Cary Baker is a writer from Chicago, Illinois, who worked as a freelance journalist before becoming a publicist in the music industry. Baker began writing in high school, publishing blues fanzine Blue Flame. After going to Northern Illinois University to study journalism, Baker worked as an editor at Triad Magazine and later wrote liner notes for Ovation Records. Also at this time, Baker ran the short-lived record label Fiction Records. Throughout the 1970s and into the early 1980s, Baker wrote freelance articles for a number of publications. In 1984, he became the vice president of publicity at I.R.S. Records, where he worked with artists such as R.E.M. and the Go-Go’s until 1988, when he became the national director of media & artist relations for Capitol Records, a position he held for two years. Following his time at Capitol Records, Baker worked for a variety of independent record labels, as well as for PLA Media in Nashville, Tennessee. Baker also founded two publicity firms, Baker/Northup Music Group and Conqueroo. In 2022, Baker announced his retirement from the music industry and a return to writing.
Scope and Contents
The Cary Baker Papers span the years 1963 to 2000. The collection consists of collected promotional materials, such as press releases, press kits, news clippings, and photographs. Much of the collection’s focus is on Baker’s writing as a freelance music journalist. This includes manuscripts for articles, fiction writing, interviews, and correspondence. The Cary Baker Papers additionally have documents from an independent record label that Baker briefly ran called Fiction Records. The collection offers insight into the independent music scene and journalism of the Chicago-area in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It also illustrates Baker’s writing and interview process during his time as a journalist. The collection is organized into collected artist materials and photographs, writings, and Fiction Records.
Notes
Acquisition Note: The Cary Baker Papers were received by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. as a gift from Cary Baker on August 8, 2022.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Cary Baker Papers, Library & Archives, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Language Note: Materials are in English.
Processing Information: Processed by Zachary Perrier, Intern. Completed August 5, 2024. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual. Collection processed through a Museums for America grant from the IMLS.
Separated Materials: Newspapers, magazines, and newsletters have been transferred to the library. Please search for "Cary Baker Papers" in the catalog for a list of donated titles.
Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration Form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
Use
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library & Archives.
