Australian music journalist and broadcaster Glenn A. Baker has died at the age of 74 after a period of illness, his family confirmed on Friday. Baker, renowned for his extensive knowledge of popular music and his enthusiastic promotion of Australian rock ’n’ roll, had previously suffered a stroke and had been declining for some time, according to his son Orson.

Baker’s contributions to the music industry spanned several decades. Known for his vast record collection, which reportedly included 80,000 vinyl LPs and 30,000 CDs, he was celebrated as an authoritative figure on both Australian and international music history. His work encompassed a wide range of topics, including the Beatles' 1964 Australian tour, the Australian Made concert series, and numerous histories of rock music. He also managed the Australian band Ol’ 55 and served as the Australian editor of Billboard magazine for more than 20 years.

Tributes poured in from prominent musicians and colleagues who remembered Baker as a passionate supporter of Australian music and a generous source of knowledge. Singer-songwriter Paul Kelly described him as an “ebullient” enthusiast and a “great lover of music,” emphasizing his eagerness to share his expertise. Cold Chisel frontman Jimmy Barnes highlighted Baker’s extensive knowledge and his willingness to assist others, recalling how Baker had helped him select the song “Good Times” to record with INXS in the 1980s.

Baker was also identifiable by his trademark colored fez, a distinctive look he adopted in part due to hair loss. He once remarked that while the hat was sometimes criticized, it became a signature part of his public persona.

Described by Rolling Stone editor David Fricke as “not just Australia’s top pop scholar but a world-class rock journalist,” and praised by Phil Collins as “the most thorough and knowledgeable music journalist in the world today,” Baker was widely respected internationally. His radio career began on Sydney’s 2JJ, later Triple J, before he worked with Triple M, gaining a reputation for his engaging broadcasting style.

Beyond music journalism, Baker was a dedicated cultural commentator, travel author, and photographer. He channeled his passion for exploration into books about the places and people he encountered, extending his influence well beyond the music community.

Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke and fellow journalists expressed their condolences, recalling Baker’s infectious enthusiasm and deep knowledge of music. Alan Howe, The Australian’s history and obituaries editor who knew Baker for five decades, encapsulated his legacy by calling him an “enthusiast for life” whose efforts to preserve Australian music through initiatives like Raven Records remain invaluable.

Baker is survived by six children and thirteen grandchildren. His family requested privacy but encouraged those wishing to honor his memory to engage in passionate conversations about Australian musicians or bands, a fitting tribute to a man whose life was dedicated to celebrating music.