| "King Ernest" Baker | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 30, 1939 Natchez, Mississippi, United States |
| Died | March 5, 2000 (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.
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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]