Fred Baye

1950 - 2021

Baye, Fred ALBANY Fred Baye, of Colonie, went home to be with Jesus on December 9, 2021. He was 71 years old. He was born in Germany on February 2, 1950, and lived in New York City before settling in the Capital Region. Fred graduated from Colonie Central High School and received a certificate in Labor Studies, Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. For over four decades, Fred was involved in event planning, concert promotion, corporate branding, professional management, media relations and public affairs. Fred's expertise and professional perspective helped to elevate the careers and effectiveness of so many over the years. Fred had an eye for talent and knew how to put on a show; beginning in the mid 1960s, at the Aerodrome, promoting events for the best-in-the-business including: The Animals, B.B. King, The Beach Boys, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Canned Heat, Chicago, The Dave Clark Five, Billy Joel, Janis Joplin, Joan Jett, Jethro Tull, Rod Stewart, Led Zeppelin, Santana, Steppenwolf, The Velvet Underground, Wilson Pickett, The Yardbirds, Frank Zappa and numerous others, even hosting the 21st birthday party for Led Zepplin's Robert Plant. In the mid 1980s, Fred shifted focus, concentrating on faith-based work, talent acquisition and media relations for Dr. Billy Graham and other high-profile speakers, authors and professional athletes. Fred helped spearhead and guide the Youth Night Festivals and was the emphasis of many large-scale events with Josh McDowell, Luis Palau, and Pope John Paul II. During the decade, Fred was a two-time candidate for the United States Congress, his campaigns still evident today throughout the 24th Congressional District. In the 1990s, Fred played an important part in the careers of many Christian artists including Susan Ashton, Audio Adrenaline, Bob Carlisle, Steven Curtis Chapman, Dakoda Motor Co., Charlie Daniels, DC Talk, John Elefante, Toby Mac, Newsboys, Out of Eden, David Pack, Phillips Craig & Dean, Michael Peterson, Petra, Point of Grace, Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, Randy Travis, Jeni Varnadeau, Jaci Velasquez and many others. Fred was also involved with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), representing Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Mark Maro and Sable as well as NFL Hall of Famer, Steve Largent of the Seattle Seahawks. In 2001, Fred was hired by Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Association as the director of the Billy Graham Prayer and Call Center to spearhead grief and crisis seminars for the thousands who came to New York City in response to 9/11 and then provided aftermath training assistance for natural disasters and tragedies throughout the country. Fred helped produce the internationally-televised 9/11 tribute at Madison Square Garden which helped lay the groundwork for Dr. Graham's last Crusade in New York City in 2005. Fred has also served as the field campaign aide to U.S. Senator Jacob Javits, field communication aide to New York Governor Mario Cuomo and liaise to the Rudy Giuliani Administration. Fred was the former president of the Industrial Relations Research Association (IRRA) and the Cornell University Labor Studies Alumni Association as well as a member of The Ford Orange Club. In his retirement, Fred enjoyed working at the Home Depot, forging many friendships and surpassing national sales goals, becoming the top promoter of the Home Depot Credit Card. Fred was a follower of Christ, a collector and an avid historian; he loved a good deal, a very hot meal and above all, he cherished his family. Fred is survived by Patti Baye; and their children, Chelsea Brandow (Kevin) and Jeremy Baye (Mara); as well as his three dogs, Rudy, Ziggy and Coco. He was predeceased by his parents, Friedrich "Fred" and Henriette "Lilly" Baye; and most recently, by his sister, Mary-Lou Baye Fitch. His services will be private. To honor Fred, please say a prayer for someone in need, give to your local church or honor his love of books by donating to Colonie's William K. Sanford Town Library of Loudonville.