Billy Jim Baker
Encyclopedia
Billy Jim Baker is a professional clown and songwriter. A member of the International Clown Hall of Fame
, he wrote two song
s that were recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker
, "Too Old to Change" (featured on the 1979 album of the same name) and "Contrary to Ordinary" (featured on the 1978 album of the same name). "Contrary to Ordinary" remains a staple of Walker's live shows.
In 1976, Billy Jim invited Walker and Texas
author Bud Shrake to be guest clowns at a Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey performance in Houston. Reportedly, Shrake said to Walker, "Jacky-Jack, some invitations are too good to pass up", and they accepted the invitation. The back cover of "Contrary to Ordinary" features a photo, taken by Shrake's wife, of Jerry Jeff Walker in full rodeo clown atire.
Billy Jim sang the vocal on the English version of "The Ballad Of Fernando Valenzuela", a novelty song about the wildly popular, rookie pitcher for the L.A. Dodgers. The 45rpm single was released on Screwball Records, during the Fernandomania craze in 1981.
Mr. Baker was part of the Hee Haw cast in 1992 and 1993.
Mr. Baker also worked at Dollywood in Tennessee as a clown from 1984 until 1996. He was a central part of the cast of the "Silver Dollar Jamboree," the theme park's signature daily finale show at that time. In addition to playing the role of Elwood Smooch, Mr. Baker sang several songs, including a stirring version of "In the Garden."
Mr. Baker was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in 2001.
Mr. Baker is currently (June 2009) working as a clown in the "Elwood Smooch's Choo Choo Cha Boogie Variety Show" show at the Chattanooga Choo Choo in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
International Clown Hall of Fame
The International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center , located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA, is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of clown art and achievement...
, he wrote two song
Song
In music, a song is a composition for voice or voices, performed by singing.A song may be accompanied by musical instruments, or it may be unaccompanied, as in the case of a cappella songs...
s that were recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker
Jerry Jeff Walker
Jerry Jeff Walker is an American country music singer and songwriter. He is probably most famous for writing the song "Mr. Bojangles.-Biography:...
, "Too Old to Change" (featured on the 1979 album of the same name) and "Contrary to Ordinary" (featured on the 1978 album of the same name). "Contrary to Ordinary" remains a staple of Walker's live shows.
In 1976, Billy Jim invited Walker and Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
author Bud Shrake to be guest clowns at a Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey performance in Houston. Reportedly, Shrake said to Walker, "Jacky-Jack, some invitations are too good to pass up", and they accepted the invitation. The back cover of "Contrary to Ordinary" features a photo, taken by Shrake's wife, of Jerry Jeff Walker in full rodeo clown atire.
Billy Jim sang the vocal on the English version of "The Ballad Of Fernando Valenzuela", a novelty song about the wildly popular, rookie pitcher for the L.A. Dodgers. The 45rpm single was released on Screwball Records, during the Fernandomania craze in 1981.
Mr. Baker was part of the Hee Haw cast in 1992 and 1993.
Mr. Baker also worked at Dollywood in Tennessee as a clown from 1984 until 1996. He was a central part of the cast of the "Silver Dollar Jamboree," the theme park's signature daily finale show at that time. In addition to playing the role of Elwood Smooch, Mr. Baker sang several songs, including a stirring version of "In the Garden."
Mr. Baker was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in 2001.
Mr. Baker is currently (June 2009) working as a clown in the "Elwood Smooch's Choo Choo Cha Boogie Variety Show" show at the Chattanooga Choo Choo in Chattanooga, Tennessee.