Interview with Kenny Baker, June 24, 2005

Interview Summary

This interview with legendary fiddle player Kenny Baker begins with a discussion about when and where he was born, as well as the Baker family tradition of fiddle playing. Next, Baker and the interviewer talk about their mutual history with Bill Monroe. He then discusses the reason why he left Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys. Baker also talks about Monroe's demanding nature, which made him difficult with which to work. Next, he tells the story of when he injured his hand, which kept him from playing the fiddle. Baker talks about his early career playing with Don Gibson in Knoxville (Tenn.). They also discuss how they learned musical timing. Baker then talks about touring with Bill Monroe. Then, Baker and the interviewer talk about their children, many of whom work in show business. Baker talks about guitarist Jerry Douglas. He then discusses his unique style of fiddle playing, and talks about songwriting.

Interview Keyword

Music--History and criticism. Bluegrass music. Bluegrass music--History and criticism. Bluegrass musicians Violin music--History and criticism. Fiddler players Fiddlers Fiddle music (Bluegrass)

Interview LC Subject

Music--History and criticism. Bluegrass music. Bluegrass music--History and criticism. Bluegrass musicians Violin music--History and criticism.

Interview Rights

The Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History has been licensed by the International Bluegrass Music Museum as the exclusive archival repository for this collection. All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, belong to the International Bluegrass Music Museum.?Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky.