In September 1919, "Edythe Baker" was billed with Willie Smith in a Vaudeville act in Fall River, MA. One observer noted that Baker practiced five or six hours daily and "developed a system of playing that was entirely her own. She was one of the first pianists to 'play against time' to achieve that 'heartbreak rhythm.'" Just a month later, Baker is noted as having signed a two-year contract with Aeolian Records to make player piano rolls. "After leaving here [Kansas City, MO] two years ago" Baker "has been headlining on the Keith circuit as a pianist and composer... she will be featured in theaters in New York and vicinity by the
Aeolian company." She is described as 19 years old.
Aeolian extolled her as "the foremost ragtime pianist of vaudeville" and claimed that "Miss Baker's conception of the various kind of 'Blues' so much in vogue at present is considered the most unique of its kind. Her playing is both snappy and artistic, while her charming personality is apparent in everything she interprets". ==Personal life==