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.

Leslie Baker with the beloved bass that first belonged to Serena Kay Williams, which they lovingly referred to as “our bass” during their many talks together; Leslie now calls the instrument “Serena.”

Because Serena loved that bass with its big sound so much I let her know that even though I have custody 100% we would refer to it as “our bass” so her connection to it remained. She’s the original owner. I am the second. Serena heard me play it live, heard it on recordings, saw pictures of me performing with it. She even saw me use our bass when I sidelined on the movie “Addams Family Values.” It was ours. We loved talking about it and my adventures with it.

I kept in touch with her after her retirement when she moved to Palm Springs. I comforted her when Earl died. I could go on and on with decades of memories of our very special friendship. She was great to be around, she had wisdom and shared it. She always showed interest in whatever I was up to. Serena told me many things. Her life was not easy. At a young age she had to be strong and responsible. Serena Kay Williams lived long (104!) and well. She trailblazed. She stayed smart to the end as far as I could tell from several phone conversations we had. I will miss the chance to give her a call, hear her friendly voice, talk to someone who knew and loved my dad with always good things to say about him. Of course this loss saddens me. I’ll never forget her as I continue to play “our” bass feeling her love with every note I realize now it is my bass. I will call it Serena.

Rest In Peace my dear friend reunited with your beloved Earl.