Life Member & AFM Local 47 Secretary/Treasurer Emeritus. String Bass
4/9/1921 – 10/4/2025
by Leslie Baker
Thank you, Serena. My lifelong friendship with Serena Kay Williams began before I could remember. She informed me many years later that she met me as a 6-year-old holding the hand of my piano-playing father, Dick Baker. I was just starting piano lessons then. My Dad played piano in Earl Williams (Serena’s husband) band, Serena played bass in Earl’s band. She watched me grow going through countless gigs to become a pro bassist. Serena encouraged and loved so many of us musicians. That was her way. Serena is liked, loved and respected by many. There are decades of memories of times with Serena. Let me describe perhaps the most important: When Serena decided her favorite bass, the last one made by Mr. Robles himself in 1962 (he was over 90 when he made this bass) had sat unplayed for too long (her playing days were behind her as she took on her role as a top officer in the Local 47 Musicians Union), she let me know it was for sale. She offered me the chance to have it for a week to decide if it was right for me. After a few days of trying it out we made our deal. Continue reading
