Charles William "Bouncin' Bill" Baker
Jun 21st 1928 - Aug 12th 2005
Print All
Jan Nutty
June 21st 2008
Bouncin' Bill was THE entertainment twice weekly at the Westlake Dance Hall on the west side and I had the wonderful chance to work with him for eight years as the dance hall manager. What a guy! The teen dances were never the same and finally closed later after Bill left. He made the show and we all miss him terribly. I know Bill is in Rock 'n Roll Heaven with those wild oversized gag sunglasses he always wore, watching over all of us as he always did.
Dave Harness
February 28th 2007
I remember Bill doing a live remote at a car dealership on East Washington St. in about 1956. I was 10 years old and watched in fascination as he did his show. I finally got up the courage to go up and ask him to send out a song, "Honeycomb" and dedicate it to my mother. Later we were in the car driving away and I heard my dedication complete with my name on the radio. It was magical. Later in life I did an eight year stint as an on air DJ at WNTS AM 1590 in Indianapolis and many times thought about the very kind man that had time for a ten year old kid back in the 50's.Thanks Bill, we miss you.
Nol&Wies
June 18th 2006
All I know about Mister "Bouncin' Bill" Baker I know because Ronnie Haig my big favorite Artist from Indianapolis.
And Ronnie told me a lots of things about this great man.
Thank You Mister Baker for all You did for the music we love so dearly.
Thank You for making "Ronnie Haig" a great Artist who never bin as fames as Artist like Elvis Presley,Chuck Berry and more but is in no way more less then them.
Mister Baker You will always be in our hearts, rest in peace and till we meet again we will have you in our thoughts as the man who mad RONNIE HAIG!
To fans from Maastricht(Netherlands) Nol and Wies
RONNIE HAIG
May 1st 2006
"Bouncin' Bill" as we called him, soon became like a brother to me shortly after our first meeting on Feb 28th,1958
I took my new record in to him at WIBC and he played it right then. From that moment on, there was a bond that can't really be described.
Any entertainer that ever met Bill will tell you the same. He was a friend's friend, and certainly the one who started Ronnie Haig on his way to wherever I went.
Too many memories to mention, so I will hide them in my heart,bringing one back every now and then -just because I can.
Ronnie Haig
Jim Sieferman
November 7th 2005
My friend at School #53, Barry, was very interested in radio. We would often drive our bikes to Glendale Shopping Center (from our houses near 40'th & Arlington) to watch EZ Gwynn do his show. Bob Morrison from WXLW did our sock hops at #53. But the highlight of our "radio journeys" together was the day we visited the WIBC studios. They wouldn't let us in to see all the technical stuff Barry wanted to see, but we had fun looking around at the public areas of the station. When we went outside, Barry's bike had been stolen. We went back inside to use the phone, and at that moment, Bouncin' Bill walked through the lobby. When he heard of our plight, he told Barry and me to get in his Olds Starfire convertible, and we scoured the neighborhood, looking for the bike. Never found it, but Bill took his own time to help a couple of snot-nosed kids in their time of need. Also provided them with one of the best memories of their young lives. I hope Bill has found Barry by now, on a brand new Schwinn.
Bruce Altman
August 19th 2005
I loved BB almost all my life, since I was born in 1955 somewhere in Kokomo, Indiana. My parants somehow met Bill while my dad was working for Marsh Supermarkets in Kokomo. Bill was doing radio advertising by holding record hops in the store parking lots to boost sales. I remember him spinning the discs from a trailer that was his portable radio station. My parents, John and Mary Altman, stayed friends with the Baker family for the rest of their lives. When I was in high school, Muncie Northside, Bill was so kind to produce "radio station IDs" for my pirate radio station in Muncie, WRFM. We all thought it was just too cool to have such a great voice on our little .5 watt station broadcasting maybe one mile in radius. That was when Mr. Baker really was cemented into my heart. I'm sorry I never pursued a career in radio or that I never asked for his advice on how I could get started. I remember his sweet wife and I remember all the kids but those memories faded with time. The Bakers also had great HO model trains at their house, that was an inspiation to me later as a pre-teen to take up model railroading for myself. I also remember listening to his oldest son Art play the drums, I guess we were only about 7 or 8 years at the time.
I will always be thankful for those momories, and I thank Bouncin' Bill and his wonderful family for making that possible. I'm greatly sorry that he is gone, and look forward to seeing Bill and his wife at the Return.
God bless you all,
Bruce
Steve Fushelberger
August 19th 2005
The earliest memory of Bouncin Bill Baker was a Sunday afternoon back in the early 1950s when he was performing and holding court at the The Mart, first discount store in Indianapolis. Wearing a brown and white checked sport coat, he was joking about his girl friend who had such a beautiful right eye that her other one kept looking at it. Over the years naturally he was with me in the morning while preparing for school, college and jobs. Then I had the pleasure of working with him on many of our Caldwell - Van Riper and Management Resources client productions as both voice talent and engineer at Broadcast Productions. That spectacular voice could indeed "sell cars" but the golden person inside was what I'll remember most of all.
Paul Poteet
August 18th 2005
I just wanted to extend my condolences to Bill's family. I had the pleasure of working with Bill and Art several times at B'cast Productions. I must admit that the first time I was there as a voice talent... with Bill Baker on the other side of the glass... was more than a little intimidating! He was a great talent, and was also great fun to work with.
I got to see him in passing not that long ago at another recording studio, and had the privilege of hearing that distinctive voice in person one more time. I'll miss it.
Keetie Phillips
August 17th 2005
It would take hours to say what an impact and inspiration "Bouncin" Bill Baker had on my life and the direction I went in the career of music. The great times we "Keetie & the Kats" had doing shows with him and traveling throught the midwest will always be unforgetable and in my heart. What a beautiful, always caring, exciting and invigorating individual. Thank God after approximately 35 years, I spoke to him as recent as 3 months ago. I will always be grateful for that final connection and conversation.
Keetie Phillips
LaCenter, Washington
William R. Weakley
August 16th 2005
What great guy, how do I start? I moved to Indy in 1957 (at the age of 10) with my parents from Chicago. My mother wanted my father to get a transfer back, so after a couple years he got one. They sold our home to Bill Baker on 5252 Lancelot Drive. My mother changed her mine so instead of going back to Chicago, they built a home across the street at 5263 Lancelot. So Bouncing Bill and family grew up in the same home as I did, and I also count him as a neighbor. Like many of those posting memories my older brother (Tom-still living in INDPLS) helped Bouncin Bill with the record hops duty, and later on for two years I did as well --- so working for the Morning DJ was my first Real Job, and for a teenager, getting paid with money, milkshakes at the Teepee and White label 45 records, with Pick to click and Wax to Watch written on them (still have em) was about as good as it gets. Bill Baker taught me the value of hard work, shared with humor and enthusiasm. So he touched many and was unending in his kindness to all he met. He took me to Gasoline Alley at the Speedway 500 and the race one year with his son--the year Eddie Sachs die (1964). One thing about that era, is the celebrities of that time (And BILL was a celebrity) were very accessible as it was a simpler time. Roger Ward (famous race driver lived on the same street) and he too was accessible. Today I doubt one could just ring the doorbell of a celebrity and have them answer the door. It was a simpler time and because of it, Bill Baker was able to touch the lives of many. Record Hops at Westlake and other places normally included live music as well---I remember Bouncing Bill getting Tony Bellus (Robbin the Cradle-song) to come to a record hop, but as most know he also introduced the Beatles. This was great man, my thoughts and sympathy goes out to his family.
Stephen Cale
August 16th 2005
We have lost more than a great Broadcasting Pioneer. Bill was one of the kindest and most generous men I have had the pleasure of knowing. I remember listening to him when I was in high school, and then after I graduated from college... I had got my chance to do my first "real" radio commercial at Broadcast Productions. He took the time to make sure that I my 1st attempt as a "new" announcer was a pleasant experience, and that everyone (no matter what side of the "double glass" that they were on) in his studio was there to help me do a good job. He made such a difference, and helped me to deliver a good performance... that first time... and for many years there after. He was a "master craftsman," who was always ready to help a new person along the way... toward their own pathway to success. Bill spread a lot of laughter, and kindness along his journey on this earth. Anyone who spent any time with him at all -knew that he loved his wife and children. He lived life "on the square." He loved to laugh, and he loved to share. He never hid his light under a bushel... I will miss him, and so will many, many others! God bless him!
Jim Wilson
August 15th 2005
Bouncin' Bill, the best voiceover talent I ever worked with. Our sessions were always quick and accurate with many a laugh along the way. We'll miss you Bill.
Scott Wagner
August 15th 2005
Bill Baker was very influential in my life when I was in high school and college. I had the privilege of interning at Broadcast Productions during the summer of 1990. I did and saw more that summer than I have done in a long time. During that time Bill not only showed me the business, but also shared with me a lot about life. Although we were cousins, Bill always treated me like one of his sons! In fact, Bill & Betty were like a 2nd set of parents to me. In Bill, I've never met a more generous individual! His stories, humor and graciousness will always be treasured memories to me. I will truly miss him...
Dan Gray
August 15th 2005
Bill Baker was our next door neighbor for about seven years as I was growing up. He was a great guy and was the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it.
For several summers, my brother Brad and I worked out at Westlake for Bill. He was an easy guy to work for and always kept things interesting with his numerous stories. Our job was to unload the van, set everything up and work the lights under his direction. After the show, we would take everything down and load up the van. At that point Bill would ussually shoot the breeze with the cops who were working security. Then we would head home.
I knew his sons pretty well, Art (AW), Brad, & Brian. Betsy was just a baby at that time. My sympathy is with you guys at this time, and keep in mind that your Dad was well-liked and loved by many.
Steve Nagy
August 15th 2005
Bill helped make my earliest broadcast endeavors effortless and smooth. His professionalism and wit, coupled with the stories and inside views of "the business" made my visits to his recording studio a treat.
Bill was one of a kind and he'll be missed.
August 15th 2005
Indianapolis radio was never the same after that great era at WIBC. We listened to Bill in the mornings as we drove to school, and we bounced right along with him. I hope his children realize how many lives he touched and how he made our teen years a lot better. Westlake dances were the greatest.
