Bucky Baxter


William "Bucky" Baxter was an American guitarist. He is noted for having played in Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour during the 1990s. He released his only solo album, Most Likely, No Problem, in 1999.

Early life

Baxter was born in Melbourne, Florida, in 1955. He started learning how to play pedal steel guitar in the 1970s. In the following decade, he met Steve Earle and played in the latter's debut album, Guitar Town, in 1986.

Career

Baxter was a founding member of The Dukes, Earle's backing band. He subsequently featured in three other albums by Earle – Exit 0, Copperhead Road and The Hard Way – providing vocals and guitar. It was on one of Earle's concert tours in the early 1990s that he first encountered Bob Dylan, who asked Baxter to give him lessons in how to play steel guitar. He played pedal steel guitar for Dylan's band on his Never Ending Tour from 1992 to 1999 and played pedal steel on Dylan's 1997 Grammy Award winning album, Time Out of Mind. After his time in Dylan's band came to an end, Baxter released a solo album, Most Likely, No Problem, in 1999. He was one of three co-founders of Moontoast, a social rich media advertising platform.
Baxter also appeared on various albums by artists including Ryan Adams, R.E.M., Beastie Boys and Joe Henry. In studio, or while performing live, Baxter played steel guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, dobro.

Death

Baxter died on May 25, 2020, in Sanibel Island, Florida, at the age of 65, according to his son, Rayland. No cause was given.

Discography

Source:
YearArtistTitleInstruments
1986Steve EarleGuitar TownPedal steel guitar
1987Steve EarleExit 0Steel guitar, vocals
1988Steve EarleCopperhead RoadPedal steel, lap steel, dobro
1988R.E.M.GreenPedal steel guitar
1990Steve EarleThe Hard WayMullins pedal steel guitar
1991Steve EarleShut Up and Die Like an AviatorSteel guitar, electric and acoustic guitars, six-string bass
1995Bob DylanUnpluggedDobro, pedal steel guitar, steel guitar
1996Joe HenryTrampoline
1997Bob DylanTime Out of MindAcoustic guitar, pedal steel
1999Bucky BaxterMost Likely, No Problem
1999Country MikeCountry Mike's Greatest HitsPedal steel guitar, fiddle
2001Ryan AdamsThe Suicide HandbookAcoustic guitar
2001Ryan AdamsGoldSteel guitar
2002Ryan AdamsDemolitionPedal steel guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
2003Cerys MatthewsCockahoopProducer, electric guitar, fiddle, vibraphone
2005Ben FoldsSongs for SilvermanPedal steel guitar, 12-string guitar
2005Willy Clay BandRebecca DrivePedal steel