>>Bill seems so content, not a single break for another instrument. And yet Bill sits completely satisfied.<<
You bet--who wouldn't be? What a prize Kenny was. "Play it, Kenny" and Kenny plays, and out of his fiddle comes sublime, perfect music. Bill takes no break--why risk spoiling such beauty? Can't blame him. And speaking of doing hard work, Kenny, it is said, became unhappy having to carry that much weight. Can't blame him, either.
I didn't know Kenny had died until today when I was looking at fiddling videos and happened on the one of his funeral.. My Uncle Charley Norton had a few of his records and I have some, too. I bought his CD Cotton Baggin a few years ago and it is a good one. Kenny, you are once again with Bill and other Bluegrass Boys to play for the Lord.
It seems like Bill may have written that little tune kindly with Kenny in mind. Maybe not. Watch this vid again. Bill seems so content, not a single break for another instrument. And yet Bill sits completely satisfied. I strive to be like Mr. Monroe. Not just in playing, (that is easy) but in life. (that is very difficult). People don't work hard like they used to.
Kenny Baker, the longtime member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys band whose polished “long bow” sound made him one of bluegrass music’s most emulated fiddle players, died Friday, July 8, in Nashville. The 85-year-old musician, who lived in Sumner County, suffered a stroke earlier in the
He was one of the BEST bluegrass fiddle players of all-time. Such an anchor in Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys for many years! RIP Kenny Baker (1926-2011).
Its great how the farm animals are all crowing and squaking in the background as Kenny Baker talks. You also know it must be at least 95 degrees and 100% humidity there!
This song is the reason Kenny quit Bills group the first time. Some one requested it but Kenny couldnt play because his arthritis in his fingers. Bill told him they would do the request and Kenny walked off stage.
Kenny Baker told me this story a few years ago...On the recording session of the album "Kenny Baker Plays Bill Monroe" Baker actually told Monroe that today I am your boss and I want you to play a mandolin break on Jerusalem...Monroe reluctantly agreed but he only played two parts. The third part (the one that goes from Am to C) Monroe left to the fiddle to play...
Id walk to work ,it was about a 15 min walk, id listen to this tune about 5 times in a row, it really help me start my day off good.Thanks to my walkman and thankst Bill and Kenny.
Id walk to work ,it was about a 15 min walk, id listen to this tune about 5 times in a row, it really help me start my day off good.Thanks to my walkman and thankst Bill and Kenny.
The way that Kenny plays this number, it comes across to me more as the old-time stringband Appalachian style of playing, than the genre one would normally associate with the 'traditional' Blugrass Sound. Beautiful sound, and grand footage of these two legends, Bill & Kenny, playing together.
Oh, I'd say there's some Irish Trad influence there, whether conscious or unconscious.
I guess Bill's background was Scottish, but Old Time & Bluegrass are more or less heirs to the whole spectrum of British Isles Traditional music, wouldn't you say ?
I think your right there could be a small influence from Irish traditional music, but it would be minimal because Irish immigration came much later than the English and Scotts.
As for Bill's background being Scottish..I'm not so sure, after all his real name was not Bill Monroe but William Smith, he decided though that 'Will Smith' didn't sound show biz enough for the stage!
As far as I know, Kenny is still alive. He's not playing out anymore though. I think he's in his 90s now. My man! One of the greatest tunes ever! I consider it old time more than bluegrass.
go to Czardas or sumn' an watch this air-fiddle this guy is doin,, a gypsy number, i've seen the sheet on the song, not bad but some of the comments are praising this airhead like he's actually playing the song. it's rediculous..eeekkk Kenny is one of my favorites, listen to a little of Jean Luc Ponty, a jazz fiddler from Frances' "paris conservatory to NY also an fiddler from West Vir. "clark kessinger has a real good bow. i found one album by him he cut at age of 84
Kenny Baker is equal on any instrument. his main inst. was fiddle and he began his career playing country. Bill hired him because of his smooth style and ability. HE loved the fiddle most. He was an awsome guitar flat picker but fell with a hunting knife and damaged his hand and can no longer play well on a guitar{his opinion}Him and uncle Josh was the best of the best of people and they didnt get above their raising.Kenny and Josh had two albums out with Kenny on guitar if you can find them
Wow, great. I am working on a version of this song. If anyone has heard Casey Dreissen's version on his 3D album it is great. I have not seen a cover of it, or one of casey himself so if anyone has a link please tell me. I am learning it off the CD but it is slow going. I will post it when i am done.
