Chet Baker: The Prince of Cool

From Cecilia: He is indeed the Prince of Cool ! This one is my favorite: I’m a fool to want you…

I don’t think the world knows how to handle gifted people…no matter what age…I have seen the truly gifted do amazing stuff for a lollipop, a trinket or a bet what they refuse to do for wad loads of money.. it has something to do with being bored with the world at an early age …..one thing though they may decide they want to hang out with normal people but in the end they get more done in life if they hang out with one another…..again….no matter what age they are…..

Yes I know he was a total Dionysian Icon….lost in life-long drug habit and decadence. However I am also a big one for judging the Art for Art’s sake and Chet Baker was/is/always will be Extremely Gifted. 

So let us remember his Legacy and mimick that and not his ability to shoot up!

Who is Chet Baker? (Are you from a different planet, even I know!)

Chesney Henry “Chet” Baker, Jr. (December 23, 1929 – May 13, 1988) was an American jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist and vocalist. Baker earned much attention and critical praise through the 1950s, particularly for albums featuring his vocals (Chet Baker Sings, It Could Happen to You).

Jazz historian David 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 regularly before enjoying a career resurgence in the late 1970s and ’80s

Legacy

Plaque at the Hotel Prins Hendrik, inAmsterdam

Visit the Chet Baker Foundation

www.chetbakerjazz.com

Born in Yale, Oklahoma December 23, 1929 Chet Baker was destined to touch the authentically American art of jazz music with an unmistakable sound and phrasing that is still celebrated and enjoyed throughout the world.

The mission of the Chet Baker Foundation (based in his home state of Oklahoma), managed by Chet’s son, Paul, and his grandsons and Chad and Chet, is to bring awareness through education and events to the life and art of Chet Baker. The mission of the Chet Baker Archive is to collect materials and stories related to the life and art of this iconic jazz artist.

The archive is managed by Bruce Guthrie who also serves as a foundation director and estate business representative. With the great help of Artt Frank, Chet’s friend and drummer, many pioneering artists and celebrities have accepted the invitation to share their love for Chet by joining The Foundation as Honorary Directors and Board members.; With the great help of Artt Frank, Chet’s friend and drummer, many pioneering artists and celebrities have accepted the invitation to share their love for Chet by joining The Foundation as Honorary Directors and Board members.; from Dave Brubeck, Quincy Jones, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock and Leon Russell; to Sharon Stone, Hugh Hefner and Jeff Golblum….over 60 artists, thusfar.

Full honorary board lists

Please see the honorary directors and board links below to read about them) All are welcome to join and contribute…in the spirit of jazz improvisation…the spirit of music as a means to bring people together….and mostly in the romantic and unique artistic spirit of Chet Baker.

One comment on “Chet Baker: The Prince of Cool”

1. ceciliawyu

   May 2, 2013

   

   This is still incomparable! OMG!

   LikeLike

   Reply

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