Lefty Baker was a talented guitarist and singer who was part of the 1960s sunshine pop band Spanky and Our Gang. He was the main vocalist on the hit song “I’d Like to Get to Know You” and wrote “Yesterday’s Rain”. He also played the banjo and the guitar with skill and flair. But his life was cut short by a tragic illness that claimed his life at the age of 32. What was the cause of death of Lefty Baker?
A Promising Career in Music
Lefty Baker, whose real name was Eustace Britchforth Baker, was born on January 7, 1939, in Richmond, Virginia. He started playing the guitar at an early age and developed a passion for music. He joined Spanky and Our Gang in 1967, after the band’s original guitarist, Malcolm Hale, died of bronchopneumonia. He quickly became an integral part of the group, adding his distinctive voice and style to their songs.
Spanky and Our Gang was a popular band in the late 1960s, known for their vocal harmonies and catchy tunes. They had several hits, such as “Sunday Will Never Be the Same”, “Lazy Day”, “Sunday Mornin’”, and “Like to Get to Know You”. They also recorded a version of “Everybody’s Talkin’”, which later became famous as the theme song for the movie Midnight Cowboy. The band was praised for their musical versatility and creativity, as well as their social awareness and activism.
A Fatal Illness
However, Lefty Baker’s health began to deteriorate in the early 1970s. He suffered from cirrhosis of the liver, a condition that causes scarring and damage to the organ. Cirrhosis can be caused by various factors, such as alcohol abuse, hepatitis, or genetic disorders. According to Wikipedia, Lefty Baker died of cirrhosis of the liver on August 11, 1971, in Los Angeles, California. He was only 32 years old.
Lefty Baker’s death was a shock and a loss to the music industry and his fans. He was remembered as a talented and charismatic musician who had a bright future ahead of him. He was buried at Grand View Memorial Park and Crematory in Glendale, California, according to Find a Grave. His legacy lives on through his music and his contributions to Spanky and Our Gang.
A Tribute to Lefty Baker
Lefty Baker was one of the stars of Spanky and Our Gang, a band that made a mark in the history of pop music. He was a gifted singer and guitarist who brought joy and energy to his performances. He was also a compassionate and caring person who cared about social issues and human rights. He died too soon, but his music and his spirit will always be remembered. Lefty Baker cause of death was a tragedy, but his life was a celebration.
