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Unknown Hinson
Unknown Hinson 2010 (cropped).jpg
Unknown Hinson performing in 2010
Background information
Birth name Stuart Daniel Baker
Born (1954-11-07) November 7, 1954 (age 70)
Origin Albemarle, North Carolina, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • voice actor
Years active 1992–2023
Labels Uniphone, Capitol, Coffin Case

Stuart Daniel Baker, born November 7, 1954, who is known by his stage name Unknown Hinson, is an American singer, musician, songwriter, and voice actor. He was the longtime voice of Early Cuyler in the adult animated sitcom Squidbillies from 2005 to 2019.

Biography

Stuart Daniel Baker, a music teacher and studio musician from Albemarle, North Carolina, created his alter-ego for The Wild Wild South, a Charlotte-area public-access program that featured comedy sketches and concert footage. Baker and co-star Don Swan played the characters of Unknown Hinson and Rebel Helms, respectively. After Swan's death in 1995, Baker created The Unknown Hinson Show, a direct spin-off of The Wild Wild South. The Unknown Hinson Show won Creative Loafing Charlotte's "Best Of" poll for Best Public-Access Television Show four years in a row. After the series ended, Baker continued in his role as Unknown Hinson, performing live concerts and releasing several recordings.

Career

Live performing career

Hinson has performed with many notable rockabilly, country, and psychobilly acts such as The Reverend Horton Heat, Marty Stuart, Hank III, and Ed King. Hank III, grandson of Hank Williams, has Hinson's face tattooed on his bicep. In late 2008, working under his real name of Stuart Baker, Hinson was hired to play bass as well as lead guitar in Billy Bob Thornton's band The Boxmasters. For this gig, Baker appears without the familiar Unknown Hinson wardrobe and makeup, instead appearing in a vintage '60s suit, white shirt, and black pencil tie. His manager and booking agent was his wife, Margo Baker.

According to a November 10, 2012 post on his Facebook page, Hinson decided to quit touring after 17 years. His last three shows were Fort Wayne, Indiana, on November 17 in Covington, Kentucky. He cited rising costs and indicated his plans to find something new to do. After the death of his wife, Margo Baker, Unknown Hinson resumed touring again.

On June 3, 2020, Baker announced on his Facebook page that he would not be playing any more shows due to osteoarthritis. On July 17, 2023, he announced the on his Facebook page that he was recovering from two strokes and undergoing physical therapy.

Recording career

Unknown Hinson
Hinson in 2009

Unknown Hinson wrote his own music, and produced all of his own recordings. His music often parodied the dark elements of contemporary country and redneck culture. In early 2009, Hinson's "Torture Town" won in The 8th Annual Independent Music Awards and Vox Pop vote for Best Alternative Country.

Voice acting career

Hinson, credited as Baker, provided the voice of Early Cuyler, a balding hillbilly squid from Georgia, on Cartoon Network's late night Adult Swim program Squidbillies for 15 years.

Works

Discography

Year Album Label
1999 The Future Is Unknown Uniphone Records
2002 Rock 'N' Roll Is Straight from Hell (Promo Release) Capitol Records
Rock 'N' Roll Is Straight from Hell (Main Release) Capitol Records
2004 The Future Is Unknown (Re-Release) Capitol Records Nashville
Selections from the Future Is Unknown (Promo Release) Capitol Records Nashville
2005 21 Chart Toppers (Promo Release) No Label
2006 Target Practice Coffin Case Records
2008 Live and Undead Uniphone Records / sdb Music
2012 Reloaded Uniphone Records / sdb Music
The Squidbillies Present Music for Americans Only Made by Americans in China for Americans Only God Bless America, U.S.A. Williams Street Records
2020 Live and Undead II Uniphone Records

Filmography

Year(s) Production Role(s) Other notes
2004 Anime Talk Show Early Cuyler TV special
2005–2019 Squidbillies Early Cuyler Lead
2010 Carl's Stone Cold Lock of the Century of the Week Early Cuyler Guest, 1 episode
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