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Israel Baker Dead: 'Psycho' Violinist and Classical Legend Dies at 92
- Posted on Jan 10th 2012 12:02PM by Theo Spielberg
Renowned violinist and concert master Israel Baker passed away at his Studio City home after suffering a stroke, the Los Angeles Times reports. He was 92 years old.
In the realm of classical violinists, Israel Baker was about as close to a movie star as one could get. As concertmaster for the orchestra of that scored Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho,' Baker helmed one of the most iconic pieces of score in movie history: The shrill, high-pitched violins that accompany the infamous shower scene.
In addition to scaring people out of hotel showers for over half a century, Baker contributed his generous talent to dozens of other films over the decades, including 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' in 1973 and 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' in 1984.
Baker was born Feb. 11, 1919 in Chicago, the youngest of four. According to his daughter Hilary, he made his professional debut at the age of 6. He went on to serve in the Air Force during World War II where he played as a roving violinist and took requests from hospitalized veterans in the States.
Baker outlived his first wife Caroline, though he is survived by his second wife Imelda; his daughters Hilary, Merril, and Abby; as well as five grandchildren.
Watch an Interview With Israel Baker
Watch 'The Life and Career of Alfred Hitchcock'
In the realm of classical violinists, Israel Baker was about as close to a movie star as one could get. As concertmaster for the orchestra of that scored Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho,' Baker helmed one of the most iconic pieces of score in movie history: The shrill, high-pitched violins that accompany the infamous shower scene.
In addition to scaring people out of hotel showers for over half a century, Baker contributed his generous talent to dozens of other films over the decades, including 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' in 1973 and 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' in 1984.
Baker was born Feb. 11, 1919 in Chicago, the youngest of four. According to his daughter Hilary, he made his professional debut at the age of 6. He went on to serve in the Air Force during World War II where he played as a roving violinist and took requests from hospitalized veterans in the States.
Baker outlived his first wife Caroline, though he is survived by his second wife Imelda; his daughters Hilary, Merril, and Abby; as well as five grandchildren.
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Around The Web:
Israel Baker, noted violinist, dies - The Washington Post
Los Angeles (orchestra) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Add a Comment
Every time that AOL says that a "famous" musician, singer, rocker, etc. dies - it's someone I never heard of.
January 10 2012 at 6:42 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyMaybe you haven't heard of him, but would it kill you to at least TRY to show a little respect?
January 10 2012 at 6:52 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyso? what is your point? Are you a moron, or just illiterate? The man's biography is partially covered in the article... so READ it, and then you will have finally HEARD of him.
When some of today's well-known singers or musicians some day live to be 92 and then die... some dip stick like you will likely have something stupid to say just because they didn't know about them .
HELLRAISER
RIP Israel Baker
January 10 2012 at 6:42 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyisreal baker also was a legend in jazz orchestras and leading the string section for many famous singers. he did all of the CTI (creed taylor) recordings for composer/arranger don sebesky. included artists on the label were freddie hubbard, flora, airto, george benson, ron carter, and hubert laws.
January 10 2012 at 4:53 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAnother loss, first music died, (what people perceive as music, I call noise. Screaming into a microphone is not music) No melody no rhyme and too much drums.
January 10 2012 at 4:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyOne of the greats....we bow to you ....RIP and thanks for everything..............
January 10 2012 at 4:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHI GREENLEFAM
January 10 2012 at 4:04 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down ReplyRIP... was born the same day and year of my Mother.
January 10 2012 at 3:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyRIP Israel Baker. As I read the article I could hear that music in the Psycho shower scene. He sure made it scarier.
January 10 2012 at 2:38 PM Report abuse Permalink +4 rate up rate down Reply
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