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Daniel "Dan" John Baird (born 12 December 1953) was born in San Diego, California and is an American singer-songwriter, musician and producer. He is best known as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist from the chart-topping 80s rock band The Georgia Satellites. Baird formed The Georgia Satellites in 1980 and left the band in 1990, to pursue a successful solo career. He is often credited as a pioneer in Cowpunk and Alt-country music, which combines elements of Rock with Country, outlaw country and punk rock.
Baird currently tours and records with his band Homemade Sin, which features a total of 3 ex-members from The Georgia Satellites, including bassist Keith Christopher and drummer Mauro Magellan. Homemade Sin also showcases the talents of guitarist Warner E. Hodges, who tours and records with Jason & the Scorchers.
Homemade Sin performs a mixture of Baird's solo material in addition to the hits and fan favorites from his years with The Georgia Satellites. To achieve a similar classic tube amplifier sound with his current band Homemade Sin, Baird relies heavily on a vintage setup very similar to what was used during his tenure with The Georgia Satellites. Creating confusion for some fans, there is a re-formed version of The Georgia Satellites featuring original guitarist Rick Richards and bassist Rick Price, who joined the group to replace original bassist Keith Christopher, who left the band prior to their fame.
Born and raised in San Diego, Baird moved to Atlanta, Georgia in his early teens. He is best known for his work with the band The Georgia Satellites. He has also worked on various other musical projects and is a record producer. Baird owns numerous vintage guitars and amplifiers. His favorite guitar is an original Fender Esquire which previously belonged to Steve Marriott, who was the lead singer of English rock and roll bands Small Faces and Humble Pie. With The Georgia Satellites, Baird worked with producer Ian McLagan who was also a member of Small Faces. Contrary to popular belief, Baird is happily married and does not drink alcohol. During tours, Baird can often be found exercising in hotel gyms. According to Baird's blog on MySpace, he met Neil Young in a hotel gym locker room. The two discussed guitars and amplifiers and Young complimented Baird on his music.
Baird released his first solo album, Love Songs for the Hearing Impaired, in October 1991. The CD was produced by Rick Rubin, who founded Def American Recordings after leaving Def Jam Recordings. A contemporary review in Rolling Stone magazine praised its combination of foot-stomping redneck rock and slyly intelligent lyrics:
"This is how bluesed-up macho rock ought to be served: sizzling hot and extra lean, seasoned with a sneaky sense of humor. On his solo debut, Love Songs for the Hearing Impaired, the former Georgia Satellites frontman commands attention like a smart bar-stood bard. Dan Baird spins ribald white-trash tales to familiar Chuck Berry-derived boogie, yet the guitars emit a stinging immediacy. Retro it's not - really."
"I Love You Period", a single from the album, peaked at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 2005, Baird began touring with his own band, Homemade Sin. He has recorded with other artists including The Yayhoos and the Franklin, Tennessee rock musician, Will Hoge. Baird was one of the original members of Hoge's band before leaving to pursue individual ventures. Baird has also performed as a member of the country music band, Trent Summar & the New Row Mob. More recently, Baird re-joined Will Hoge on tour as the lead guitarist during a portion of his summer tour. Currently, Dan Baird is working on new material with Homemade Sin and is currently on a world tour with the group.
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