Art Baker, 58, was born on the Bowery, where his mother ran a settlement house, and he grew up hoping to be a clergyman. But in World War I he discovered the compelling quality of his powerful voice when he was shifted from the front lines to the rear areas with orders to lead soldiers in community sings. Back in the States he toured the country as an evangelist until he reached California and became a lecturer at Hollywood's Waugh-celebrated cemetery, Forest Lawn.
More than 5,000 graveside lectures gave Art's voice the slightly unctuous...
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