Unknown Hinson & Ken Haas On Stuart's Story • Wildwood Guitars Interview

You've met the man behind the twisted and demented Unknown Hinson; now join Wildwood Guitars and Reverend's own Ken Haas as we sit down with Stuart Baker to discuss the birth of Hinson!
Site: wildwoodguitar...
Facebook: on. 11aLDN5
~ Stuart D. Baker ~
The legend of Unknown Hinson is much a mystery. Where the red-necked vampire got his chops, and how--no, why someone would even turn him into a vampire will never be known. The man behind the mask, however, has a history of both notoriety and acclaim. Stuart D. Baker, a.k.a. Unknown Hinson, has been shredding up the stage for decades; having had played with the likes of Reverend Horton Heat, Hank III, and sharing the stage with the Rolling Stones. Not only can he be found touring the country, but he can be found on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim as Early Cuyler, the foul-mouthed squid of 'Squidbillies.'

[@pbajst]

Mr. Baker - I address you this way with the utmost respect. The character you created in Unknown Hinson is one of the funniest characters I have ever had the privilege to watch and I am 56 years old. Besides the humor, I am in awe of your fantastic guitar playing. Your humor combined with your renditions of greats such as Voodoo Chile and Bridge of Sighs are most impressive. I have read you are done touring as Unknown. I wish you luck and the greater fame you deserve.

[@karlsnow5281]

Dragon hope this finds you and finds you well. I too love Bridge of Sighs and his Trower

[@JamesScott-vc2xx]

I'm A big fan of You Mr Baker. My son turned me on to your Unknown albums. As a powerful music lover of 64 I have seen many acts and a lot of the big names and I would put you in any line up with them. I was amazed at your prowess , and amused that on your albums, you always have very well arranged music and top quality musicians. The recording quality is great as well. Thank you for all the fun of Unknown. Great Humor 😂

[@christie4004]

AMEN

[@justinredmond7447]

They should've pulled a "Parent Trap" and had Unknown Hinson come in at the end and tell him to get the hell out lol

[@davidgrunstra3680]

That would have been perfect. Tony Clifton Andy Kaufman bit.

[@digitalbookworm5678]

Until I saw this interview I assumed he never broke character in front of a camera.

[@Woodworker360]

Not like I have any clue one way or the other, but this was published in 2012. If I recall, UH was going through some heavy personal stuff with an ill wife and he actually decided to retire Unknown Hinson that same year. He has (obviously) since come back to touring, but my guess is that this interview is reflective of a space in time some years back when Stuart Baker was sure he was done portraying UH and could do an interview like this, even though later on, he changed his mind and resumed playing UH. I think its kinda cool to hear 'the real guy'.

[@donotreadmyprofilepicture5481]

I kn I'm way late here, but he osuns really sad here, his voice sounds like he is on the verge of crying. :(

[@green323turbo]

wtf ... are you on your period ?

[@Smurffitness]

@@donotreadmyprofilepicture5481 his wife died not long after.

[@dirtyunclehubert]

he isnt breaking character. he is stuart baker, unknown hinson is unknown hinson. he would never start to talk privately as stuart baker when in full costume as hinson, unless probably to his crew and family, perhaps not even them. neither i guess would he have been willing to go into the hinson mode during this interview. no sir, he was just his civil(ized) citizen self there. and yeah you can tell, he is depressed (at that time) and also the total opposite of a certain wild-ass loudmouth king of country western troubadours.....i guess it was a wise decision to go back on tour after his wife died. no good to give everything up and become a recluse.

[@gouldbj]

This just goes to show what a genius maniac this man is. I did not know he was a regular human being. NC will do that to you.

[@randblackwell8675]

NC will do that for you? Where do you live??

[@noiseystooges2950]

Rand Blackwell North Carolina

[@BrianKWilson]

Don't let the secret out man!

[@gnargnarbobo6133]

Shit,come on down to Hotlanta and see these fucn idiots!

[@utubehound69]

He's playing Athens tonight @the foundry @@gnargnarbobo6133

[@skeeter197140]

I have never seen Stuart Daniel Baker before. Just Unknown Hinson. Thank you for this.

[@donaldmccoy49]

Stuart D. Baker is a SUPERB guitarist!! cancel culture cant stop that fact... a devoted MUSIC fan forever. seen him over 20 times...

[@AB..__..]

