On July 9, 2023, the music community mourned the loss of a remarkable musician, the former music director for Whitney Houston and drummer, Michael Baker. News of Michael Baker death spread sorrow among his fans and followers, as a social media publication announced his untimely demise.
Michael Baker Drummer Cause of Death | Obituary
Michael Baker, renowned as both a world-class jazz drummer and producer, had a remarkable career spanning 18 years as the music director and drummer for Whitney Houston. His immense talent extended beyond his work with Houston, collaborating with numerous notable artists including Annie Lennox, Aretha Franklin, Sting, and Al Jarreau. Tragically, after bravely fighting cancer for an extended period, Michael Baker passed away on July 9, 2023.
As of now, the family has refrained from making any statements regarding funeral customs and arrangements. However, recognizing the importance of including the public in Michael’s obituary, they eventually decided to announce his passing.
Michael Baker Drummer Wiki | Bio
Michael Baker, born in Los Angeles, embarked on his musical journey as a drummer in local bands. In the 1980s, he made his home in New York City, where he officially launched his career as a session drummer. His exceptional talent gained recognition, and he soon found himself sought after to perform alongside esteemed artists such as Whitney Houston, Sting, and Aretha Franklin.
His contributions to Whitney Houston’s musical endeavors were pivotal. Serving as his music director for 18 years, Michael not only played the drums on many of his acclaimed albums and tours but also became one of the few individuals who truly knew Houston intimately during his later years.
Throughout his musical odyssey, Michael Baker collaborated with some of the finest musicians in the world, showcasing his expertise in jazz drumming. His skills graced the stage of the prestigious Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles, where he displayed his drumming prowess in the Broadway musical “Sophisticated Ladies” during the early 1980s.
In his extensive partnership with the late Whitney Houston, spanning 18 years, Michael Baker also contributed as a composer and arranger for HBO specials, Sports Illustrated events, and various other projects. Beyond his work with Houston, Baker left his mark by providing his drumming talents to renowned musicians such as Al Jarreau, The Zawinul Syndicate, Wayne Shorter, and Jimmy Smith. Additionally, he co-founded Tribal Tech, a jazz fusion group.
In 2012, he delivered memorable performances alongside hip-hop artist Ashanti at the Grammy Awards and shared the stage with Sting at Carnegie Hall as part of the ‘Save the Rain Forest series.
The loss of Michael Baker leaves a void in the music industry, a testament to the indelible impact he made during his time as a musician, composer, and arranger. His legacy will endure through his extraordinary body of work and the memories he leaves behind.
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