Arthur Baker is a highly influential American producer, DJ, remixer, and musician, particularly recognized for his skills as a drummer and percussionist. He was born on April 22, 1955, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Baker gained prominence through his collaborations with notable artists such as Afrika Bambaataa, Planet Patrol, and the British group New Order. His career as a DJ began in Boston during the mid-1970s, where he played early disco and soul music, becoming a key figure in the local club scene alongside respected DJs like John Luongo and Jimmy Stuard. Known for his intense approach to DJing, he famously remarked, "[If] I didn't get a good reaction on a record, I'd just rip it off, break it up and throw it on the dancefloor." In 1977, he shifted his focus to production with the Hearts Of Stone project, which was released on the Canadian Disco 1 label. He was also involved with the group North End in Boston, producing two well-regarded 12-inch singles on West End and Emergency Records.
In 1981, Baker relocated to New York City, where he continued his production work, collaborating with Michael Jonzun and Maurice Starr on various releases for Posse Records. His notable partnerships during this period included work with Joe Bataan, Larry Wu, Tom Moulton, Jo Bisso, and his then-wife. The early 1980s marked Baker's most prolific and influential decade, particularly through his association with The Latin Rascals, who edited many of his productions, including works for Hall and Oates and The Rolling Stones.
Baker's production for Tommy Boy Records included the seminal single "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force, which became a summer hit in 1982. This groundbreaking track incorporated elements from Kraftwerk's "Trans Europe Express" and "Numbers," with contributions made by studio musicians rather than through sampling. He also produced the single "Play at Your Own Risk" by Planet Patrol in 1982, which became a significant precursor to freestyle and urban contemporary music.
In the same year, he produced "Walking on Sunshine" by Rockers Revenge featuring Donnie Calvin, which topped the U.S. Dance chart on September 18. Baker launched his first record label, Streetwise, that year, followed by Criminal Records and Pow Wow, as well as establishing Baker's Shakedown Studios.
By 1983, he gained recognition for his dance remixes of pop and rock hits, including Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and several tracks from Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A. album, such as "Dancing in the Dark," "Cover Me," and "Born in the U.S.A." In 1984, he contributed "Breakers' Revenge" to the Beat Street soundtrack, and in 1986, he created sought-after remixes for the Pet Shop Boys' "Suburbia."
Baker's talents caught the attention of the British alternative dance group New Order, leading to his production of their songs "Confusion" and "Thieves Like Us," with Baker appearing prominently in the music video for "Confusion." The 12-inch single became a crossover success on the U.S. dance charts, establishing a long-term collaboration with the band and paving the way for rock bands to explore dance music and remixes.
Although he narrowly missed signing the Beastie Boys to Streetwise, Baker successfully signed and produced New Edition, who found success with their single "Candy Girl."
In 1984, Baker collaborated with Hall & Oates as a mix consultant on their album Big Bam Boom, resulting in a more urban and electronic sound for the duo. He co-wrote and remixed the opening instrumental "Dance On Your Knees" with Daryl Hall, as well as remixing other hits from the album like "Out Of Touch," "Method Of Modern Love," and "Possession Obsession."
Baker also worked with Bob Dylan in 1985 as a mixer and arranger for the Empire Burlesque album, and he co-produced the anti-apartheid anthem "Sun City" by Artists United Against Apartheid alongside Little Steven.
In the late 1980s and into the 1990s, Baker collaborated with soul icon Al Green, producing the international hit "The Message is Love" and the anti-handgun song "Leave the Guns at Home." In 1989, he released the album Merge on A&M Records as Arthur Baker and the Backbeat Disciples, and he remixed Neneh Cherry's debut single "Buffalo Stance." Additionally, he served as the music supervisor for the films Fried Green Tomatoes and Listen Up - The Lives Of Quincy Jones.
After a hiatus from production in the 1990s, Baker moved to London, where he established a successful chain of bars known as The Elbow Rooms. He also owns the Tiny Robot restaurant and The Starland Social Club members bar in Notting Hill. Throughout his career, he has remained active as a DJ and producer and currently operates Baked Recordings.
