Australia has gone into mourning with the death of Glenn A. Baker, much-loved rock music historian, author, broadcaster, travel writer, band manager, friend to the stars and all-round champion of Australian music.
His family announced his passing on Facebook, stating, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Glenn A. Baker AM. Glenn passed away this morning, 31 July 2026, three days after his 74th birthday. Glenn’s contribution to the Australian rock ’n’ roll music landscape was immense, but his family remembers him as a loving father of six and grandfather of thirteen. Glenn’s passion for music, travel, food and his family (still not entirely sure of the order) was, like his personality, larger than life. While the family wishes for privacy, if you do wish to honour Glenn or continue his legacy in some way, have a passionate conversation today with somebody about your favourite Australian muso or band. Rock on Glenn! You will be missed”.
He was indeed a mighty personality. Along with his energetic public persona and infectious enthusiasm, the man in the hat was renowned for his encyclopaedic knowledge of rock and pop music. He had an incredible facility for storing and retrieving numerous facts about any subject in the music domain. He was named the winner of the BBC’s “Rock Brain of the Universe” three times during the mid-1980s. Yet when he was speaking or writing about music, he didn’t just recite the dry facts. As an affable raconteur he imbued his commentary with a vast grasp of the deeper layers of meaning. Furthermore, he was able to engage the reader or listener with thrilling anecdotes.
His career highlights are abundant and legendary. Among them he was the Australian editor of Billboard magazine for more than 20 years. He helped to form and then managed the hugely successful rock’n’roll revival band Ol’55. He worked on the research project that would result in the establishment of 2JJ, later renamed Triple J. He was co-founder and co-director of the distinguished reissues label Raven Records. He wrote 17 books and created liner notes for over 600 compilation albums.
We are all the poorer with his passing. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and close friends.