Bobby Baird

Bobby Baird’s extraordinary longevity in Luzerne County’s music scene is impressive in and of itself. But Baird is not someone who has merely been around for a long time. His accomplishments are distinct and aplenty, encompassing over eight decades’ worth of music and memories. A beloved figure in the community, Baird’s story began locally and rose to national prominence.

At the age of five, Bobby Baird played his first horn solo for his grandfather, Arch, and his skill was made clear. Baird’s adolescence, at least in the musical sense, was firmly in the pre-rock era, in which the sounds of big band and jazz music were at their peak of popularity. For a budding trumpeter like Baird, the American music landscape of the 1930s and 1940s was a good match for his talents.

Baird was a decorated musician while at Kingston High School, winning three Pennsylvania state championships on the trumpet and cornet. This versatility in the brass instruments increased his odds at long-lasting musical success, as did his acceptance by the larger musical community. He was granted an age exemption to Musicians Local 140 when he was 14 years old, two years before prospective members are typically eligible for inclusion.

After high school, Baird received a music scholarship to Syracuse University in upstate New York. He stayed at Syracuse for one year before deciding to audition for the U.S. Navy Band, which proved to be successful. This led to the most notable era of Baird’s storied career, during which he served a four-year tenure as the U.S. Navy Band’s trumpet soloist.

Baird’s time with the U.S. Navy Band, which lasted from 1948 to 1952, brought him praise and acclaim across the nation. Baird became known for performing on The Navy Hour on NBC and the Armed Forces Radio Service. He performed over the airwaves and live throughout the United States and Canada, and was cited as one of the best trumpet players east of the Mississippi. His talents were on display in the presence of some of the 20th century’s most notable entertainment icons, from Doc Severinsen to Ed Sullivan.

In 1949, before he had turned 20 years old, Baird played at Harry S. Truman’s inaugural ball, making Truman the first of multiple U.S. presidents to hear Baird perform live. The patriotic splash of Baird’s early career would serve as a consistent thread throughout his musical journey, exemplified by his soul-stirring performances of “Taps” at Arlington National Cemetery in the years following World War II.

Baird’s “Taps” performances have possibly become even more legendary since his time with the U.S. Navy Band wrapped up. He has participated annually in the National Moment of Remembrance "Taps Across America," offering community members a moment to reflect on those who sacrificed their lives in past American wars. These performances are a staple of local Memorial Day celebrations.

Despite his national acclaim, Baird has made it a point to share his talents with the people of Luzerne County over the years. He played in several local music ensembles, such as the Irem Temple Brass Band and the Stegmaier Gold Medal Band, and founded the Bobby Baird Orchestra and Dixieland Jazz Band. He even collaborated with his friend and fellow Luzerne County entertainment icon Lee Vincent, whose career ran relatively concurrent to Baird’s.

Bobby Baird’s towering stature in the Luzerne County music scene has long been appreciated by his friends and neighbors. His 90th birthday in 2020 was marked by a celebratory parade in Shavertown, the ultimate show of respect for Baird’s legacy. Such an outpouring of support for Bobby Baird cemented what was already known: His good humor and incredible longevity have made him one of Luzerne County’s most adored musicians.