Billy Baker

Born: 7/5/1936

As a Blue Grass Boy: Billy Baker first played with the Blue Grass Boys in the summer of 1961, after being introduced to Monroe by Jack Cooke. In 1963, when Kenny Baker left the band, Del McCoury recommended Billy Baker as a replacement. He played with the band for several months in 1963 and 1964, including Monroe's first appearance at the Newport Folk Festival, but never recorded with Monroe; he missed out on one session due to scheduling confusion.

Before and After: He formed the Shady Valley Boys with Del McCoury in 1964. He has continued to record and perform over the years with this band and others. From the late 1970s until the early 90s he played with Carl Story and His Rambling Mountaineers.