SHEFFIELD, Ala. (TENNESSEE VALLEY LIVING) — When Gary Baker moved from New York to the Shoals area, he not only found a great place to work, but also a place to call home.

Baker is a sought-after musician and writer. After a few years playing with his own band, The Shooters, Baker spent a lot of time focusing on songwriting.

He is best known for his hit song “I Swear”, made famous by John Michael Montgomery and the band All-4-One. It was this song that won Baker a Grammy and an Academy of Country Music Award. Alabama, Reba McEntire, 98 Degrees and even the Backstreet Boys are also known for singing some of his hits.

Baker has lived in the Shoals for more than 40 years and says the small-town lifestyle is good for his career and his family. Instead of constantly moving to major musical cities, Baker was able to produce incredible work without missing too many family dinners.

And music definitely runs in the family. Along with her own children who are in the business, her granddaughter Cadence Baker competed on American Idol Season 20 and made the Top 20.

Regarding his current work, the musician told TVL about a new Christmas song he’s written that will be featured on the Backsteet Boys’ new album “A Very Backstreet Christmas.” His song “Christmas in New York” is track number 11 and can be heard when the album is released on October 14.

Baker is a bit of a Shoals icon and doesn’t seem to be slowing down too much. And when he does, we will always listen to his work.

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