Quick Facts
Biography
"King" Ernest Baker (May 30, 1939 – March 5, 2000) was an American blues and soul singer. He recorded "I Feel Alright" and "That's When I Woke Up." Baker was born in Natchez, Mississippi, and died in a car crash in 2000, just after finishing recording an album.
Career
His first professional outing was in 1958 with Byther Smith at Wynn's Lounge in Chicago, Illinois. Baker credited Smith with giving him his start as a professional.
He became a popular Chicago club attraction, and performed variously with Tyrone Davis, Buddy Guy and Howlin' Wolf. 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. May 16, 1996 King Ernest and The Wildcats played a blues show, promoted by Michael Kauffer, "Sweet Thursday" in Ventura, CA.
In 2000, Baker had just finished recording his second album, Blues Got Soul. 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.
Discography
- King of Hearts - Evidence 26084-2 (1997)
- Blues Got Soul - Fat Possum Records, 80334-2 (2001)
- Jazz Times King Ernest Baker King of Hearts