About Bonnie J. Baker
“I needed to take ownership of my last name.
so Bonnie J. Baker became bker MUSIC.”
About Bonnie
Bonnie J. Baker started piano lessons at age five and her love of music was born. Raised in a very strict environment, playing piano and reading books were her passions and where she spent most of her time. She studied creative writing and literature in college earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
She moved to Nashville in 1992 to learn how to write songs.
Joining ASCAP in 1993 she became aware of the long road from paper to radio. Baker signed a publishing deal in 1997 with a small independent publishing company, McSpadden Smith Music Publishing.
Her first cut was Ordinary Life and that was released on Warner Bros. Nashville in 1999.
Hamstein Music was her next publishing stop. Universal Music Publishing Nashville was the company where she landed for two years.
After her time at UMPG she spent two years at Warner Chappell Music. In June 2008 Baker decided to put her artist / writer development skills to work and she launched Devan Publishing.
In 2010 she partnered with Kim McCollum at Words & Music Administration to form Devan Publishing / Play Fairchild Music.
“New publishing company: 10 Million Albums Sold. It was my goal from day one… sell albums. Grateful to have achieved and NOW on to other goals!”
— Bonnie
Big Deal Music Publishing purchased Baker's Play Fairchild Publishing interest in October 2015. The release of the Rachel Platten album Wildfire will help 2016 get started in the best way. Having songs on great albums has been and will always be the focus for Baker and her writing.
Bonnie Baker has learned from some of the best songwriters that the world has to offer. She still works daily to be better at her craft. Her passion is living a creative life. After 23 years of writing she feels like she is just now getting started. Her hobbies are music and reading great books. Not much has changed since age five.
Songwriting Credits
Some of my writing credits include:
“Bonnie is one of my favorite human beings. There’s always really valuable songwriting information with her. Invisible is a song Bonnie Baker, Katrina Elam, and I wrote and it did so much for my career. It put me on the stage at the Grammys.”
— Hunter Hayes
What People Are Saying:
“Bonnie’s workshop helped me get a very clear sense of what my personal strengths are as a songwriter, and who I should be collaborating with in order to up my songwriting game.”
— Brian Lawley
“Bonnie is so warm and inviting as well as insightful and instructive. I booked two co-writes and met several other artists and songwriters. I would do it again!”
— Lora Kelley
“Not only did I learn what to look for in a co-writer or team, but Bonnie also taught me what to think about while I was writing the song itself!”
— Shawna Lorraine
“Bonnie’s wealth of experience and welcoming personality made this workshop exceptional! You’re guaranteed to take away numerous nuggets of songwriting wisdom you can implement right away. Thank you, Bonnie!”
— Markos K.
Press & Podcasts
Songwriting for Guitar
Ep. 3: Bonnie J. Baker. Multi-platinum songwriter Bonnie J. Baker talks to Mike about finding creative purpose and how to look for opportunities that are right for you.
MPW Podcast: Being Your Authentic Self in the Music Business
It is quite a challenge in staying true to oneself amidst the pressures and expectations of the music world, but have you ever wondered what it truly means to be your authentic self while aiming to achieve remarkable success in the music industry? In this episode, Xylo chats with Nashville-based award-winning songwriter and producer, Bonnie Baker, about discovering your truth and worth, and being brave enough to embrace your authentic self in the music business.
Rock Your Voice Podcast: The Art Of Songwriting
Today on the Rock Your Voice Podcast I’m joined by Grammy nominated, Nashville based songwriter, Bonnie Baker.
Baker has songs with artists as diverse as Rachel Platten, Zella Day, Rascal Flatts, Hunter Hayes, Chely Wright, Reba, Brantley Gilbert, Sara Evans, Emerson Drive, Tenille Arts, Megan Davies and Raquel Cole.
The top five titles from Baker’s catalog have over 150 million spins on Spotify as of January 2023.
We talk all about Bonnie's journey in the industry and how she became a songwriter, as well as the importance of building a genuine community, making space for creativity and taking yourself seriously as an artist.
This episode is filled with tips and tools for aspiring writers to learn more about how to build your network within the industry, how to grow as an artist and learning how to build confidence in your craft.
Bonnie will be joining us in Nashville April 8-11th for our special singer / songwriter event. Workshop passes are still available, and you can learn more here!
Always Be Vibing
ABV#41: Hit Nashville Songwriter Bonnie Baker (Rascal Flatts, Hunter Hayes, Reba) Shares Her Powerful Story About Following Your Dreams and Finding Your Tribe.