- Music | Speaking

December 11, 2023December 9, 2023

Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year

The holiday season is here and there’s no better time to express my deepest gratitude to all of you! Thank you for showering me with unwavering support throughout the year. My heart is full of joy and gratefulness. Above all my family and I send to you our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year!

As we count our blessings this festive season, I want to personally thank each and every one of you for being an integral part of my journey. For being my blessing! Your support has not only made this year fruitful, but it has also taught me the power of tribe and resilience.

To say thank you here is a YouTube Christmas Playlist for you to celebrate this season. It is a compilation of some of my favorite Christmas collaborations, concerts, and music over several years.

Reflecting on the Past Year

Looking back on this year nearly gone by, after releasing an album and book in 2022, I spent a lot of time working on behind the scenes items and producing the music tracks for my next project.

A couple of Rotary clubs invited me to speak and therefore, I made some great connections.

While I did release an EP, “Tears of the Past,” with five different mixes, I was more excited to bless my sweet friend by producing a special rendition of her favorite Hymn “Be Thou My Vision,” for her birthday. This classic yet timeless Hymn features her lovely and talented daughter on the lead vocals. It warmed my heart when she received it with tears of happiness.

Finally, I am excited to share that have recently been approved as an artist for a music sync licensing library. Shout out to Jere B for dropping the dime on this resource. I am in the process of loading my catalog into the library and should be done by the time you read this blog. Music Supervisors will now have access to my music for placement into film and TV. This is a HUGE dream of mine, and while my niche is specific, you never know where you will hear one of my productions next. It is humbling and exciting!

What’s Next in 2024

Coming in 2024, a first! A country music album from songs I have been hanging on to FOR YEARS. I mean I wrote one of the songs when I was a baby teenager. Consequently, this album will not be like anything I have ever done before. There are some really heart felt, tear-jerkers that anyone can relate to. One of the songs was inspired by the death of my friend, the same age as me, who died in 2021 from COVID. Naturally, some edgy, rock-country crossover’s are planned to showcase my military background and ardent patriotism. I have 13 songs planned and some of them are produced, ready for vocals. More to come folks!

Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year!

So without further fanfare, Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year to ya! My journey through 2023 would never have been as successful and fulfilling without your love and support. Your listening to LeBaker’s music, your passionate engagement on social media, and your heartfelt messages of encouragement are all the driving force behind every step I took last year. Your unwavering belief in me helps give me the strength to do what I am born for!

Wishing you Joy and Peace in the year ahead. As we bid farewell to 2023, let us welcome 2024 with hope and excitement. My prayer is that in the upcoming year, the Lord will shower you with endless blessings, abundant joy, and infinite possibilities. May you be uplifted by the company of loved ones and embrace each moment with gratitude and appreciation. Remember to live well, laugh often, and love much as you create countless memories to treasure.

Keep up the Support for this Small Business

- Listen on your favorite streaming services, YouTube, and Rumble
- Like, subscribe & follow LeBaker Music | Judith Baker on your favorite platform
- Add a song to your playlist
- Give my latest book, Bigger Than Me to someone for Christmas
- Book me for your next speaking event or leadership training (I do remote training)
- Be wary I will never private message you to ask you for money!

#LeBakerMusic, # Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #MerryChristmas #HappyNewYear #HappyHannukah #entremusician #musicianary

November 30, 2023November 27, 2023

Be Thou My Vision | Story Behind the Song

What do you give a really special friend that has everything for a milestone birthday? In short, a beautiful and classical rendition of her favorite, timeless Hymn, Be Thou My Vision featuring her lovely and talented daughter as the Soloist.

History of Be Thou My Vision

To began, according to Irish tradition, around 433 AD, King Logaire of Tara (Ireland) decreed that no one was allowed to light any fires until a pagan festival began with the lighting of a fire on Slane Hill. However, St. Patrick, a missionary in the area defied the king by lighting candles on the eve of Resurrection Day. Consequently, King Logaire was so impressed with St. Patrick’s devotion he left him alone and permitted him to continue his work as Ireland’s first Christian missionary (source: Perkins School of Theology).

Meanwhile, fast forward to a Monk named “Dallán Forgaill,”(530-598 AD) later Canonized, who wrote the Irish poem, “Rop tú mo Baile” (“Be Thou My Vision”). He wrote the poem in memory of and to honor St. Patrick’s devotion and contributions to the Irish. The poem is a prayer for protection based on Ephesians 6: 16-17.