Steve Ross
August 15th 2005
BOUNCIN BILL WAS-INDIANAPOLIS RADIO IN THE LATE 50'S AND EARLY 60'S. I WOULD LISTEN AND TRY TO PICTURE WHAT WAS GOING ON IN THE STUDIO. I CAN STILL REMEMBER IT'S TOAST AND COFFEE TIME,THE SWEET SLUSHY TIME OF THE MORN, GUM CHUM(right before he would hit a chewing gum commercial) MUSIC FOR LIVERS---LOVERS, LUKE IS IN THE GOLDFISH BOWL SPINNING THE DIALS, AND FRED HECKMAN HAS THE NEWS. BILL WAS QUICK WITH THE FUNNY VOICE AD-LIBS, BUT HOW HE COULD ARTICULATE WHEN IT CAME TO COMMERCIALS. GROWING UP I WANTED TO BE LIKE BOUNCIN BILL. WHEN I WAS 12 I GOT UP THE NERVE TO CALL BILL AND AKED IF I COULD COME TO THE WIBC STUDIO AND WATCH HIM DO HIS MORNING SHOW, ALL THE TIME THINKING WHY WOULD HE LET SOME LITTLE SNOT NOSE KID IN HIS RADIO STUDIO..TO MY SUPRISE AND BEWILDERMENT HE INVITED ME DOWN. THAT WAS THE FIRST OF MANY MORNINGS I SPENT IN THE LITTLE CRAMED STUDIO. BILL ENCOURAGED, EDUCATED,AND COUNSELED ME ABOUT BROADCASTING. LATER IN MY TEEN YEARS I WOULD HELP HIM WITH SOME OF HIS HOPS AT WESTLAKE,AND THE WHITLAND BARN, MOVING EQUIPMENT..... AND ALL THE WHILE LEARNING FROM THE MASTER. NOT TOO MANY GUYS IN BILL'S POSITION WOULD TAKE THAT KIND OF TIME WITH A KID. IT'S BEACUSE OF BILL I WANTED TO BE IN RADIO. I NEVER REACHED THE PLATEAU OF BOUNCIN BILL BAKER, BUT I'M IN A PROFESSION HE AND I BOTH LOVE. IN LATER YEARS BILL AND I REMAINED FRIENDS. HE EVEN CAME AND DID GUEST SHOTS ON A STATION WHERE I DID THE MORNING SHOW. TODAY IS A SAD DAY FOR ME, FOR RADIO, AND ALL WHO KNEW HIM. BUT IT'S A GREAT DAY IN HEAVEN....GOD HAS A NEW MORNING MAN WAKING UP THE ANGELS
SCOTT SHANNON
August 14th 2005
BOUNCIN BILL WAS MY FIRST RADIO HERO...I WAS A SHY KID GOING TO LAWRENCE CENTRAL HI,, NEVER HAD THE NERVE TO TALK TO HIM,, JUST LISTENED AND WATCHED HIM AT HIS DANCES & HOPS...HE HAD THIS WHOLE DEEJAY SOUND SET UP THAT HE BROUGHT WITH HIM,, FIRST TIME I SAW HIM HIM IN ACTION WAS AT THE FT. HARRISON TEEN CLUB...HE GAVE ME A COPY OF EDDIE COCHRANS, SOMETHING ELSE....I CALLED HIM AT HOME A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND TOLD HIM HOW MUCH HE MEANT TO ME,, WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN...THE KIDS SHOULD BE PROUD....
MEMORIES: HE WOULD SAY ON A WET DAY: YOURE GONNA NEED YOUR RAINCOATS, BOOT & BUMPERSHOOTS, WHATEVER THE HELL THEY WERE...AND THE WORD "WAZ00" I WISH I HAD A COPY OF THE SONG SOME BAND RECORDED CALLED "WAZOO" THEY GOT RIGHT ON WIBC...HE WAS UP, POSITIVE AND ALWAYS HAPPY ON THE RADIO...
A TRUE RADIO HERO.
SCOTT SHANNON
DEE JAY
NYC
Randy Sipe
August 14th 2005
I never heard Bill on the radio but had the priviledge of working with him as a voice talent. You could not wait for the recording session to be over so he could share his many stories from the "golden age" of radio in Indy.
He once told a story about working with an inexperienced producer who was "directing" him through a narration. He did several takes and she said that was good lets do another one without any suggestions of a change in tone or inflection. Bill became a little frustrated and so he suggested "How about if I read it like this friendly but menacing???
One of the best Bill Baker stories comes from a situation I got to witness in person. Jerry Hobbs a long time producer of industrial videos for Eli Lilly and Company was retiring and they had a reception for him at Lilly and they invited the production community. Bill, Jerry and I were talking radio and a Lilly employee came up kind of in the middle of a story or while were laughing at something Bill had said...anyway she learned that we were discussing Bill Baker...not knowing he was next to her and she shared a memory of attending one of his hundreds of sock hops and how much fun it was and then she said, "you know I heard he drank" she said this to Bill and he played along and said "really I never heard that" he continued the joke until the rest of us could not contain our laughter and Jerry told her this is Bouncin Bill Baker! That woman wanted to crawl into here shoes.
