Chet Baker
Biography
Chet Baker (1929-1988) was a trumpeter and singer from Oklahoma. Although limited from a theory and technique standpoint, Baker had a fantastic ear that allowed him to create melodic solos on many standards throughout his career. An integral part of the West Coast Cool Jazz movement, he often played with other Cool Jazz musicians such as Gerry Mulligan and Stan Getz. Baker’s sensitive singing voice drew mixed reception from critics and other jazz musicians, but albums such as Chet Baker Sings became widely popular among the public. He recorded nearly 150 albums during his career, eventually passing away in Amsterdam.