Modern History of Be Thou My Vision

Since the original poem is from from “Slane,” it is common to title old hymns with the name of the place where they originated. Hence the song is sometimes called by the name “Slane,” and you are likely to see that in a hymnal. Furthermore, “Be Thou My Vision,” today is reported to be one of the most popular Hymns in England.

In Summary, here is a brief timeline of how the Hymn became what is is today.

- 1905 – “Mary Elizabeth Byrne” translates the Old Irish poem, into English as “Be Thou My Vision.“
- 1909 – The Old Irish Folk song “With My Love on the Road,” which later becomes the melody, is published in “Old Irish Folk Music and Songs,” by “P. W. Joyce,” the original author is unknown.
- 1912 – “Eleanor Hull” (1860-1935) rearranges the text into verses and publishes this in her “Poem Book of the Gael” compilation.
- 1919 – The words and tune are first combined and harmonized by “Leopold L Dix” (1861-1935).
- 1927 – “David Evans” creates a new version; and Erik Routley introduces it to the English Hymnal.

Be Thou My Vision Original Old Irish Gaelic Test

Oldest Surviving Manuscript of “Rop tú mo Baile,” Royal Irish Academy 23 N 10 (16th century), pp. 95

Listen to it here “Rop tú mo Baile.” Can you sing along in Old Irish Gaelic?

Watch LeBaker Musics Renditions of Be Thou My Vision on YouTube

Photo Credits : James and Judith Baker taken in ID, KS, MO, MT, ND, OR, SD, WA, and WV in 2021.

Would you like your own custom original song?
Contact Judith to schedule a free consultation

Find Judith’s Music on all Video and Streaming Services

#LeBaker Music, # Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #Be Thou My Vision #Hymn #Classic Traditional Hymn R#op tú mo Baile #With My Love on the Road

November 24, 2023November 24, 2023

Tears of the Past | Story Behind the Song

This song is born from a painful memory in my childhood. When I was very young I lost my first pet and experienced death for the first time. All these years later Tears of the Past bubbled up and provides the assurance and hope that one day death and pain will be no more.

Tears of the Past | Story Behind The Song

When I was at the innocent age of five- years-old my first pet, “Terry” a small cuddly terrier was hit by a car. I was inconsolable and found myself face-to-face with my first death. To this day I remember all the emotions I felt, betrayal confusion, bewilderment, and anger. To me this was not a natural event. The things we love shouldn’t die. It did not compute in my little brain that animals and people will all die, however this was my new reality.

The Word of God

My Mom tried everything she could to console me, she played my favorite songs on the piano, took me out to eat, took me to visit my Grandparents all to no avail. I was devastated. For some reason, I am not even sure why other than divine providence she introduced me to Revelation 21:4 where it says:

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (King James Version)

Healing my Tears of the Past

For me that verse was healing. Somehow at such a young age I got it – this world is flawed, thanks to choices my ancestors made and circumstances long beyond my control. Yet, in spite of it all, it gave me hope that one day God would make it all right and death would be no more. Oh how that motivated me to serve God way back then so I could live in a world where death is no more.

In “Tears of the Past,” You will also hear snippets of:

- Psalm 56:8, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (New Living Translation); and
- Revelation 5:12, “Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” (King James Version)

Tears of the Past | Production Notes

So how did Tears of the Past emerge musically? For you creatives out there it started with a snippet of a sample I found while I was working on my album “Roar.” I really liked it and saved the sample to circle back to when the timing was right.

As I was tinkering and being the creative I am, I created the Jam Mix first. The song reminded me so much of the tunes from the early 1990’s produced by “Jimmy Jam.” I decided to go with it instead of fight the direction the production was moving. After my producer and creative daughter “Zoey the White Lioness,” listened to it she said it reminded her of Miami Vice mashed up with Janet Jackson’s “If.” It was her idea to add the guitar and make a more rockier mix.

From there I couldn’t decide which of the two I wanted to release. Then a third mix the extended “Vice Rock Mix,” emerged. This mix is my favorite. It is just a bit longer and has the guitar solo close out the song. So I released these three mixes and included the instrumental versions which really stand on their own with a completely different vibe. Amazingly, one song turned into a five song EP and my 6th project. What a blessing!