I never heard a bad word about Bill and gentleman described him. He always wanted to know about your family and kids...and oh how he liked to brag on his kids.
I feel priveledged to have known Bouncin Bill Baker.
Art Vuolo, Jr.
August 14th 2005
My eyes are still wet after reading some of the nice things people have said about this radio icon. Other than perhaps Dick Summer, Bill is among the last of the great jocks on WIBC during an era of AM supremacy when the 50,000 watt "Friendly Voice of Indiana" was king. I always picked up the WIBC 45 calibre list and collected B&W glossy 8 X 10 glossy pictures of all of the WIBC DJ's. My mentor in this business, which I've been in for 45+ years was the late Jim Shelton. Jim was a follow personality at WIBC on in the evenings while Bouncin' Bill handled morning drive. Bill was there during the era of Jack Morrow and Easy Gwynn live from Glendale Shopping Ceneter. In recent years I was lucky enough to visit Bill several times. We last broke bread at the Carmel Steak & Shake a couple of years ago. I am so proud to have been able to meet his son Brian, up here in the Detroit area, and to have called Bouncin' Bill my friend. His magnificent voice may have been silenced, but his memory and the signal will go on forever!
James Lisher
August 14th 2005
Bouncin' Bill was a warm and gracious man. When at North Central in 1964-65, I was privileged enough to be paid by Bill to get the boys and girls to dance with each other at the Pepsi Coliseum and Westlake. He believed in more than playing music--- he wanted the kids to dance and enjoy it! I truly enjoyed the late night snacks at the TeePee afterwards and lectures on life, which he truly enjoyed. I was honored later inlife to be invited to his Christmas Open House and viewing all the gorgeous
Christmas trees, all with different themes. He took a shy, young kid and gave me the courage to interact with people allowing me to be elected several times as a "servant of the people." He was one-of-a-kind and will be dearly missed.
Claude M. Rossman
August 14th 2005
i have fond memories of Bouncin Bill.in my heart he's the greatest DJ ever on the greatest staion in Indy at the time. WIBC. i'll never forget the times he did live shows at the Twin Aire Shopping Center.I missed him and will miss him forever.
Darlene (Early)Dowler Grigsby
August 14th 2005
I performed with a well known local groups in the 60's, "The Katalinas", "The Escapades, "The Blue Angels", etc. and toured with Bill on many sock hop events, parties, etc. and he was always such a joy to work with and made the night go by so quickly with his humorous tatics and always created excitement for any group that performed with him. I have so many fond memories of Bill, as I am sure all groups do and he will always have a special place in my heart and memories of the good old days. We miss your Bill....keep him laughin' up there. My prayers are with the family during this sad time. Love, Darlene
Sally
August 14th 2005
I met Bouncin Bill at a Jr.High dance..He was the disc jockey...Many years later as I was working at Indiana Gas..I think about 1997, he called for service. He gave me his name and as he continued to talk, I said "you're Bouncin Bill Baker arent you?"..He said "how do you know that, I did'nt tell you? I told him I would know that voice anywhere! He made my day.
Bob Jenkins
August 14th 2005
Bouncin' Bill was in a way responsible for my career in broadcasting.
When growing up in Liberty, Indiana I would go "up town" every Sunday morning on my bicycle and buy an Indianapolis Star. Bill was doing remote broadcasts on Sunday at Abel's Auto Company, and I would find in the paper, the cars he was talking about on radio.
One Sunday my dad, in the market for a car, took me to Abels Auto Company and I watched Bill do his show for a while. Too shy to approach, I just stood by and watched him. I knew from that moment on I wanted to be in broadcasting.
Bill represented the best in radio: personality, humor, knowledge and entertainment. It's too bad those elements are missing from radio these days.
Rest in peace, Bouncin' Bill. I'll always credit you with influencing what turned out to be a dream come true profession for me.
Roger Dice
August 14th 2005
Being born in 1951, put me at the right age in the heyday of rock & roll music. 13-14 years of age, WIBC was "The" station to listen to, and "Bouncin Bill Baker was the "Man". My mother would not allow anyone to mess with the radio in the morning. (I think she had thing for Bill). It was his every morning "Pucker up ladies". Will always remember that. Now time has passed and the years prevent me from remembering the exact year, but along about 62-62, Bill was the emcee at a street dance here in Rushville, In. Blocked off a whole block on the north side of the court house on St. RD #44. Came time for the show after some warm up taped music, HE came out of the Arcade, a popular restaurant, Bigger than life. Will never forget. He was wearing a yellow sports jacket! First I had ever seen that wasnt black or blue. It was loud. He came bouncin out and up on the stage. I remember thinking, this cant be the Bouncin Bill from the radio. He's too short. I pictured him 7 foot tall. Then his voice came over the microphone, and it was BIll!! Crowd went wild. For the life of me, I cant remember who the band was or the featured female singer. Just Bouncin Bill Baker. There was a crowd of over 1,000 on the street that night, all being loud, all dancing and having a good time. No alcohol, no drugs, just good music, good times, and an Icon of the air waves. Bouncin Bill reminds me of a simpler time, simpler life that was an enjoyable time. To the family of Charles W. Baker, I extend my most deepest condolences. He will be missed by many more people than you can imagine. May he rest now.
