Chet Baker, a jazz trumpeter and vocalist from the United States known for his delicate, wistful tones in both his singing and playing, was born on December 23, 1929, in Yale, Oklahoma.
He was a cult figure whose publicized drug abuse troubles ended a promising career. In the early and middle 1950s, Chet played a key role in the development of the West Coast school of cool jazz. He had a generally quiet, private playing style as a trumpeter, and he was well-known outside of jazz for his attractive appearance and singing. However, his drug addiction destroyed his career.
When Chet began his career in his 40s and joined “Gerry Mulligan Quarter” in 1952, he earned a name for himself right away. Many jazz songs, including “Walkin’ Shoes,” “Bernie’s Tune,” and “My Funny Valentine” with Gerry, were released by him.
He also had the chance to perform with Charlie Parker the same year. Chet created albums like “It Could Happen to You” and “Chet Baker Sings” throughout the 1950s. He was adored and revered for his brilliance, but no one was unaware of his heroin addiction.
His drug abuse finally led to his death and nearly destroyed his career. He was detained on numerous occasions for drug-related offenses.
In the street beneath Chet Baker’s suite at the Prins Hendrik Hotel in Amsterdam, his body was found on May 13, 1988. After falling from the second-floor window, he had severe brain injuries.
His body had some hard drug residue on it, and there was also some in his hotel room, thus the death was ultimately deemed an accident. His remains are laid to rest in Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California. The Prins Hendrik Hotel in Amsterdam has erected a plaque in his honor.
Who are Chet Baker’s children?
Throughout his career, Chet Baker had relationships with a number of ladies. In 1956, he fell in love with and wed Halema Alli, a stunning Pakistani woman. The couple gave birth to a son they would name Chesney Aftab Baker a year later.
Chet Baker married English actress Carol Ann Jackson in 1964 after they first met in 1961. Dean Baker, Paul Baker, and Melissa Baker were their three children together.
