As a child Chet Baker used to sing in a church choir. That was a start of his life of a musician. At the time he had been given a trombone and a trumpet and after 2 weeks Chet's playing skills got better.
...he had begun to memorize tunes on the radio before he was given an instrument...
Chet Baker attended high school, where he received his first musical education. When he had left the army in 1948, he studied music theory and harmony at the college in Los Angeles. After dropping out, Baker became a part of a musical band and its members started to play music in clubs. Professional career began when Chet Baker was invited to Vido Musso's band. But debut was in 1952, when Baker played with famed Charlie Parker. Chet Baker's the most famous rendition was "My Funny Valentine", while he was in the Gerry Mulligan Quartet.
The following years Baker's career were mixed with successful music records and a drug addiction. In 1954 was released one of the famed albums "Chet Baker Sings" and a year after also was the first Baker's debut in a movie "Hell's Horizon".
Chet Baker formed a new quintet and from relaxed playing Baker turned to bob style with their album "Chet Baker's Crew".
Next years were spent in tours, jails and wandering from one country to another. But the truth is that Chet Baker always remembered his true love - the music. Even after release from the jail he recorded album "Chet Is Back". After the break in 70's Baker came back to his music career in 80's. He couldn't stop please his listeners with his wonderful songs and melodies.
Music of this man is so gentle, melodic and as beautiful as his voice. Chet Baker's romantic tunes always remind me of good old New York City. Listen to it, love it. Chet Baker deserves it all!