Jan Nutty
June 21st 2008
Bouncin' Bill was THE entertainment twice weekly at the Westlake Dance Hall on the west side and I had the wonderful chance to work with him for eight years as the dance hall manager. What a guy! The teen dances were never the same and finally closed later after Bill left. He made the show and we all miss him terribly. I know Bill is in Rock 'n Roll Heaven with those wild oversized gag sunglasses he always wore, watching over all of us as he always did.
Dave Harness
February 28th 2007
I remember Bill doing a live remote at a car dealership on East Washington St. in about 1956. I was 10 years old and watched in fascination as he did his show. I finally got up the courage to go up and ask him to send out a song, "Honeycomb" and dedicate it to my mother. Later we were in the car driving away and I heard my dedication complete with my name on the radio. It was magical. Later in life I did an eight year stint as an on air DJ at WNTS AM 1590 in Indianapolis and many times thought about the very kind man that had time for a ten year old kid back in the 50's.Thanks Bill, we miss you.
Nol&Wies
June 18th 2006
All I know about Mister "Bouncin' Bill" Baker I know because Ronnie Haig my big favorite Artist from Indianapolis.
And Ronnie told me a lots of things about this great man.
Thank You Mister Baker for all You did for the music we love so dearly.
Thank You for making "Ronnie Haig" a great Artist who never bin as fames as Artist like Elvis Presley,Chuck Berry and more but is in no way more less then them.
Mister Baker You will always be in our hearts, rest in peace and till we meet again we will have you in our thoughts as the man who mad RONNIE HAIG!
To fans from Maastricht(Netherlands) Nol and Wies
RONNIE HAIG
May 1st 2006
"Bouncin' Bill" as we called him, soon became like a brother to me shortly after our first meeting on Feb 28th,1958
I took my new record in to him at WIBC and he played it right then. From that moment on, there was a bond that can't really be described.
Any entertainer that ever met Bill will tell you the same. He was a friend's friend, and certainly the one who started Ronnie Haig on his way to wherever I went.
Too many memories to mention, so I will hide them in my heart,bringing one back every now and then -just because I can.
Ronnie Haig
Jim Sieferman
November 7th 2005
My friend at School #53, Barry, was very interested in radio. We would often drive our bikes to Glendale Shopping Center (from our houses near 40'th & Arlington) to watch EZ Gwynn do his show. Bob Morrison from WXLW did our sock hops at #53. But the highlight of our "radio journeys" together was the day we visited the WIBC studios. They wouldn't let us in to see all the technical stuff Barry wanted to see, but we had fun looking around at the public areas of the station. When we went outside, Barry's bike had been stolen. We went back inside to use the phone, and at that moment, Bouncin' Bill walked through the lobby. When he heard of our plight, he told Barry and me to get in his Olds Starfire convertible, and we scoured the neighborhood, looking for the bike. Never found it, but Bill took his own time to help a couple of snot-nosed kids in their time of need. Also provided them with one of the best memories of their young lives. I hope Bill has found Barry by now, on a brand new Schwinn.
Bruce Altman
August 19th 2005
I loved BB almost all my life, since I was born in 1955 somewhere in Kokomo, Indiana. My parants somehow met Bill while my dad was working for Marsh Supermarkets in Kokomo. Bill was doing radio advertising by holding record hops in the store parking lots to boost sales. I remember him spinning the discs from a trailer that was his portable radio station. My parents, John and Mary Altman, stayed friends with the Baker family for the rest of their lives. When I was in high school, Muncie Northside, Bill was so kind to produce "radio station IDs" for my pirate radio station in Muncie, WRFM. We all thought it was just too cool to have such a great voice on our little .5 watt station broadcasting maybe one mile in radius. That was when Mr. Baker really was cemented into my heart. I'm sorry I never pursued a career in radio or that I never asked for his advice on how I could get started. I remember his sweet wife and I remember all the kids but those memories faded with time. The Bakers also had great HO model trains at their house, that was an inspiation to me later as a pre-teen to take up model railroading for myself. I also remember listening to his oldest son Art play the drums, I guess we were only about 7 or 8 years at the time.
I will always be thankful for those momories, and I thank Bouncin' Bill and his wonderful family for making that possible. I'm greatly sorry that he is gone, and look forward to seeing Bill and his wife at the Return.
God bless you all,
Bruce
Steve Fushelberger
August 19th 2005
The earliest memory of Bouncin Bill Baker was a Sunday afternoon back in the early 1950s when he was performing and holding court at the The Mart, first discount store in Indianapolis. Wearing a brown and white checked sport coat, he was joking about his girl friend who had such a beautiful right eye that her other one kept looking at it. Over the years naturally he was with me in the morning while preparing for school, college and jobs. Then I had the pleasure of working with him on many of our Caldwell - Van Riper and Management Resources client productions as both voice talent and engineer at Broadcast Productions. That spectacular voice could indeed "sell cars" but the golden person inside was what I'll remember most of all.
Paul Poteet
August 18th 2005
I just wanted to extend my condolences to Bill's family. I had the pleasure of working with Bill and Art several times at B'cast Productions. I must admit that the first time I was there as a voice talent... with Bill Baker on the other side of the glass... was more than a little intimidating! He was a great talent, and was also great fun to work with.