I wish I could play this song that fast! I played it at a jam one time in front of about 500 people and didn't do so well. I can play it slow easily and it sounds fine. This is a great song!
No. I've met Kenny and had the great honor of him playing on stage while I have sang. That man wouldn't still be playing if he didn't love it. Or atleast like it.
I believe that's Mark O'Conner you're thinking about when it comes to the hand injury and being forced to play fiddle instead of guitar, but I'm not sure he hated the fiddle.
lesthebest123 - how can you believe that "Baker absolutely hated the fiddle" - what rubbish! Anyone who can express themselves with an instrument the way Kenny did on the fiddle could not possibly hate their instrument.
i love and play bluegrass music but they aint nothing like hearing them blueface hatch game roosters crowing in the back ground!!!Bill had some good fighten cocks.
No bluegrass fiddler has ever been able to match the sweet notes that come from Kenny Baker's fiddle. He has a unique way of "hanging them out there" in thin air that makes him a wonder. Thank God for recordings so Kenny's genius can be available forever.
I first saw Kenny Baker play this in the new Opryland Auditorium in 1975 with Bill Munro. I was awstruck......Thank you for posting this treasured memory that I have sought for many years. God Bless.
@HillbillyJ It's a well documented fact that Baker more than helped write the tune. You can read the full story in the booklet to Mark O'Connor's Heroes album.
As I said on "About This Video", it's from (Shetland Fiddler) Aly Bain's UK TV series from 1985 "Down Home". I've posted several other clips eg Elizabeth Cotten, Tommy Jarrell, Johnny Gimble, Mark O'Connor. Will post some more when time permits :)
Stu Duncan..? Bobby Hicks..?
nanbyu 3 weeks ago
Where's Kenny's hat? He looks naked without one!
CharleyP919 1 month ago
>>Bill seems so content, not a single break for another instrument. And yet Bill sits completely satisfied.<<
You bet--who wouldn't be? What a prize Kenny was. "Play it, Kenny" and Kenny plays, and out of his fiddle comes sublime, perfect music. Bill takes no break--why risk spoiling such beauty? Can't blame him. And speaking of doing hard work, Kenny, it is said, became unhappy having to carry that much weight. Can't blame him, either.
pickinvidders 4 months ago
I didn't know Kenny had died until today when I was looking at fiddling videos and happened on the one of his funeral.. My Uncle Charley Norton had a few of his records and I have some, too. I bought his CD Cotton Baggin a few years ago and it is a good one. Kenny, you are once again with Bill and other Bluegrass Boys to play for the Lord.
TheBasenjiman 4 months ago
Their music is available on Amazon. They're amazing.
SoMuchKoolerOnline 5 months ago
Happy 100th Big Mon.
mrhipsterdoofus 5 months ago
Today, Bill Monroe's death is 15. Rest in peace.
FenderNashvilleTele 5 months ago
Thanks Kenny for all the beautiful music and great friendship for so many years. I will greatly miss you.
s98
248shar 6 months ago
Comment removed
banjer4u 6 months ago
It seems like Bill may have written that little tune kindly with Kenny in mind. Maybe not. Watch this vid again. Bill seems so content, not a single break for another instrument. And yet Bill sits completely satisfied. I strive to be like Mr. Monroe. Not just in playing, (that is easy) but in life. (that is very difficult). People don't work hard like they used to.
deadstrings01 7 months ago 2
video an not be played on hand held phones.
teachmefiddle 7 months ago
Rest in peace Kenny Baker, what a fiddler!
downandoutbluegrass 7 months ago 3
They're picking inside those pearly gates...one day the rest of us will join that jam...RIP Kenny...thanks for that sweet tone...
bgrassbasser 8 months ago
Kenny Baker, the longtime member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys band whose polished “long bow” sound made him one of bluegrass music’s most emulated fiddle players, died Friday, July 8, in Nashville. The 85-year-old musician, who lived in Sumner County, suffered a stroke earlier in the
47dbaker 8 months ago
TONIGHT
Kenny Baker and Josh Graves Reunion
There'll be Beautiful music in Heaven tonight
resobelle 8 months ago
Comment removed
resobelle 8 months ago
Anyone aware of it....Jerusalem Ridge is a re-do of Cold Frosty Morning. Check it out and you will see some very striking similarities.