Click on an icon to hear “Tears of The Past” on these streaming services or visit your favorite streaming platform not listed here.

Add “Tears of the Past” to your playlist! I would be most honored.

Which mix do you like best? Do you download music? Purchase directly from LeBaker Music and support this Independent, Veteran Owned business.

Tears of the Past (Jam Mix) Judith Baker Buy 3:28
Tears of the Past (Vice Rock Mix) Judith Baker Buy 3:28
Tears of the Past (Jam Mix) Instrumental Judith Baker Buy 3:28
Tears of the Past (Vice Rock Mix) Instrumental Judith Baker Buy 3:28
Tears of the Past (Vice Rock Mix) Extended Judith Baker Buy 4:25

Lyrics

Verse 1

You keep every tear I cry
Every drop
That’s ever left my eyes
Stored in Your bottle
You wrote them down
When I cross over
I will wear a crown

Chorus:

I know there’ll be
No tears in heaven
For God will wipe them all away
They are tears of the past

Verse 2

I trust the words You say
One day
You will wipe
Every tear away
No more death
Mourning, pain or crying
The former things
Have all passed away

Chorus:

I know there’ll be
No tears in heaven
(I know there’ll be no tears)
For God will wipe them all away
(for God will wipe them all away)
(repeat)
They are tears of the past

Bridge:

Going to the land
Far beyond the horizon
Pain and sorrow gone
We shall live forever
Sing a song of praise
With the angel chorus
Worthy is the Lamb
Who was slain to save us
To receive power,
Riches, wisdom, strength,
Honor, glory
and blessing!

Chorus:

I know there’ll be
No tears in heaven
(I know there’ll be no tears)
For God will wipe them all away
(for God will wipe them all away)
(repeat)

Outro:

They are tears of the past

Would you like your own custom original song?
Contact Me to schedule a free consultation

Find Judith’s Music on all Video and Streaming Services

#LeBaker Music, # Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #Tearsofthepast #Revelation21vs4 #veteranownedbusiness #digitaldownload

May 26, 2023December 12, 2023

Remembrance on Memorial Day

Remembrance on Memorial Day. Admittedly I am always surprised when people get military holidays mixed up. Nevertheless, I know everyone has not worn the uniform. In any case, we all can pause to remember the sacrifices so many made that gives us our freedom.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed on the last Monday of May. In short, this day is dedicated to honoring and remembering the brave men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military.

Decoration Day

National Anthem, Idaho a very long time ago 🙂

Established after the Civil War as “Decoration Day,” this commemorative day was born in remembrance of the Union soldiers who gave their lives. Over time, it became the Memorial day of our time. Notably a day to pay tribute to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

On Memorial Day, Americans across the country participate in parades, ceremonies, and visit cemeteries to honor our fallen soldiers. On this day flags fly at half-mast until noon. Subsequently flags are then raised to full mast as a symbol of the country’s resilience. Additionally, many families and friends gather to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones who gave their lives for their country.

Remembrance on Memorial Day

It is important to remember that Memorial Day is not just a day for grilling and picnics. It is a solemn day to remember the sacrifice of those who have served and died to protect the freedom and ideals of the United States. As we enjoy our freedoms and liberties, we should take a moment to reflect and recognize the bravery and sacrifice of these men and women who gave their all.

Freedoms Not Free

Remember Freedoms Not Free and enjoy this song to commemorate

News & Reminders

1. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the LeBaker Music – YouTube Channel
2. We are now on Facebook
3. Do you know some one that needs an attitude adjustment?

#LeBakerMusic, # Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #memorialday #veteran #freedomsnotfree

May 5, 2023May 5, 2023

Do You Need a Plan B

Do you need a Plan B? That is an interesting question isn’t it. Coming out of the COVID crisis a lot of people were caught off guard finding themselves in a predicament where they had to rapidly come up with their Plan B.

To Plan B or not to Plan B

Let’s examine the behind the scenes success stories of two people. Our first person is a musician. He moved to Nashville to pursue his dream of becoming a professional Country Music Artist. He gave himself two years to get into the music business. That is all he did, his goal is all he focused on. Some thought he was wasting his time yet others cheered him on. Ultimately he did indeed become a successful Country Artist in less than two years. When he was asked in an interview “What was his plan B?” He responded, “I didn’t have one.”

