to 200 major record label titles, including many classic instrumentals. Baker formed a partnership with Josh Graves in late 1984, sometimes featuring his superb guitar work in the unusual four-finger style. He recorded some 20 albums of his own and composed over 100 fiddle tunes. Instrumentals popularized by Kenny Baker include "Denver Belle," "Road to Columbus" and "Jerusalem Ridge."
Back to Hall of Honor Inductees
|
 |
 |