I was not aware that the Unknown Hinson character was not basically who Stuart Baker was. I just assumed that he amped-up his own personality for the show. He was fully in character in the interviews of his I have seen. He's so calm and un-Unknow.

[@spirocorbett3839]

He is a true Wizard. A powerful Magician. Well done Mr. Baker.

[@kaylamckenzie155]

always amazes me, unknown hinson you are a heart of country western, and you have the soul of a true troubadour.

[@loganwyatt7678]

Just saw him tonight live in St.Louis! Took some pics with him after the show! Hell of a performer and extremely talented musician! Long live the Kang, Baby!

[@ColKorn1965]

Danny's dad was my guitar teacher. Hat's off to you Mr. Bill! We miss you!!

[@philmfan]

Not only a fantastic musician but an excellent actor and comedian as well with multiple personas. He has every right to be a giant egomaniac based on how much talent he clearly has but instead seems soft spoken and down to earth, the opposite of Unknown, which is probably a key reason why he's so good at it. A better actor and musician than most of the ones who are a lot more well known and higher paid. A true original.

[@AdamLProductions]

Stuart/Unknown absolutely fucking shreds on the guitar. When I went searching for the voice behind Early years ago and found Unknown, I was completely blown away. Just unbelievably amazing...

[@joelhighsmith1049]

I played a show with him in Fayetteville NC in 2010. Very nice guy. Puts on a great show

[@invaderHUNK]

Oh man, what was that like?

[@gamesandcake4892]

Is Stuart Daniel Baker playing the part of Unknown Hinson, or is Unknown Hinson playing the part of Stuart Daniel Baker? Think about it.

[@cristianluna5568]

Unknown hinson is played by early cuyler.

[@anagramconfirmed1717]

Yea yea

[@olddoggeleventy2718]

It's a supernatural intervention, a restless spirit possession and a little black hair dye to give it a boost...lol

[@robertsoha1254]

i like this take haha

[@radiojaws]

Thank about it

[@joeguitargod]

Wow! He's not what I expected at all! I kind of figured that the Unknown character wasn't too far removed from the person who played him. Boy was I wrong! TOTAL opposite of Unknown! He's quite and humble and looks to be a bit shy. Coming up with the character was sheer genius. Without Unknown, who knows where he'd be today. Good Job!

[@localcrew]

Just saw him in Louisville, Kentucky for about the 4th or 5th time. Got right up front where I could watch him play. WOW! The man has mad guitar'n skillz. The future is Unknown!!

[@seniledad6489]

Seeing him Saturday on my birthday. Would of never known that was him with white hair.

[@stbreal]

THIS IS AWESOME!!! This guy is as awesome in real life as he is in character

[@dustyspears8719]

I'm shocked at how different he looks out of the Unknown Hinson character

[@aldousorwell3807]

The voice throws me off even more.😂

[@evanabbott2737]

Stuart is just a seasoned musical veteran, who has great taste for what’s cool. I saw unknown Hinson perform at the Token Lounge in Westland, MI. It’s a kinda shitty little club bar, but when he came on the stage, it was like seeing an arena act play!😁👍

[@littleOzzy100]

Trying to find him to go see him play but his website seems to be gone. Any advice on how to find him?

[@rickharris275]

He retired due to a form of arthritis, sadly.

[@PantherArms556]

First time I went to see UH, I went for the goofy freak show. Ten minutes in my friend and I looked at each other and said, holy shit, this dude can play. Been a huge fan ever since. Seen him 5 times now and never miss a show when he comes around.

[@1silvervespa]

I like that you pulled it all together and were able to make a living out of it.

[@Cassaelet]

Unknown Hinson covers Dolly Partons greatest hits. Albums that will never be made.

[@blenderbanana]

That woman donated a Million Dollars to Covid Research in 2020. Be ashamed of yourself.

[@mikeufc]

Seeing Stuart Baker/Unknown Hinson like this = my mind is blown.

[@Finnpaynemusic]

Yall did this man dirty.

[@whispjohn]

I had a good friend who was a pro boxer, he also played guitar, he was left handed and played guitar right handed, I was mighty impressed by this. Now I know another left handed, right handed player! Unknown Hinson is a good player and I love his attitude!

[@chickgin1]

Mr. Baker's voice has a lovely cadence.

[@amedeo1993]

Stuart Baker is like Many Great Unknown Musicians out there just making a living doing what they Love to do!! Awesome Guitar Player....and Love Hinson!!!

