Chet Baker

American jazz trumpeter and vocalist (1929-1988)

Chet Baker was an American jazz trumpeter and vocalist known for his cool jazz style and his well-publicized drug addiction. He had a promising career in the 1950s, but also spent time in and out of jail before experiencing a career resurgence in the late 1970s and 1980s.

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About the Chet Baker

Chesney Henry “Chet” Baker Jr.was an American jazz trumpeter and vocalist. He is known for major innovations in cool jazz that led him to be nicknamed the “Prince of Cool”.

Baker earned much attention and critical praise through the 1950s, particularly for albums featuring his vocals: Chet Baker Singsand It Could Happen to You (1958). Jazz historian Dave Gelly described the promise of Baker’s early career as “James Dean, Sinatra, and Bix, rolled into one”. His well-publicized drug habit also drove his notoriety and fame. Baker was in and out of jail frequently before enjoying a career resurgence in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chet Baker was an American jazz trumpeter and vocalist known for his innovations in cool jazz, leading him to be nicknamed the ‘Prince of Cool’.

Chet Baker earned much attention and critical praise through the 1950s, particularly for albums featuring his vocals, such as ‘Chet Baker Sings’ (1954) and ‘It Could Happen to You’ (1958). He later experienced a career resurgence in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Jazz historian Dave Gelly described the promise of Chet Baker’s early career as ‘James Dean, Sinatra, and Bix, rolled into one’.

Chet Baker’s well-publicized drug habit drove his notoriety and fame, and he was in and out of jail frequently before his career resurgence in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Chet Baker was born on December 23, 1929.

Chet Baker died on May 13, 1988.