MrBluegrassfiddler 8 months ago
RIP Kenny and thanks for giving us so many years of such wonderful fiddling. You will be missed.
elmar9 8 months ago
He was one of the BEST bluegrass fiddle players of all-time. Such an anchor in Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys for many years! RIP Kenny Baker (1926-2011).
Banjomountain 8 months ago
The sweetest fiddle sound I ever heard. Rest in peace Kenny.
INshutterbug 8 months ago
Kenny will be missed. He defined the genre.
aburtch 8 months ago
RIP Kenny.
bluegrasscannuk 8 months ago
Priceless! Kenny Baker is the greatest! Thanks!
eviecbg 8 months ago
Priceless! Kenny Baker is the greatest! Thanks!
Vehocalist 8 months ago
RIP Kenny.
gofishingwithme 8 months ago
Thanks, Kenny, for all that you've done to encourage fiddling. Rest in peace, sir.
tallercaller 8 months ago
One of the most influential fiddlers the world has ever known! You'll be sorely missed, Mr. Baker!
joshiba15 8 months ago
Its great how the farm animals are all crowing and squaking in the background as Kenny Baker talks. You also know it must be at least 95 degrees and 100% humidity there!
neil5568 8 months ago
This stuff is awesome. It can' get any better than this.
caseysorrells20 8 months ago
I met Kenny at a Seton Hall U Bill Monroe concert in 1974. I have been a lifelong fan since that great day.
kdegru 8 months ago
Man, I love this tune.
MikeMorgan86 8 months ago
I love how they are all tapping their feet, makes me feel like tapping mine too!! (at 1:39)
caramelosupremo 8 months ago
This song is the reason Kenny quit Bills group the first time. Some one requested it but Kenny couldnt play because his arthritis in his fingers. Bill told him they would do the request and Kenny walked off stage.
1RamTough 9 months ago
0 dislikes
FenderNashvilleTele 10 months ago
check out Paul Anderson playing this followed by Waiting for the Federals
couthyband 10 months ago
check out Paul Anderson playing this followed by Waiting for the Federals
couthyband 10 months ago
! ! ! The one and only ! ! !
Nashvilleagain 11 months ago
Kenny said Bill wrote it, but Bill doesn't take even one mandolin break!???
Why not?
eyedocmark 11 months ago
@eyedocmark
Kenny Baker told me this story a few years ago...On the recording session of the album "Kenny Baker Plays Bill Monroe" Baker actually told Monroe that today I am your boss and I want you to play a mandolin break on Jerusalem...Monroe reluctantly agreed but he only played two parts. The third part (the one that goes from Am to C) Monroe left to the fiddle to play...
AnnaGolly 10 months ago
@eyedocmark because bill didn't wright it kenny did !!
hellokylefeller 8 months ago
If it ain't Kenny Baker, it ain't fiddle!!!!!!!
adamtheham 11 months ago 13
Sweet, sweet notes dripping with awesome.
sirmorluk 1 year ago
WOW!! That is one beautiful piece of work. Thanks for sharing.
johnwon454 1 year ago
WOW
matsterwxyz 1 year ago
The greatest fiddler in Bluegrass, Kenneth Clayton Baker! None better, before, during os since!! Thanks for sharing this great memory.
shelibeane 1 year ago
kenny baker is the shit
capnhowdy66 1 year ago
High lonesome sound still goin round!I love this song !Thanks
killerkryss 1 year ago
hollyyyyy shit
GrewalMichael 1 year ago 2
Look at bill...he feels this song in his soul....he wrote it.
jmorey64 1 year ago
dude kenny baker was the right hand man
capnhowdy66 1 year ago
Serious, serene old men playing wild music. I love it!
procarpenter1788 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Id walk to work ,it was about a 15 min walk, id listen to this tune about 5 times in a row, it really help me start my day off good.Thanks to my walkman and thankst Bill and Kenny.
071tel 1 year ago
Id walk to work ,it was about a 15 min walk, id listen to this tune about 5 times in a row, it really help me start my day off good.Thanks to my walkman and thankst Bill and Kenny.
071tel 1 year ago
. . . great K.B. ! Please check my videos with Kenny and Uncle Josh in Europs.
Nashvilleagain 1 year ago
god, that's beautiful.
