I am from Martinsville, IN and was born on February 7, 1991. My parents are Rex Baker and Anna Bartley. I have a younger brother, Taylor. I started playing guitar at age 10. My Mom thought I showed some musical talent and so my Grandmother bought me a guitar for Christmas. I began playing banjo a few months later at age 11. I grew up in a Missionary Baptist church and currently live in Georgetown, KY.

My professional career began on my sixteenth birthday, performing with Texas-based Karl Shiflett and The Big Country Show. After eighteen months on the road with Karl, playing banjo and mandolin (nine months each), I joined then IBMA instrumental group of the year, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper. I was with Michael for two and a half years. During that time, I was awarded three IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year awards! I have been musically influenced by Earl Scruggs, Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, Tony Rice, Tom Adams, and, of course, Doyle Lawson.

I love Italian food, especially Italian from Mancino’s in Georgetown (it’s the best Mancino’s anywhere). In my spare time, I read philosophy, build computers and websites. I love movies, and have probably spent a third of my life in front of a television, the other two thirds playing banjo.

I play a Hatfield Aurora banjo. I also play guitar and mandolin. I endorse Peterson tuners and my favorite instrument is pedal steel.