I got to see him in passing not that long ago at another recording studio, and had the privilege of hearing that distinctive voice in person one more time. I'll miss it.
Keetie Phillips
August 17th 2005
It would take hours to say what an impact and inspiration "Bouncin" Bill Baker had on my life and the direction I went in the career of music. The great times we "Keetie & the Kats" had doing shows with him and traveling throught the midwest will always be unforgetable and in my heart. What a beautiful, always caring, exciting and invigorating individual. Thank God after approximately 35 years, I spoke to him as recent as 3 months ago. I will always be grateful for that final connection and conversation.
Keetie Phillips
LaCenter, Washington
William R. Weakley
August 16th 2005
What great guy, how do I start? I moved to Indy in 1957 (at the age of 10) with my parents from Chicago. My mother wanted my father to get a transfer back, so after a couple years he got one. They sold our home to Bill Baker on 5252 Lancelot Drive. My mother changed her mine so instead of going back to Chicago, they built a home across the street at 5263 Lancelot. So Bouncing Bill and family grew up in the same home as I did, and I also count him as a neighbor. Like many of those posting memories my older brother (Tom-still living in INDPLS) helped Bouncin Bill with the record hops duty, and later on for two years I did as well --- so working for the Morning DJ was my first Real Job, and for a teenager, getting paid with money, milkshakes at the Teepee and White label 45 records, with Pick to click and Wax to Watch written on them (still have em) was about as good as it gets. Bill Baker taught me the value of hard work, shared with humor and enthusiasm. So he touched many and was unending in his kindness to all he met. He took me to Gasoline Alley at the Speedway 500 and the race one year with his son--the year Eddie Sachs die (1964). One thing about that era, is the celebrities of that time (And BILL was a celebrity) were very accessible as it was a simpler time. Roger Ward (famous race driver lived on the same street) and he too was accessible. Today I doubt one could just ring the doorbell of a celebrity and have them answer the door. It was a simpler time and because of it, Bill Baker was able to touch the lives of many. Record Hops at Westlake and other places normally included live music as well---I remember Bouncing Bill getting Tony Bellus (Robbin the Cradle-song) to come to a record hop, but as most know he also introduced the Beatles. This was great man, my thoughts and sympathy goes out to his family.
Stephen Cale
August 16th 2005
We have lost more than a great Broadcasting Pioneer. Bill was one of the kindest and most generous men I have had the pleasure of knowing. I remember listening to him when I was in high school, and then after I graduated from college... I had got my chance to do my first "real" radio commercial at Broadcast Productions. He took the time to make sure that I my 1st attempt as a "new" announcer was a pleasant experience, and that everyone (no matter what side of the "double glass" that they were on) in his studio was there to help me do a good job. He made such a difference, and helped me to deliver a good performance... that first time... and for many years there after. He was a "master craftsman," who was always ready to help a new person along the way... toward their own pathway to success. Bill spread a lot of laughter, and kindness along his journey on this earth. Anyone who spent any time with him at all -knew that he loved his wife and children. He lived life "on the square." He loved to laugh, and he loved to share. He never hid his light under a bushel... I will miss him, and so will many, many others! God bless him!
Jim Wilson
August 15th 2005
Bouncin' Bill, the best voiceover talent I ever worked with. Our sessions were always quick and accurate with many a laugh along the way. We'll miss you Bill.
Scott Wagner
August 15th 2005
Bill Baker was very influential in my life when I was in high school and college. I had the privilege of interning at Broadcast Productions during the summer of 1990. I did and saw more that summer than I have done in a long time. During that time Bill not only showed me the business, but also shared with me a lot about life. Although we were cousins, Bill always treated me like one of his sons! In fact, Bill & Betty were like a 2nd set of parents to me. In Bill, I've never met a more generous individual! His stories, humor and graciousness will always be treasured memories to me. I will truly miss him...
Dan Gray
August 15th 2005
Bill Baker was our next door neighbor for about seven years as I was growing up. He was a great guy and was the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it.
For several summers, my brother Brad and I worked out at Westlake for Bill. He was an easy guy to work for and always kept things interesting with his numerous stories. Our job was to unload the van, set everything up and work the lights under his direction. After the show, we would take everything down and load up the van. At that point Bill would ussually shoot the breeze with the cops who were working security. Then we would head home.
I knew his sons pretty well, Art (AW), Brad, & Brian. Betsy was just a baby at that time. My sympathy is with you guys at this time, and keep in mind that your Dad was well-liked and loved by many.
Steve Nagy
August 15th 2005
Bill helped make my earliest broadcast endeavors effortless and smooth. His professionalism and wit, coupled with the stories and inside views of "the business" made my visits to his recording studio a treat.
Bill was one of a kind and he'll be missed.
August 15th 2005
Indianapolis radio was never the same after that great era at WIBC. We listened to Bill in the mornings as we drove to school, and we bounced right along with him. I hope his children realize how many lives he touched and how he made our teen years a lot better. Westlake dances were the greatest.
