Two Ton Baker

Pianist / singer / television personality Dick "Two Ton" Baker (born in Chicago on May 2, 1916,) was a giant -- literally (he was 6'2" and 350 pounds). and figuratively -- on the Chicago entertainment scene for nearly four decades, from the late 1930s until his death in 1975. He played piano quite well and sang in a pleasing, infectious baritone voice, but mainly, he entertained, in whatever medium. He had several popular radio shows on on the Chicago Tribune's flagship station, WGN, one of which went out nationwide over the Mutual network. He was on the first television broadcast on WGN-TV (April 5, 1948), and later had very popular children's programs on that and other Chicago TV stations. His best known show was "Happy Pirates" which began in 1952. "Two Ton Baker, The Music Maker" died at his home in Hazel Crest, Illinois on May 4, 1975, just two days after his 59th birthday.