USC School of Music Pays Tribute to Buddy Baker
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After intermission, Richard Sherman shared three songs. He described Buddy Baker as an “incredible musical guru�? who poured his heart into his arrangements. The first song was “The Wonderful World of Color.�? After first explaining that he and brother Robert had to convince Walt Disney that the full title “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color�? did not lend itself well to lyrics, Richard played the comparatively simple tune. He then related how Walt decided to create a beautiful montage of color images from the studio film library. Buddy Baker’s arrangement of the song was then showcased in a video clip of the memorable sequence from the Disney Sunday program.
Richard’s next song was the beloved theme park standard “it’s a small world.�? He praised Buddy for creating the illusion that throughout the attraction each nation had a distinctive sound, yet the song was never lost or muddled. He went on to explain that Buddy Baker was not just a leader in scoring theme park attractions-he was the innovator.
A medley of tunes from “Winnie the Pooh�? followed. Richard Sherman revealed that Buddy was very taken with the sound of the song “Heffalumps and Woozles.�? After exclaiming that he wanted to use every “crazy�? instrument he could lay his hands on, Richard suggested the kazoo! When Buddy readily agreed, Richard Sherman pulled out a kazoo, claiming he always carried one. During the recording session, it was Richard Sherman himself who performed the kazoo parts. He then went on to relate that they did the same thing while creating the soundtracks for the Winnie the Pooh theme park attractions some 30 years later.
Personal reflections were next offered by Buddy Baker’s stepson, Scott Keene. He spoke movingly of their home life, and Buddy’s devotion to his beloved wife, Charlotte. He also explained that Buddy’s affection nickname, Charlee, was still very feminine, since it was, after all, “Charlee with a double E.�? This lead to the introduction of the song “Charlee,�? composed by Buddy Baker for his wife. The lovely, jazz inflected song was performed by USC faculty member Ron McCurdy, trumpet and vocals, and David Spear on piano. Afterwards, flowers were presented to Charlotte Baker, who was present in the audience.
Former student Adam Fields next offered his reflections on Buddy Baker. His joyous memories had the crowd laughing. His presentation then lead to a demonstration of “free timing,�? a technique used in film scoring, and taught by Buddy Baker. A work clip of “The Fox and the Hound�? was shown as David Dunbar conducted and David Spear played the piano. The score was, of course, by Buddy Baker.
Final reflections were offered by Jon Burlingame. He also emphasized Buddy’s puckish nature. One story he told concerned a memorable elevator trip. (The elevators in the USC Faculty Building figured in a few other stories that day.) It seems that one warm summer day a particularly attractive USC coed, dressed for climate, rode one floor up with Jon and Buddy. After she departed, and the doors closed, 78 year old Buddy turned to Jon and evenly exclaimed, “Well…how about that?�?
The afternoon concluded with a collection of video clips detailing Buddy Baker’s life and career. It included his acceptance speech for his ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Award. Among his “Rules for getting an ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Award�? were: Don’t’ die young; When you do get old, teach, so you can steal from your best students; and don’t charge for composing music-but charge a hefty fee for all the b. s.!"
Closing remarks were offered by Dr. Robert Cutietta, the Dean of the USC Thornton School of Music. He related a personal story. When he arrived at USC for his new position, he determined to call every member of the faculty for an in depth discussion. The first one he wanted to talk with was Buddy Baker. But when he called the house, he was informed that Buddy was in the hospital. He didn’t feel comfortable calling someone he didn’t know under the circumstances, but Buddy’s wife insisted he call-that Buddy would be pleased to talk with him.
Sure enough, Buddy Baker was more than willing. For forty five minutes he shared his vision for the Film Scoring program, and enthusiastically welcomed the new Dean. The next day, Buddy Baker passed away.
Academy Award winner Richard Sherman greets the
Hilton family of Portland, Oregon at the reception.
Following the Tribute, all were invited to a reception at the Buddy Baker Memorial Exhibit in the Alfred Newman Recital Hall Gallery. There, glass cases filled with photos and memorabilia highlighted Buddy Baker’s distinguished career. Program participants, guests, former students and friends mingled amid reminders of Buddy’s wonderful life.
Among the awards on display are these legend
awards from the Disney Studio and the NFFC.
USC has established the Buddy Baker Memorial Fund in Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television. Tax-deductible contributions may be made payable to the Thornton School of Music and mailed to: the Buddy Baker Memorial Fund, USC Thornton School of Music, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0851.
Discuss It!
-- Posted September 30, 2003
-- Story and Pictures by Doug Marsh