Steve Ross
August 15th 2005
BOUNCIN BILL WAS-INDIANAPOLIS RADIO IN THE LATE 50'S AND EARLY 60'S. I WOULD LISTEN AND TRY TO PICTURE WHAT WAS GOING ON IN THE STUDIO. I CAN STILL REMEMBER IT'S TOAST AND COFFEE TIME,THE SWEET SLUSHY TIME OF THE MORN, GUM CHUM(right before he would hit a chewing gum commercial) MUSIC FOR LIVERS---LOVERS, LUKE IS IN THE GOLDFISH BOWL SPINNING THE DIALS, AND FRED HECKMAN HAS THE NEWS. BILL WAS QUICK WITH THE FUNNY VOICE AD-LIBS, BUT HOW HE COULD ARTICULATE WHEN IT CAME TO COMMERCIALS. GROWING UP I WANTED TO BE LIKE BOUNCIN BILL. WHEN I WAS 12 I GOT UP THE NERVE TO CALL BILL AND AKED IF I COULD COME TO THE WIBC STUDIO AND WATCH HIM DO HIS MORNING SHOW, ALL THE TIME THINKING WHY WOULD HE LET SOME LITTLE SNOT NOSE KID IN HIS RADIO STUDIO..TO MY SUPRISE AND BEWILDERMENT HE INVITED ME DOWN. THAT WAS THE FIRST OF MANY MORNINGS I SPENT IN THE LITTLE CRAMED STUDIO. BILL ENCOURAGED, EDUCATED,AND COUNSELED ME ABOUT BROADCASTING. LATER IN MY TEEN YEARS I WOULD HELP HIM WITH SOME OF HIS HOPS AT WESTLAKE,AND THE WHITLAND BARN, MOVING EQUIPMENT..... AND ALL THE WHILE LEARNING FROM THE MASTER. NOT TOO MANY GUYS IN BILL'S POSITION WOULD TAKE THAT KIND OF TIME WITH A KID. IT'S BEACUSE OF BILL I WANTED TO BE IN RADIO. I NEVER REACHED THE PLATEAU OF BOUNCIN BILL BAKER, BUT I'M IN A PROFESSION HE AND I BOTH LOVE. IN LATER YEARS BILL AND I REMAINED FRIENDS. HE EVEN CAME AND DID GUEST SHOTS ON A STATION WHERE I DID THE MORNING SHOW. TODAY IS A SAD DAY FOR ME, FOR RADIO, AND ALL WHO KNEW HIM. BUT IT'S A GREAT DAY IN HEAVEN....GOD HAS A NEW MORNING MAN WAKING UP THE ANGELS
SCOTT SHANNON
August 14th 2005
BOUNCIN BILL WAS MY FIRST RADIO HERO...I WAS A SHY KID GOING TO LAWRENCE CENTRAL HI,, NEVER HAD THE NERVE TO TALK TO HIM,, JUST LISTENED AND WATCHED HIM AT HIS DANCES & HOPS...HE HAD THIS WHOLE DEEJAY SOUND SET UP THAT HE BROUGHT WITH HIM,, FIRST TIME I SAW HIM HIM IN ACTION WAS AT THE FT. HARRISON TEEN CLUB...HE GAVE ME A COPY OF EDDIE COCHRANS, SOMETHING ELSE....I CALLED HIM AT HOME A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND TOLD HIM HOW MUCH HE MEANT TO ME,, WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN...THE KIDS SHOULD BE PROUD....
MEMORIES: HE WOULD SAY ON A WET DAY: YOURE GONNA NEED YOUR RAINCOATS, BOOT & BUMPERSHOOTS, WHATEVER THE HELL THEY WERE...AND THE WORD "WAZ00" I WISH I HAD A COPY OF THE SONG SOME BAND RECORDED CALLED "WAZOO" THEY GOT RIGHT ON WIBC...HE WAS UP, POSITIVE AND ALWAYS HAPPY ON THE RADIO...
A TRUE RADIO HERO.
SCOTT SHANNON
DEE JAY
NYC
Randy Sipe
August 14th 2005
I never heard Bill on the radio but had the priviledge of working with him as a voice talent. You could not wait for the recording session to be over so he could share his many stories from the "golden age" of radio in Indy.
He once told a story about working with an inexperienced producer who was "directing" him through a narration. He did several takes and she said that was good lets do another one without any suggestions of a change in tone or inflection. Bill became a little frustrated and so he suggested "How about if I read it like this friendly but menacing???
One of the best Bill Baker stories comes from a situation I got to witness in person. Jerry Hobbs a long time producer of industrial videos for Eli Lilly and Company was retiring and they had a reception for him at Lilly and they invited the production community. Bill, Jerry and I were talking radio and a Lilly employee came up kind of in the middle of a story or while were laughing at something Bill had said...anyway she learned that we were discussing Bill Baker...not knowing he was next to her and she shared a memory of attending one of his hundreds of sock hops and how much fun it was and then she said, "you know I heard he drank" she said this to Bill and he played along and said "really I never heard that" he continued the joke until the rest of us could not contain our laughter and Jerry told her this is Bouncin Bill Baker! That woman wanted to crawl into here shoes.
I never heard a bad word about Bill and gentleman described him. He always wanted to know about your family and kids...and oh how he liked to brag on his kids.
