Meet Tallahassee Artist Darius “Doc D” Baker

"Artists Inspire" Darius "Doc D" Baker of Tallahassee

COCA /Tallahassee Arts continues a brand-new social media feature called “Artists Inspire” to feature local artists of all genres in our community. “Artists Inspire” will give us a glimpse into the lives of our working artists and cultural leaders – promoting what is unique to Tallahassee and our surrounding area. In August 2021, we celebrated National Black Business Month and continue these posts.

Darius “Doc D” Baker is a three-time Stellar Awards Nominated radio programmer who is also the founder and Executive Director of Tallahassee Nights Live! (TNL). TNL is an artist development platform used to catapult performers to the next level. Doc D is a husband, the father of four boys, and the owner of several businesses. Click here to learn more about D Reel Productions and Tallahassee Nights Live!

What is necessary for your creative process?

Vision. If I can see it in my mind, then normally I can make it a reality. With God all things are possible.

What fictional character would you like to bring to life and meet?

Fred Sanford from ‘Sanford and Son.’

What music is playing in your car? 

Old School R&B.

What is the last local live performance, or book you have read, that had an impact on you?

The TNL Tribute to Motown show at The Moon which happened weeks before everything shut down really meant a lot to me. To see people of all ages, races, and demographics dancing on the floor and couples hugging and having what we all knew was our last “night out” before the global pandemic really hit. It felt like we were all on the Titanic at The Moon that night. But the music helped everything prepare for what we are still enduring to this day.

It’s time to explore Tallahassee and Leon County; where are we going and why?

To the bus station because I may have ridden the bus once in my life and still don’t know all the places it services in the city.

If you were trapped in a TV show or movie for a month, which would it be?

’Sanford and Son’ because I would laugh non-stop!

What superpower would you like to have?

The ability to heal.

What do you like best about living in Tallahassee?

The balance of being in a somewhat slow city with a fast-paced society.

What have you learned from failure?

To not be afraid to fail again.

What do you hope you will be remembered for?

For helping others and pushing folks to their destiny without wanting anything in return.

By Erica Thaler
Council on Culture & Arts (COCA)


Want to learn about more artists in our local community? Check out these “Artists Inspire” posts featuring Sherika Duncan and Keith Rodgers.

Visit tallahasseearts.org for more information about local arts and cultural events and ways to get engaged in our area’s cultural community!

Photo Credit: COCA