Etta Baker, Piedmont Blues Legend

NPR Reviewed Jul 2, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

Etta Baker is 78 years old.

78 years · age

Etta Baker helped spark the folk music revival of the 1960s.

The National Endowment for the Arts will honor Etta Baker and other artists as living national treasures this Thursday.

Etta Baker is credited with helping to spark the folk music revival of the 1960s — no small feat for someone who didn't become a professional musician until she was in her 60s. Now, at the age of 78, Etta Baker has released her first solo recording, and this Thursday the National Endowment for the Arts will honor Baker and other artists as living national treasures for contributions made to America's folk heritage. Dean Olsher visited Baker at her home and has this profile.

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