Art Baker: The Versatile Voice of Old-Time Radio

Born Arthur Appleton Shank on January 7, 1898, in New York City, Art Baker's path to radio stardom was anything but conventional. As a young man, he initially planned to pursue a career as a singer, and during World War I, he served as a song leader in the United States Army. It was during this time that his hair turned prematurely white, a distinctive feature that would later become his trademark look.

After the war, Baker's life took an unexpected turn. He toured with the traveling evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, founder of the Foursquare Church, and later operated an appliance store in Glendale, California. It was in this unlikely setting that Baker's true calling as a radio personality began to emerge.

Entry Into Radio

Baker's radio career took off in the late 1920s when he started working as an announcer on the Los Angeles radio station KFSG. His smooth, slightly nasal voice and genial on-air presence quickly caught the attention of listeners, and he soon became a fixture in the local broadcasting scene.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Baker's voice could be heard across the United States, as he worked on an astounding 22 shows per week, including commercials and various productions. His versatility and talent for captivating audiences made him a sought-after personality in the golden age of radio.

Notable Radio Shows and Characters

One of Baker's most enduring achievements was the creation of his own radio program, "Art Baker's Notebook," which debuted on KFI in Los Angeles on September 8, 1938. The show, which featured Baker's philosophical musings and interviews with a wide range of guests, became a national sensation, syndicated in over 50 markets and airing uninterrupted for more than 2,000 episodes.

In 1936, Baker was cast as the host of the CBS show "Hollywood in Person," a groundbreaking tabloid-style program that brought a "studio on wheels" to various locations, allowing Baker to conduct candid interviews with celebrities about their personal lives and gossip. The show, co-hosted by Louise Roberts (Lois Collier), ran for two successful years.

Another of Baker's iconic radio programs was "People Are Funny," which debuted on NBC in 1942 with Baker as the host. The show's stunts and audience participation were designed to reveal the humorous side of human nature, and it became the first game show to air repeats. Baker's warm and engaging personality made him the perfect host for this innovative program.

Broadcasting Style and Signature Techniques

Throughout his radio career, Art Baker developed a distinctive broadcasting style that set him apart from his contemporaries. His smooth, slightly nasal voice and genial on-air presence made him a natural choice to play authority figures, such as business executives, doctors, and senators, in both his radio and film work.

One of Baker's signature techniques was his ability to captivate listeners with his storytelling prowess. On "Art Baker's Notebook," he would weave philosophical musings and personal anecdotes into his interviews, creating a sense of intimacy and connection with his audience. This approach, combined with his warm and approachable demeanor, helped to establish Baker as a trusted and beloved figure in the world of old-time radio.

Professional Relationships and Collaborations

Art Baker's success in radio was not solely the result of his individual talents; he also benefited from his ability to forge strong professional relationships and collaborations with other industry luminaries. In 1941, he became the announcer for Bob Hope's "The Pepsodent Show," further cementing his reputation as a versatile and reliable on-air personality.

Baker also worked closely with Hedda Hopper, the famous Hollywood gossip columnist, on her radio program "The Hedda Hopper Show" from 1939 to 1941. This collaboration allowed Baker to showcase his skills in both interviewing and delivering engaging commentary on the latest celebrity news and rumors.

Perhaps one of Baker's most significant collaborations was with the legendary Walt Disney. In 1943, Baker narrated the Academy Award-nominated, Disney-produced propaganda documentary "Victory Through Air Power," which played a crucial role in the company's foray into educational films. This partnership not only highlighted Baker's talents as a narrator but also demonstrated his ability to contribute to important wartime efforts through his work in media.

Transition to Other Media

While Art Baker's primary fame and success came from his work in radio, he also made significant contributions to other media, including film and television. Over the course of his career, Baker appeared in more than 40 films, often cast in roles that capitalized on his authoritative presence and distinctive voice.

In 1945, Baker was cast as Detective Lt. Cooley in Alfred Hitchcock's critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated film "Spellbound," starring Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman. This role showcased Baker's versatility as an actor, as he seamlessly transitioned from his radio persona to a more dramatic on-screen presence.

Baker's television career was equally impressive, as he hosted numerous shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His most well-known television program was "You Asked for It," which he created in 1950 and hosted until 1959. The show, which allowed viewers to make requests for the types of content they wanted to see, became the longest-running show of its kind and established the format for future travel and variety programs.

Legacy and Influence

Art Baker's impact on the world of old-time radio cannot be overstated. His versatility, charisma, and innovative approach to broadcasting made him a true icon of the golden age of radio. From his philosophical musings on "Art Baker's Notebook" to his captivating hosting duties on shows like "People Are Funny," Baker left an indelible mark on the industry.

Beyond his radio success, Baker's contributions to other media, such as film and television, further solidified his status as a multifaceted entertainer. His ability to seamlessly transition between roles and genres, from dramatic acting to lighthearted hosting, demonstrated his remarkable versatility and adaptability.

Perhaps most importantly, Art Baker's legacy lives on through the countless listeners and viewers who were captivated by his distinctive voice and engaging personality. His impact on the development of radio and television formats, as well as his influence on the careers of countless other broadcasters, ensures that his name will forever be remembered as one of the true pioneers of the golden age of radio.

Works and Appearances

Radio

"Art Baker's Notebook" (1938-1958) - Host and narrator
"Hollywood in Person" (1936-1938) - Host
"The Hedda Hopper Show" (1939-1941) - Announcer
"The Pepsodent Show" (1941-1943) - Announcer
"People Are Funny" (1942-1943) - Host
"Meet Joe Public" (1943) - Host

Film

"Artists and Models" (1937) - 2nd Announcer (uncredited)
"Partners in Crime" (1937) - Radio Announcer (uncredited)
"Stand-In" (1937) - Director of Photography (uncredited)
"Torchy Blane in Panama" (1938) - Assistant Bank Manager (uncredited)
"Spellbound" (1945) - Det. Lt. Cooley
"The Farmer's Daughter" (1947) - Anders J. Finley
"Cover Up" (1949) - Stu Weatherby

Television

"The Art Baker Show" (1950-1951) - Host
"You Asked for It" (1951-1959) - Host
"End of the Rainbow" (1958) - Co-host

Narration

"Glendale on Parade" (1939) - Narrator
"Victory Through Air Power" (1943) - Narrator
Disney educational films (1944-1946) - Narrator

Other Media

Rotary International Annual Convention (1938) - Song leader