I feel priveledged to have known Bouncin Bill Baker.
Art Vuolo, Jr.
August 14th 2005
My eyes are still wet after reading some of the nice things people have said about this radio icon. Other than perhaps Dick Summer, Bill is among the last of the great jocks on WIBC during an era of AM supremacy when the 50,000 watt "Friendly Voice of Indiana" was king. I always picked up the WIBC 45 calibre list and collected B&W glossy 8 X 10 glossy pictures of all of the WIBC DJ's. My mentor in this business, which I've been in for 45+ years was the late Jim Shelton. Jim was a follow personality at WIBC on in the evenings while Bouncin' Bill handled morning drive. Bill was there during the era of Jack Morrow and Easy Gwynn live from Glendale Shopping Ceneter. In recent years I was lucky enough to visit Bill several times. We last broke bread at the Carmel Steak & Shake a couple of years ago. I am so proud to have been able to meet his son Brian, up here in the Detroit area, and to have called Bouncin' Bill my friend. His magnificent voice may have been silenced, but his memory and the signal will go on forever!
James Lisher
August 14th 2005
Bouncin' Bill was a warm and gracious man. When at North Central in 1964-65, I was privileged enough to be paid by Bill to get the boys and girls to dance with each other at the Pepsi Coliseum and Westlake. He believed in more than playing music--- he wanted the kids to dance and enjoy it! I truly enjoyed the late night snacks at the TeePee afterwards and lectures on life, which he truly enjoyed. I was honored later inlife to be invited to his Christmas Open House and viewing all the gorgeous
Christmas trees, all with different themes. He took a shy, young kid and gave me the courage to interact with people allowing me to be elected several times as a "servant of the people." He was one-of-a-kind and will be dearly missed.
Claude M. Rossman
August 14th 2005
i have fond memories of Bouncin Bill.in my heart he's the greatest DJ ever on the greatest staion in Indy at the time. WIBC. i'll never forget the times he did live shows at the Twin Aire Shopping Center.I missed him and will miss him forever.
Darlene (Early)Dowler Grigsby
August 14th 2005
I performed with a well known local groups in the 60's, "The Katalinas", "The Escapades, "The Blue Angels", etc. and toured with Bill on many sock hop events, parties, etc. and he was always such a joy to work with and made the night go by so quickly with his humorous tatics and always created excitement for any group that performed with him. I have so many fond memories of Bill, as I am sure all groups do and he will always have a special place in my heart and memories of the good old days. We miss your Bill....keep him laughin' up there. My prayers are with the family during this sad time. Love, Darlene
Sally
August 14th 2005
I met Bouncin Bill at a Jr.High dance..He was the disc jockey...Many years later as I was working at Indiana Gas..I think about 1997, he called for service. He gave me his name and as he continued to talk, I said "you're Bouncin Bill Baker arent you?"..He said "how do you know that, I did'nt tell you? I told him I would know that voice anywhere! He made my day.
Bob Jenkins
August 14th 2005
Bouncin' Bill was in a way responsible for my career in broadcasting.
When growing up in Liberty, Indiana I would go "up town" every Sunday morning on my bicycle and buy an Indianapolis Star. Bill was doing remote broadcasts on Sunday at Abel's Auto Company, and I would find in the paper, the cars he was talking about on radio.
One Sunday my dad, in the market for a car, took me to Abels Auto Company and I watched Bill do his show for a while. Too shy to approach, I just stood by and watched him. I knew from that moment on I wanted to be in broadcasting.
Bill represented the best in radio: personality, humor, knowledge and entertainment. It's too bad those elements are missing from radio these days.
Rest in peace, Bouncin' Bill. I'll always credit you with influencing what turned out to be a dream come true profession for me.
Roger Dice
August 14th 2005
Being born in 1951, put me at the right age in the heyday of rock & roll music. 13-14 years of age, WIBC was "The" station to listen to, and "Bouncin Bill Baker was the "Man". My mother would not allow anyone to mess with the radio in the morning. (I think she had thing for Bill). It was his every morning "Pucker up ladies". Will always remember that. Now time has passed and the years prevent me from remembering the exact year, but along about 62-62, Bill was the emcee at a street dance here in Rushville, In. Blocked off a whole block on the north side of the court house on St. RD #44. Came time for the show after some warm up taped music, HE came out of the Arcade, a popular restaurant, Bigger than life. Will never forget. He was wearing a yellow sports jacket! First I had ever seen that wasnt black or blue. It was loud. He came bouncin out and up on the stage. I remember thinking, this cant be the Bouncin Bill from the radio. He's too short. I pictured him 7 foot tall. Then his voice came over the microphone, and it was BIll!! Crowd went wild. For the life of me, I cant remember who the band was or the featured female singer. Just Bouncin Bill Baker. There was a crowd of over 1,000 on the street that night, all being loud, all dancing and having a good time. No alcohol, no drugs, just good music, good times, and an Icon of the air waves. Bouncin Bill reminds me of a simpler time, simpler life that was an enjoyable time. To the family of Charles W. Baker, I extend my most deepest condolences. He will be missed by many more people than you can imagine. May he rest now.
