About Lennie Baker

Lennie Baker, known to Oklahoma as the “Godfather of the Bartlesville Music Scene,” began performing professionally at the age of 18, having developed his skills in church and school choirs. He performed for nearly 50 years throughout the Southwest. He also performed in Hawaii, Cancun, Eureka Springs, Branson, and many other resort areas. Lennie passed away on November 6, 2017 at the age of 75.

Lennie recorded his first record in 1964. The single “I Still Love You” was the main song, and it took several months to write and perfect. However, the flip side, “Leaving You”, was just as popular. Having no experience in recording, Lennie did not even think of a flip side until a few miles from the studio. While recording the first song, Lennie wrote the song “Leaving You.”

For 16 years, Lennie performed throughout the five-state area with the band “Ronnie and The Miracles,” a soul band with a tremendous following. With the emergence of disco and DJ’s, the band dissolved.

Beginning in 1984, Lennie worked as a solo act and front man for local fan favorite “The Gigsters.” His repertoire included a wide selection of blues, rock and roll, country and ballads. He was extremely versatile in the interpretation of different styles of music and had a unique gift of appealing to music lovers of all ages. His favorite music was the 60s, 70s, and 80s. However, his repertoire went back to such songs as “St.Louis Blues,” “Sunny Side of the Street,” and other oldies. He could bring a crowd to their feet when belting tunes such as “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “Every Time I Roll the Dice,” or “Hold On, I’m Coming,” and he could easily shift the mood with a romantic rendition of “When a Man Loves a Woman.” His love for entertaining was quite obvious by the way he poured his heart, energy, and soul into every song.

Remembering Lennie – Words from his friends.

Award Details: 

The Lennie Baker Scholarship is for music students in the local area schools.

To be eligible, applicants must be nominated by a music teacher and must be enrolled in a music program. If the student attends a school that does not offer a music program, the applicant can be nominated by a private music instructor.

This $500 scholarship will be awarded to music students who display great leadership and community involvement.

Required Addendums:

• Four 1-page essays:
  • Essay #1 List the clubs and organizations of which you are or have been a member and offices you have held while in high school. Briefly discuss an office or organization that has been especially meaningful to you.
  • Essay #2 How have you demonstrated leadership ability? Leadership may be defined as the ability to motivate others into action. (Examples of demonstrating leadership are: success in youth organizations, student government, school and community organizations; participation in athletics, dance, fine arts; and effectively communicating to others either orally or in writing; etc.)
  • Essay #3 How have you shown the desire to learn and share knowledge and experience with others? (Examples of these desires are: asking questions and volunteering answers, joining discussion groups that are not required, researching a topic on your own and offering to share your discovery with others, etc.)
  • Essay #4 Bono said, “Music can change the world because it can change people.” How do you see yourself continuing to affect your community through music?
• Letter of recommendation from music teacher or private music instructor
• Official high school transcript

 

This application is now closed.