Ecosse57 2 years ago
woww..this is awesome..respect
davidutzman 2 years ago
The way that Kenny plays this number, it comes across to me more as the old-time stringband Appalachian style of playing, than the genre one would normally associate with the 'traditional' Blugrass Sound. Beautiful sound, and grand footage of these two legends, Bill & Kenny, playing together.
colindominy 2 years ago
@colindominy Kenny Baker played a long bow version and also jazz style, he once said "bluegrass is nothing but a hillbilly version of jazz."
SgtDragan 2 years ago
Well, that means Jesus will have to come back and drive out those money changers again :)
flagwaver1969 2 years ago
cool
kaydekoff 2 years ago
I think Mark O' Connor is still the champ but I love this guy too
krdawg4 2 years ago
Kenny is a good man... Best damn fiddler the world has ever known!
dayfber 2 years ago 22
@dayfber I believe you're right!
ForceRecon75 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
check out Paul Anderson Jerusalem Ridge
kemz1983 2 years ago
kenny turned 83 on june 26 09 , this has got to be one of the best fiddle tunes of all time , just amazing R.I.P BILL
kf4eud 2 years ago 2
it sounds irish, but I can be totaly wrong, but I love the song i play it over and over again it makes me happy
jacquelineriems 2 years ago 3
Oh, I'd say there's some Irish Trad influence there, whether conscious or unconscious.
I guess Bill's background was Scottish, but Old Time & Bluegrass are more or less heirs to the whole spectrum of British Isles Traditional music, wouldn't you say ?
psychkoala 2 years ago
True!
jacquelineriems 2 years ago
I think your right there could be a small influence from Irish traditional music, but it would be minimal because Irish immigration came much later than the English and Scotts.
As for Bill's background being Scottish..I'm not so sure, after all his real name was not Bill Monroe but William Smith, he decided though that 'Will Smith' didn't sound show biz enough for the stage!
AEngleSaex 2 years ago
@AEngleSaex You're making things up.
Big Mon's full name was William Smith Monroe.
PeterHackman 1 year ago
@PeterHackman Well i was fortunate enough to gig with a banjo player who played in bill's band for 3 years. That's where i heard it.
AEngleSaex 1 year ago
Guess it is a good thing there is not an " auto repeat" option here on Youtube - my computer would never be shut off!
this song would play over and over, and over! :-)
It is great- Thanks for posting it for us to enjoy.
BK
14thetruth 2 years ago
As far as I know, Kenny is still alive. He's not playing out anymore though. I think he's in his 90s now. My man! One of the greatest tunes ever! I consider it old time more than bluegrass.
DNicolas1916 2 years ago
Every note is a scientific fact!
buddysmith09 2 years ago 29
how could it get any better than kenny baker on fiddle? man. is he still alive?
mandohat 2 years ago
yes.
but he's very old.
like, ninety something.
i met him, though, and he's still got it.
hells0bells 2 years ago
go to Czardas or sumn' an watch this air-fiddle this guy is doin,, a gypsy number, i've seen the sheet on the song, not bad but some of the comments are praising this airhead like he's actually playing the song. it's rediculous..eeekkk Kenny is one of my favorites, listen to a little of Jean Luc Ponty, a jazz fiddler from Frances' "paris conservatory to NY also an fiddler from West Vir. "clark kessinger has a real good bow. i found one album by him he cut at age of 84
fiddlnbanjo 3 years ago
I prefer it played by someone else too..but Monroe wrote this piece
OriginalMoonbeam 2 years ago
My name is Ridge Rock On!!!!!!!!
Didge411 3 years ago
Kenny Baker is equal on any instrument. his main inst. was fiddle and he began his career playing country. Bill hired him because of his smooth style and ability. HE loved the fiddle most. He was an awsome guitar flat picker but fell with a hunting knife and damaged his hand and can no longer play well on a guitar{his opinion}Him and uncle Josh was the best of the best of people and they didnt get above their raising.Kenny and Josh had two albums out with Kenny on guitar if you can find them
49bluesman 3 years ago 2
Thank you for that wonderful insight! A fantastic tune and wonderful playing, no doubt.
therealroadstar 3 years ago 3
Wow, great. I am working on a version of this song. If anyone has heard Casey Dreissen's version on his 3D album it is great. I have not seen a cover of it, or one of casey himself so if anyone has a link please tell me. I am learning it off the CD but it is slow going. I will post it when i am done.
remyjames00 3 years ago
I too, about awhile, some of these \short strokes are hard to find
fiddlnbanjo 3 years ago
he does a chop section in the beginning that i am struggling with. it takes time
remyjames00 3 years ago
I wish I could play this song that fast! I played it at a jam one time in front of about 500 people and didn't do so well. I can play it slow easily and it sounds fine. This is a great song!
