The uncompromising and inspiring story of Arthur Baker, a local club DJ who went on to change popular music.

LONGLISTED FOR THE 2026 PENDERYN MUSIC BOOK PRIZE

'Every chapter of Looking For The Perfect Beat is absolutely mesmerising' Buzz Magazine

Beginning his career as a disco producer in the early 70s, Arthur Baker relocated to New York City and in the summer of 1982 produced one of the genre-defining early hip-hop tracks "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force. This began an illustrious career working with artists including Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Al Green, Pet Shop Boys, Quincy Jones, New Order, Fleetwood Mac, Hall & Oates and Neneh Cherry.

Looking for the Perfect Beat is the portrait of a pioneering artist who has been quietly influencing the sound of music for over fifty years.

Details

ISBN13: 9780571387434
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 480
Edition: Main
Publication Date: 04 Aug 2026
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Publication City, Country: London, United Kingdom
Dimensions (cm): 19.8(H)x12.9(L)
Weight (gm):

Author Biography

Born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 22, 1955, but more closely associated with New York, Arthur Baker is an American record producer and DJ best known for his work with hip hop artists like Afrika Bambaataa and Planet Patrol, as well as British group New Order. He lives in Miami.

Reviews

"These insider stories are written with genuine love and passion for humanity's greatest cultural endeavor, and with the sly wit of the natural raconteur. Baker is as meticulous in his search for the perfect sentence as he is for the perfect beat." - Irvine Welsh

"Working with Arthur was the most exciting and inspiring thing I have ever done in music. He is a fountain of knowledge as the anecdotes in this book prove." - Peter Hook

"A one-of-a-kind producer who changed hip-hop and dance music... Baker's largesse and likeability pull him through as celebrity revelations pile up." - Andy Cowan, Mojo

"One heck of a story and Baker's a top conductor." - Electronic Sound

"A candid, comprehensive read [. . .] Every chapter of Looking For The Perfect Beat is absolutely mesmerising." - David Nobahkt, Buzz Magazine