Mickey Baker

 It was announced today that legendary guitarist Mickey Baker has died.  He was busy r&b and jazz session guitarist in New York in 1950s and wrote a jazz guitar instruction book series that influenced a generation or two of players.  He is most famous, though,  as half of Mickey and Sylvia.  Their 1956 hit Love is Strange is truly a classic.  Baker's guitar playing is among the best rock/r&b playing ever.  Turns out though that much of is borrowed from Jody Williams playing on Billy Stewart's tune "Billie's Blues" on Chess.  Chess even sued over the matter, but Williams apparently got no compensation. Another Williams piece ("Lucky Lou") was borrowed by Otis Rush for "All Your Love."

This YouTube Of "Love Is Strange" has some very nice vintage photos.  Enjoy.