Our second person also a musician, incredibly could shoot some serious hoop. He was so good that by the time he was in college he was being scouted for the MBA. Unfortunately, a debleating injury put the kibosh on his dream of playing professional basketball. If you’re thinking now he has a Plan B you are correct. Turns out this multi-talented young man was also a concert pianist and went on to become a very successful Christian Music Artist.

Thoughts to Consider About Plan B

Obviously as you can determine from the stories of both men having a Plan B is situational. At the same time, what you do if your Plan A fails is entirely dependent on you and your God given abilities. Personally I am a person that has their hands in a lot of things but I respect and expect everyone is not wired like me. Here are some pointers for figuring out this whole Plan B thing:

- What is the thing that you dream about doing? The thing you were born to do? Is it only one thing or is it multiple things. How can you prioritize what is Plan A and then Plan B?
- If you find you only have one thing that you gravitate to then do that one thing with conviction, determinization, and drive, your plan B may be there will never be a Plan B.
- Are you in a position that if your Plan A does not go as planned you can let it go and what will you do next?

In Conclusion

Because people are wired different and God gives people talents as He see’s fit, the main point I really hope to get across is this. What ever you do, do it to the best of your ability and do not let yourself be crippled by the fear of failure or the disapproval of the naysayers.

News & Reminders

1. Order my latest Book “Bigger Than Me“
2. Listen to LeBaker music on Apple Music, Spotify, or your favorite streaming service
3. Ways to connect: Telegram, Rumble, YouTube Channel

#LeBakerMusic, #Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #success #yougotthis

April 9, 2023April 12, 2023

Bigger Than Me

Learn about the 10 valuable lessons that continue to help me live a more meaningful life in this book “Bigger Than Me”

Bigger Then Me, A List of 10 Attitude Adjustments from the Perspective of a Forgiven Christian.

There are all kinds of self-help books out there. For some it complicates matters. Where do you go to get the help you need? Join me as I share my unique perspective, pearls of wisdom, and lessons learned to help you along your journey. After all living a more fulfilled and purpose identified life starts with getting out of your own way. Read what I learned as I combined my gifts to write my own story and step out of the box other people kept putting me in.

Preview Bigger Than Me Book Now Available on Amazon

The Inspiration from Judith

There I was, passed over for a promotion because the executive I worked for needed me to stay where I was. I was so frustrated and felt trapped. I felt like the person who got the job was less qualified and I clearly didn’t hang out with the right click. For some strange reason I thought my hard work and merit would win.

Have You Been There

Has this ever happened to you? How did you get thru it? I started dreaming again and thinking about all the things I wanted to do. Things that I put on hold for that JOB. Things like write a book, produce more music (which I was willing to learn), and spend more time with my family.

Turn Challenges Into Successes

Well I did it! I moved on to a new job, wrote 2 books, and produced my 4th and 5th music albums. I intentionally spent more time with my family and I am not looking back. It all started with this statement that came into mind and it lit me up “The box others put you in does not define who you are.” That empowered me to feel – understand – to do it. To not just dream but fulfill my dreams. How about you?

I adjusted my attitude and started doing the things I dreamed of and it’s high time you did the same thing too! Don’t let another day go by where you settle for being less than what you are capable of.

If you want to learn from my perspective read my 2nd book “Bigger Than Me: A-List of 10 Attitude Adjustments from the Perspective of a Forgiven Christian” – Available on Amazon in Kindle and Print. While your there I would be honored if you write me a review!

Want music? Listen to my 4th album “Bigger Than Me” released in 2021 and inspired from the same journey. This music complements this book very well. Available for download and streaming on all music services or right here at LeBaker Music.

#gobeextraordinary #womenentrepreneurs #veteranownedbusiness #leadership #womenleaders #LeBakerMusic #BiggerThanMe

July 15, 2022May 11, 2022

Story Behind the Album Roar

Introducing a compilation of rock music, spoken word, and classic hymns. We are excited to share the story behind the album “Roar“

One Big Inspiration

Up until now, the music I have released has been a compilation of songs from the stories of others written at different times. Before I was blessed to learn the art of production I really amassed a wish list of songs to release. As you are aware, I generally share the story behind each song in an individual blog. For this project it was all inspired, unexpectedly, and at the same time. Here is my story behind the album Roar.