[@brendondorff]

I've always thought of the Unknown Hinson as a 5 STAR guitarist ❤ Clever writer as well. Like his body of musical work. Thank you Mr Baker with all due respect.❤

[@jankymcjangles3817]

UNCANCEL THIS GUITAR!!! - Unknown Hinson for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Cultural treasure.

[@MultiPetercool]

The Kang!!

[@Trishula707]

@MARQUIS de QUEENSBURY 5.0 I don’t think he should’ve been canceled/ fired of course what he said was offensive and kind of in bad taste but there’s people that have said worse than him

[@rswindol]

RAWK

[@jetcheneau5811]

Private companies have the right to fire anyone for whatever reason and drop anybody regardless of why. It's one of the many freedoms of capitalism.

[@thehonorablereverendaddiso1943]

@@jetcheneau5811 Bull. Shit.

[@texxos57]

I'm glad to see this guy is normal. Thanks for sharing!

[@Slovy_]

I’m a left handed person forced to play right handed myself. That was probably one of the smartest things I did. It gave me an advantage over the other kids when I took lessons in school. I caught on faster and it came easier. I think it had to do with the right/ left brain thing. I learned to sight read music extremely fast.

[@caseytodd7632]

This just proves to me that Unknown has done a stint in witness protection. You ain't foolin' me, Hinson. Yeah, yeah.

[@andrewedelman3968]

I got to see UH in Bloomington Indiana back in 2009 in a cool small bar, awesome show. I was able to have Unknown & his band sign my Squidbillies S1 dvd that I will always treasure!!

[@MrMayfield310]

Great interview,I can relate to the colorful characters,being from the North Georgia Mountains. He is a musical genius. He is an inspiration to anyone who is an entrepreneur, artist or not.

[@rylieriley]

Just give me one drop of Stuart Baker's guitar playing ability and I'll be happy.

[@davidenoch818]

Dude, I thought his Unknown Hinson voice WAS Stuart's voice as well!!! Both voices sound so natural.

[@outlawyer45]

I ain't homeysecksha-ul, but I shore do love that man.

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

outlawyer45 😂😂😂😂 Yes!

[@wnerko7484]

homasexoolz

[@wadepatton2433]

HOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEY !!! PARTY LIKKER! ((great interview thanks, see you at the Cannery in a few weeks.)) Yeah Yeah Chart TOPPERS! ever ONE!

[@agent1543]

Sad that great artist have to play a role to get noticed today. While talentless crap is pumped over airwaves, great music, and artist go unappreciated. I'm going to see him in Atlanta next month !!! Can't wait!!!

[@EsotericOccultist]

Let's cry about it. That will help

[@one_with_kevrything9825]

Hey, loads of big names didn't get where they were back in the day without a gimmick. KISS, Bowie, Elton John, The Beatles, among others.

[@Brimst0ne_XB]

I get where you're coming from and you make a good point but I'm glad he did the character. I've always been big on comedy groups like Gwar, Green Jelly, Bloodhound Gang etc. Those type of acts are few and far between.

[@Standbackforscience]

It's a pleasure to finally meet you, sir.

[@joemoore6450]

Have family that went to school with you, seen you in Detroit couple times. Thanks for the influence you give us…….

[@markdrinkard4150]

Just discovered Unknown , too good!

[@bravo2p366]

My Dad told me the same thing.... Been playing for 49 years now, and it only seems natural to play right handed. Dad was a smart man, now that I look back.

[@Jin76898]

For a little bit i didn't believe it but that is stuart. Damn he plays that character good. Woulda never recognized him. Damn good guitar player and singer.

[@themask1817]

One of my all time faves Unknown Hinson videos is his Liquid Chicken commercial🤣🤣🤣

[@olddoggeleventy2718]

The backdrop in the video... a wall of Marshall amps, was a dream my friends and I had back in the day when we sure we were gonna be rock stars...lol

[@kempenglish]

Reverend Guitars and Squidbillies are so WOKE in 2020 they dropped the best thing that ever happened to them - Unknown Hinson R.I.P.

[@truthawaits4u458]

I hope it bites them in their woke asses. Never liked dolly pardons freak tittied self any damn way. She aint worthy to fetch the kangs boots

[@dainejir661]

Unknown Hinson is a Vampire... AND therefore, IMMORTAL! He Will Be Back!

