Beloved broadcaster and Australian rock music journalist Glenn A Baker has died at the age of 74 after suffering a stroke. The radio host, who won the BBC quiz Rock Brain of the Universe three separate times during the 1980s, was also known as the manager for the band Ol’55 and edited Billboard magazine for more than two decades.
Glenn owned around 80,000 records and 30,000 CDs – as well as a huge collection of brimless hats. His son Orson announced his death, explaining that Glenn had been “declining for a while” after a “period of illness” following a stroke. Paying tribute to his dad, Orson said he was “somebody who absolutely grabbed life, throttled it, and did everything that he wanted to do.”
Glenn died just three days after his 74th birthday, with a post on his official Facebook account announcing: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Glenn A. Baker AM. Glenn passed away this morning, 31 July 2026, three days after his 74th birthday.
“Glenn’s contribution to the Australian rock ‘n’ roll music landscape was immense, but his family remembers him as a loving father of six and grandfather of thirteen.
“Glenn’s passion for music, travel, food and his family (still not entirely sure of the order) was, like his personality, larger than life.
“While the family wishes for privacy, if you do wish to honour Glenn or continue his legacy in some way, have a passionate conversation today with somebody about your favourite Australian muso or band.
“Rock on Glenn! You will be missed.”
Tributes have now flooded in from Glenn’s friends and colleagues, with music journalist Stuart Coupe writing: “This is a post that I was hoping I wouldn’t be making for a considerable period of time but after an illness Glenn A Baker passed away earlier this morning. I’m beyond sad.”
One fan said: “Glenn’s passion for music was a true gift.”
Somebody else posted: “So much of my music knowledge comes from this great man. Thinking of everyone who loved him.”
A third echoed: “So sorry. His enthusiasm when he talked made you love music you hadn’t even heard yet. We were so lucky to have him. Deepest condolences.”