Terry Baker, photographed by guitarist Doc Powell, has played drums for Kirk Franklin since 2000.
When Kirk Franklin plays Questapalooza Sunday night, a Lexingtonian will be keeping the beat.
Terry Baker joined Franklin’s band eight years ago, fulfilling a dream to play for a gospel star.
“I’ve been playing drums since I was a young guy,” says Baker, a 1990 Bryan Station High School graduate. “I always wanted to play with a gospel artist. I never thought of going for a secular career.”
He first met Franklin when he was playing drums on a TV show, Bobby Jones Gospel on BET.
Baker moved away to be on the show, but the Franklin gig allowed him to come back to Lexington and his family: wife Elaine and three children, Amber, 15; Terry Jr., 12, and Lauren, 7.
He attends House of God Church on Georgetown Road.
That’s when he’s in town.
Beating the skins for a gospel superstar means a lot of weekends on the road, including overseas trips to Europe and Africa. Baker really treasures the hometown gigs, though.
He’s had the chance to play a couple of Ichthus Festivals in Wilmore and in Rupp Arena when Franklin came with Franklin Graham’s crusade in 2000.
“That was shortly after I started playing with Kirk,” Baker recalls. “It was pretty incredible to play in Rupp Arena.”
And Quest Community Church, which presents Questapalooza, won’t be bad either.
“When I got the e-mail asking if I was available for these dates, and I saw the Questapalooza date, I was really excited,” Baker says. “It’s always fun to play for your family and friends.”
Come out this afternoon to Questapalooza and see NeedtoBreathe, Kutless, and Kirk Franklin live! There will be food, rides, Thomas Owl with the Mountain Dew Tour doing Motocross, and lots of FUN! Everyone is welcome!
Posted by: QPZA | August 31, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Man, I just can't resist a great drummer!
Posted by: Bobbi Rightmyer | August 29, 2008 at 07:46 PM