Sarah Baker (2)

Sarah Baker comes from a long tradition of Americana music. Born near Memphis, Tennessee to a musical family, her southern musical roots run deep, beginning with her father, a gospel singer, whom she accompanied to country church revivals from the age of five. As a bandleader, songwriter, vocalist, and pianist, Sarah fuses elements of New Orleans traditions, including jazz, swamp boogie, Memphis blues, rock, and country to create an original, accessible style that resonates with a diverse community of musicians and fans. With her bands and as a solo performer, she has appeared with artists such as Lou Rawls, Charles Brown, Etta James, Taj Majal, Charlie Musselwhite, and John Lee Hooker. Dr. Baker’s research about women in blues and jazz led to an in depth study of Lillian Hardin Armstrong. A professor emerita at Sonoma State University, she now teaches in her private studio while continuing her composition and performance practice.