Donald C. "Donny" Baker

Deepest condolences to all of Donnie's family and friends. I'm so sorry about the passing of one of life's favorite sons. I will always remember that 1,000 watt smile of Donnie's. He was a beautiful soul. Donnie used to help me on the guitar. He and I went to the Ann Arbor Blues Festival in 1969. We spent the entire Saturday with a pair of binoculars and we put every guitar player "under the microscope" and analyse what they were doing. We both learned a lot from that experience. I have...

For Donnie;
who’s talents and generosity extended outwards like the branches of trees.
With love,
from
Chrissie Hynde

Donny drove up from Florida to be in a band with me and Duane Verh in 1975. Donny named the band Jack Rabbit. We did a few gigs in Cleveland before it fell apart, but that gave me my start. A great guitar hero in my life was Donny. I will be forever grateful to him.... Chrissie Hynde

Donny and his Mom, Mary, at St. John's Cathedral on the day before Christmas to hear harpist Jody, of the Cleveland Orchestra, rehearse for Christmas Day Mass. We had a 'private' rehearsal concert with Jody, who was always very gracious, and Mary in her wheelchair had 'privileged' seating.

Thanks for the music Donny! Rockside will miss you! Ken and I miss you already.

Donny lit up a room. Not just his music, his whole being. I will always be thankful for knowing him. I will always be grateful that he introduced me to my wonderful husband