Who Is Chet Baker? Age, Biography and Wiki
Chet Baker was born on December 23, 1929, in Yale, Oklahoma. Known for his unique style and smooth vocals, Baker gained prominence as one of the leading figures in the West Coast jazz scene. His career was marked by both profound musical achievements and personal struggles, which significantly shaped his life and legacy. Chet Baker tragically passed away on May 13, 1988, but his music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
| Occupation | Jazz Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 23, 1929 |
| Age | 58 Years |
| Birth Place | Yale, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 13 May, 1988 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Chet Baker's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In his heyday, Chet Baker stood at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). His weight fluctuated throughout his life, influenced by his lifestyle choices. While specific figures for his weight during his peak are not readily available, he was known for having a slender build, typical of many jazz musicians of his era.
- Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Body Measurements: Unknown, but generally slender physique
In the winter of 1986, at a club in New York City, Baker met fashion photographer Bruce Weber. Weber convinced him to do a photo shoot for what was originally going to be only a three-minute film. When Baker started opening up to Weber, Weber convinced him to work on a longer film about his life. Filming began in January 1987.
The finished film, Let's Get Lost, is a highly acclaimed and stylized documentary that explores Baker's talent and charm, the glamour of his youth now withered into a derelict state, and his turbulent, sensational romantic and family life. It was released in September 1988, four months after his death that May.
Two accompanying soundtrack albums, one compiling highlights from the height of his fame and one featuring new material that Baker recorded during the filming of the documentary, were released in 1989.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Chet Baker's personal life had its complexities. He was married several times, with notable relationships that included his marriage to Carol Baker, with whom he had two children. Throughout his life, he had various romantic escapades that inspired some of his music. His relationship status at the time of his passing remained a topic of interest, but he had been known to embrace a lifestyle filled with tumultuous relationships.
- Marriages: Multiple, including Carol Baker
- Children: Two
His father, Chesney Baker Sr., was a professional Western swing guitarist, and his mother, Vera Moser, was a pianist who worked in a perfume factory. His maternal grandmother was Norwegian. Baker said that owing to the Great Depression, his father, though talented, had to quit as a musician and take a regular job. In 1940, when Baker was 10, his family relocated to Glendale, California.
Net Worth and Salary
Chet Baker's net worth at the time of his death in 1988 was estimated to be around $1 million. Despite his struggles with addiction, his musical genius paved the way for several lucrative recording contracts and performances. In 2025, his music's continued legacy has led to renewed interest, and posthumous album sales have further contributed to the preservation of his financial legacy, making his influence still felt in the jazz music scene.
- Net Worth: Estimated at $1 million (at the time of passing)
- Posthumous Earnings: Increased due to album sales and royalties
Australian musician Nick Murphy chose "Chet Faker" as his stage name as a tribute to Baker. Murphy said, "I listened to a lot of jazz and I was a big fan of ... the way he sang, when he moved into mainstream singing. He had this really fragile vocal style—this really, broken, close-up, and intimate style.
The name is kind of just an ode to Chet Baker and the mood of music he used to play—something I would like to at least pay homage to in my own music."
Career, Business and Investments
Chet Baker's career spanned several decades, where he made significant contributions to jazz music as both a trumpeter and vocalist. His breakout came in the 1950s, and he was known for his collaborations with various prominent musicians like Gerry Mulligan and his innovative work in the cool jazz genre. In terms of investments, Baker was not known for traditional business ventures but rather invested his life in music, showcasing the profound impact of his artistic endeavors.
- Career Achievements: Notable collaborations, albums
- Genres: Jazz, Cool Jazz
Baker earned much attention and critical praise through the 1950s, particularly for albums featuring his vocals: Chet Baker Sings (1954) and 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.
Social Network
Although Chet Baker did not live in the digital age, his legacy continues online through various platforms. Fans and musicians share his music and discuss his influence on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram, while music streaming platforms like Spotify keep his tracks accessible to new audiences.
- Platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Various Jazz Forums
In 1952, Baker joined the Gerry Mulligan Quartet and attracted considerable attention. Rather than playing identical melody lines in unison like Parker and Gillespie, Baker and Mulligan complemented each other with counterpoint and anticipating what the other would play next.
"My Funny Valentine," with a solo by Baker, became a hit and was associated with Baker for the rest of his career. With the quartet, Baker was a regular performer at Los Angeles jazz clubs such as The Haig and the Tiffany Club.
Education
Chet Baker had a relatively informal musical education. He began playing the trumpet in school bands and was largely self-taught, learning through practice and experience while performing with numerous ensembles. Although he faced challenges, his perseverance and passion for jazz music led him to become one of the genre's iconic figures.
In summary, Chet Baker remains a timeless legend in the jazz world. His musical contributions, coupled with a captivating yet troubled life, continue to inspire future generations of artists and fans alike. As we reflect on his legacy in 2025, it is clear that Chet Baker's influence endures, proving that great music knows no expiration.
The 1999 film version of The Talented Mr. Ripley, Matt Damon plays a master of mimicry who imitates Baker's recording of "My Funny Valentine" from Chet Baker Sings.
