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Chet Baker Chet Baker, born on December 23, 1929, in Yale, Oklahoma, was an iconic American jazz trumpeter and vocalist known for his distinctive, lyrical playing style and his hauntingly beautiful singing voice. Baker's career spanned over four decades, during which he became one of the most celebrated and influential musicians in the history of jazz. Baker's early musical influences included the big band jazz of the 1930s and 1940s, as well as the cool jazz style of musicians like Miles Davis and Gerry Mulligan. He began playing trumpet at a young age and quickly developed a unique and lyrical playing style characterized by its melodic inventiveness and emotional depth. In the 1950s, Baker emerged as a leading figure in the West Coast jazz scene, a style of jazz that emphasized a more laid-back, relaxed approach to improvisation. Baker's playing was perfectly suited to this style, and he became known for his smooth, understated trumpet solos that seemed to effortlessly float over the music. In addition to his trumpet playing, Baker was also a talented vocalist. His singing voice was soft and intimate, with a fragile vulnerability that was deeply affecting. Baker's vocal style was influenced by singers like Frank Sinatra and Chet Baker himself. His vocal recordings, such as "My Funny Valentine" and "Time After Time," became jazz standards and showcased his unique talent as a singer. Baker's career was marked by personal struggles, including battles with drug addiction and legal troubles. Despite these challenges, he continued to record and perform throughout his life, creating a body of work that is admired and respected by jazz fans around the world. Chet Baker passed away on May 13, 1988, but his music continues to inspire and influence musicians and listeners alike. His distinctive trumpet playing and his hauntingly beautiful voice have made him a true jazz icon, and his legacy as one of the greatest musicians in the history of jazz is secure.