Jack Baker
Wisconsin broadcasting’s “Chief Announcer” had a 57 year career in radio broadcasting beginning on Racine’s WRJN while he was in high school in1945. His early career was spent at WRJN, WEXT, Milwaukee and WKOW, Madison, while attending the UW-Madison. In 1957 he returned to Milwaukee, first at WRIT and then WEMP, where he hosted an overnight program devoted largely to jazz and was recognized as Milwaukee’s 1964 Jazz Personality of the Year. His 38 year career at WTMJ-AM began in 1964 when he hosted a current events call-in show. His second call-in show, “Sportstalk” ran from 1971-1988. In 1980, he debuted the widely popular “Sunday Soundstag” featuring dance band music from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. With his full-time retirement in 1992 the show was canceled, but listener petitions brought the show back after a one-week absence. He continued the show until 2000, a total run of 1,088 shows. Truly Wisconsin’s “Chief Announcer”, Baker also recorded over 1,000 commercials and over 250 narrations for movie and video productions.
Jack Baker passed away on April 26, 2002.
I have fond memories of listening to Jack Baker every Sunday morning. My dad loved Big Band music and loved Jack Baker’s Sunday morning show. We lived in central Wisconsin and were delighted that a Milwaukee radio station came our way!