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Michael Baker Death – Former Whitney Houston’s Music Director Michael Baker has sadly passed away. He died on Sunday 9th July 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was confirmed dead through a publication made on Facebook that says “Former music director for Whitney Houston and one amazing drummer, Michael Baker has succumbed to Cancer”. Michael Baker
Michael Baker Career:
Michael Baker, an acclaimed jazz drummer and music director, has built an illustrious career spanning over eighteen years. Renowned as Whitney Houston’s Music Director and drummer, he has collaborated with an impressive roster of iconic musicians. Notable names include Aretha Franklin, Missy Elliott, Sting, Christina Aguilera, James Taylor, Elton John, Shaggy, Wycliff, Mary J. Blige, Ricky Martin, Usher, Luther Vandross, Ray Charles, and many others.
Michael’s musical journey showcases his mastery of jazz drumming alongside some of the world’s top artists. In the early 80s, he displayed his drumming skills as part of the Broadway Musical “Sophisticated Ladies” in Los Angeles’ esteemed Shubert Theater. During his extensive collaboration with the late Whitney Houston, spanning eighteen years, Michael contributed as a composer and arranger for HBO specials, Sports Illustrated events, and other projects.
What you need to know about Michael Baker:
He also produced and directed the “Soul Divas Tour” in Germany, featuring Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, and Natalie Cole. Additionally, he conducted Whitney Houston’s comeback performance of “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” at the 2010 American Music Awards. Beyond his work with Houston, Michael has lent his drumming talents to producer David Guest, performing in numerous shows and benefits at Madison Square Garden, including the Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Special.
He also had notable appearances at the Grammy Awards with hip hop singer Ashanti in 2012, as well as concerts with Sting at Carnegie Hall for the ‘Save the Rain Forest’ series. Other performances featured artists like Aliyah, Taylor Dane, Simply Red, and Celine Dion. During the late eighties, Michael formed a highly regarded power trio with ex-Police guitarist Andy Summers and Bassist Jerry Watts, earning recognition in an interview with Guitar Player Magazine. This period also marked Michael’s debut interview with Modern Drummer.
In 2002, when not on tour with Whitney Houston, Michael joined Bruce Hornsby’s Band “The Range” and contributed his drumming skills to two CD projects: “Big Swing Face” and “Here Come the Noise Makers.” Michael’s talents were sought after by record mogul Clive Davis, who enlisted him to produce Aretha Franklin’s performance on the Arista Music 25th Anniversary Special featuring Boyz 2 Men.
Source: HERE
