Baker’s debut book traces the untold history of street music—from blues, folk, and doo-wop to jazz and indie rock—spanning city sidewalks, subway platforms, and parks from the 1920s to today. Featuring stories and interviews with Lucinda Williams, Billy Bragg, Violent Femmes, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Madeleine Peyroux, Old Crow Medicine Show, and more, Down on the Corner shines a light on the musicians who turned everyday spaces into unforgettable stages. With passion and humor, Baker recounts his personal journey into the world of busking, from his Chicago roots to his decades in the music industry, now returning to his first love: writing.

Cary Baker – Writer, music publicist, and lifelong champion of street music. His writing career began with a profile of Chicago blues busker Blind Arvella Gray at just 16 years old. He has directed publicity for six record labels (including Capitol and IRS) and two of his own companies, working with acclaimed artists such as R.E.M., Bonnie Raitt and more. Prior to his PR years, Baker wrote for the Chicago Reader, Creem, Trouser Press After 42 years in the music industry, Baker returns with his first book.