BluegrassStation 3 years ago
i met kenny several years ago and actually had the honor of playing a few songs with him. he is a fantastic fiddle player. he's friendly too.
banjoboyjohn 3 years ago
I remember when this came on TV
segerduder 3 years ago
No. I've met Kenny and had the great honor of him playing on stage while I have sang. That man wouldn't still be playing if he didn't love it. Or atleast like it.
theredoc 3 years ago
I believe that's Mark O'Conner you're thinking about when it comes to the hand injury and being forced to play fiddle instead of guitar, but I'm not sure he hated the fiddle.
sword6204 3 years ago
lesthebest123 - how can you believe that "Baker absolutely hated the fiddle" - what rubbish! Anyone who can express themselves with an instrument the way Kenny did on the fiddle could not possibly hate their instrument.
scruggs0610 3 years ago
Thank you so much! Kenny Baker! And Bill... ;-)
TIDOWNOW 3 years ago
love it
evannrj 3 years ago
I so agree with Jzavada's comments. That is exactly why I love this piece and Kenny's playing. A treasured clip.
MrsGardiner 3 years ago
Priceless!
Banjoey1 3 years ago
kenny baker is an awesome fiddle player.
john77905 3 years ago 2
i love and play bluegrass music but they aint nothing like hearing them blueface hatch game roosters crowing in the back ground!!!Bill had some good fighten cocks.
hatchboy1 3 years ago
Totally awesome tune! Way to go guys! You have paved the way for us Bluegrass players.
JKAgee 3 years ago
I guess you all havent heard Mark O'Conner yet.
acefiddle 3 years ago
No bluegrass fiddler has ever been able to match the sweet notes that come from Kenny Baker's fiddle. He has a unique way of "hanging them out there" in thin air that makes him a wonder. Thank God for recordings so Kenny's genius can be available forever.
JZavada 3 years ago 2
Kenny is one of my heroes over this times.
He play the fiddle like no one other can.
His stone face and skill playing are so magic.
Bless him.
xpetery456 3 years ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
one word wow
cutiemarshmallow 3 years ago
Fine.
Erkele 3 years ago
i second that
lisnorrog 3 years ago
nice day +nice music=perfect
josephgelb 3 years ago
I need to learn to play this.
patrick9068 3 years ago
My uncle sure can play the fiddle my papaw is his brother i just saw him play two weeks ago at his house i will tell you this he's still got it
Stuzzio 3 years ago
tell Uncle Kenny we miss him at Bean Blossom!
mando302 3 years ago
I first saw Kenny Baker play this in the new Opryland Auditorium in 1975 with Bill Munro. I was awstruck......Thank you for posting this treasured memory that I have sought for many years. God Bless.
59Skyliner 4 years ago
makes me happy. thanks for the fantastic videos. made my day
smileandwave1987 4 years ago
THANK YOU!!!!!A real joy to watch
hootdog12 4 years ago
Kenny Baker TODAY will tell you bill wrote it... gut u can tell by the way he says it that he had more to do with it that he's tellin..
shane2bt 4 years ago 2
"Which Bill wrote" I send this quote out to anyone who said Baker wrote "J. Ridge."
HillbillyJ 4 years ago
@HillbillyJ It's a well documented fact that Baker more than helped write the tune. You can read the full story in the booklet to Mark O'Connor's Heroes album.
PeterHackman 1 year ago
sweetest fiddler around.
petraki53 4 years ago 2
wonderful post. thank you.
xms32 4 years ago
As I said on "About This Video", it's from (Shetland Fiddler) Aly Bain's UK TV series from 1985 "Down Home". I've posted several other clips eg Elizabeth Cotten, Tommy Jarrell, Johnny Gimble, Mark O'Connor. Will post some more when time permits :)
crtUK 4 years ago
I've just added Pike County Breakdown - guess you like banjo?:)
crtUK 4 years ago
Priceless performance by some of the best. Great quality video too. Thanks for posting.
banjobilly32 4 years ago