How it All Started

I was watching Prophet Robin Bullock’s program the 11th hour when he made the statement “we are soldiers living on the edge of life and death.” Hence just a few days later, I was deeply inspired by the October 2021, Fresh Fire Prophetic Conference at my home church Regeneration Nashville. Pastor Gene Bailey started it with a fresh commission as a soldier in the Army of the Lord. I was born a warrior for the Lord and this has always been in the fiber of my DNA. The Lord began speaking to me about creating a new project.

I remember thinking, but I just released “Bigger Than Me” and you want me to do another album this soon Lord? I didn’t question, I just listened. Shortly after the conference my husband and I headed to West Virginia to meet our new Nephew and spend time with family. In that down time divine inspiration came. Furthermore, it was the clearest instruction I have received by the Holy Spirit to date. Here is a brief back story for each song.

Download Roar Here

1. Roar

Roar (Title Track) – A strong rock song inspired by Apostle Jane Hamon instructing us from God’s word to stand in the Authority we have as believers in Christ and declare a war cry. To Roar! I literally hung onto every word she said in her message and took three pages of notes! The lyrics to this song came from those notes.

2. No Quarter

No Quarter – I already had in my que to create a song based on the 3rd Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America. Additionally, I fully intended to use the Revolutionary war cry “Don’t Tread on Me,” in the song. When I heard Brother Robin say “we are soldiers living on the edge of life and death,” I knew this was it. This song is a rock-blues song with a killer drum solo. The raspy edge in the lead vocal was a fun surprise and a different sound from me. It really added a bluesy dimension to the song.

3. Secret Place

Secret Place was the first song I started working on during that wonderful trip to the majestic state of West Virginia. Inspired by the beauty and the joy of new life I started tinkering around in Logic Pro. Surprisingly, I created this grungy guitar sound that really resonated with me. Recently, I had just read Psalm 91 and at the same time it kept coming up in the messages of the ministries I follow. As a result of being out there, isolated, with people I love dearly being in a secret place was really resonating with me. Therefore, this is the inspiration behind the song.

4. Psalm 91

Psalm 91 is simply me reading the New Kings James version from the Bible to a whimsical and mysterious cinematic musical ensemble. I feel like everyone needs to read Psalm 91, memorize it, and believe it! Since the lyrics of Secret Place were inspired by this chapter in the Bible, logically adding it as spoken word would help people discover the beautiful and encouraging chapter of the Word.

The Last 3 Tracks (5, 6 & 7)

Near The Cross (track 5) and Nearer My God To Thee (track 6) were first the background music for the last track The Little Almond Tree (track 7). First let me talk about The Little Almond Tree which is inspired by a podcast from Pastor Kent Christmas. The Lord led me to create this narrative into a beautiful story with Near The Cross and Nearer My God To Thee as instrumental background music. Appropriate for any one who loves a good story, children really enjoy The Little Almond Tree.

Sometimes Less is More

Incidentally, as we know the music in our world today is all over the place. So much variety and so many choices. I love and do create a lot of different genres and styles of music. My only limitation is I have a commission from God to create music that is Christian or family friendly. So, it should come as no surprise to you to learn that I love Hymns. With all the fantastic worship music out there today, I strongly felt that many will not know the songs behind the narrative of The Little Almond Tree. Finally, I took Near The Cross and Nearer My God To Thee and produced two songs that simply stunned me when they were completed. Near The Cross has a very traditional feel and Nearer My God To Thee has a beautiful Celtic feel to it. You don’t have to be a Christian to appreciate that sometimes less is more and these two Hymns are profoundly amazing in and of themselves. Producing a rendition of these classics is humbling to me.

In Conclusion

Interesting story to share about what happened while mixing and mastering one of the songs. As you can imagine, I have long loved the Fanny Crosby Hymn Near The Cross. Notably the song is part of many of my Resurrection Sunday celebrations. While I was putting the finishing touches on Near The Cross, our neighbor had an emergency. As you can presume, EMS and the Fire Department were present. While I was listening to the final mix of “Near the Cross,” which said…

“Near the cross, I’ll watch and wait hoping, trusting ever
‘Til I reach the golden strand just beyond the river…”

Our dear sweet neighbor, suffering from debilitating dementia and declining rapidly went home to be with the Lord. Unquestionably, I believe God gave this precious dear woman her own soundtrack to go home to Glory.

Download Roar Here

Listen on your favorite streaming platform

Would you like your own custom original song?

Contact Judith to schedule a free consultation