[@bman6065]

While I'm by no means woke. I'll say he has no one to blame except himself. And I still consider myself a fan of his work.

[@JoshAintSoCool]

@@bman6065because he had opinions about the blm movement? The same movement that even the black community is starting to realize they did nothing but take money? Yeah, I’ll take him honest and cancelled over whatever adult swim is struggling to keep afloat

[@duanetrivett750]

Reverend Guitars and Adult Swim are to P.C. for my liking . Turned there backs on him for speaking his mind after he made both a lot more Popular ! I had never heard of Reverend Guitars until Henson and never watched Adult Swim until Squid Billy's came on ! I don't watch it now . Boycott Both is what I say ! Woke is a Joke !!!!!! Long Live the Unknown Hinson !

[@redneckhippiefreak]

1st interview I've seen out of character. LOL

[@memecream5834]

Honestly same here and I spent bout an hour looking for a legit interview from this man just to see if he really do talk like unknown

[@axxessmundi]

I must make a trek in life to meet and see this genius

[@haf816r]

Now that is one chart toppin guitar!!! I want one so SO bad!

[@RevMikeBlack]

Mr. Baker has created two iconic characters in Unknown Hinson and Early Cuyler. I'm from a small town, too, and I know both types fairly well. The future is Unknown!

[@neohillbilly1]

I just discovered this guy a couple of days ago and find out he's been canceled by adult swim 6 months ago. what a shame.

[@blenderbanana]

"Dear friends, I have sincerely apologized for my post regarding Dolly Parton, BLM, race and everything. I apologized for my actions, my bad choice of words and any offense I may have caused to anyone. I don't know what else you want from me. If you're not satisfied with my apology, just tell me what else you want." - Stuart Baker(Unknown Hinson)

[@neohillbilly1]

Your awesome unknown Hinson just as you are!

[@Philo-ul2uq]

@@blenderbanana he's a fantastic player. Though I agree with him, he should have kept his mouth shut. The mob has spoken and they are incapable of Reason.

[@blenderbanana]

@@Philo-ul2uq the "mob" reasoned that Dolly Partons dignity, and BLM's purpose were more substantial than Hinsons' wreckless bigotry.

[@SSgtChitEPanz]

​@@blenderbanana .....you're a fuggin tool.

[@bimmerella]

it was awesome to see the man behind Unknown Hinson. Can't wait to catch your show in Chattanooga Oct 11!!!!

[@cliftontorrence839]

Two of the cooler cats on our planet, love you both, thanks guys !

[@blenderbanana]

"Dear friends, I have sincerely apologized for my post regarding Dolly Parton, BLM, race and everything. I apologized for my actions, my bad choice of words and any offense I may have caused to anyone. I don't know what else you want from me. If you're not satisfied with my apology, just tell me what else you want." - Stuart Baker(Unknown Hinson)

[@garrywhite13371337]

I didn't realize Unknown Henson was just a character. I thought he was actually like that lol

[@conservat1vepatr1ot]

Dude. Me. Fucking. Too. I’m blown away lol

[@jamesstutts1486]

Damn I did too...I've molded my life to be like him...

[@robertsoha1254]

same

[@libertylatenight3657]

He 'kinda' looked like that before a show in Kansas City. I tried getting a photo and his people smiled real big and said "man don't ruin it" .... so I put my camera away. It was a fun night and great show.

[@anthonypate8657]

One of the best guitar players to ever live.hes a great person and a fabulous friend.

[@martyslone2208]

Me.Baker creation of “ Unknown Hinson “ is a brilliant accomplishment on every level!!! Character backstory, and amazing musical ability in so many genres!! Huge fan sir

[@Dad.and.Addison]

This is the first time I’ve ever seen him just being normal. He’s actually really talented.

[@TheBRUTALBRANDON]

Thanks to Stewart Baker for the music & comedy. I love music, I play guitar & I love me some foul mouthed land squids. Keep it coming.

[@shaneturner9336]

I’ve been looking for anything I can find about Hinson and it’s so hard to find it . Thank you for this interview.

[@gmodesike]

i hope stuart is happy. he is so great.

[@jamesearl389]

With so many horrible comments on youtube, your simple good wishes for him made me smile.

[@garypruitt4289]

This is freaking awesome. Really great back story. Keep up the great work UH

[@TOG2011]

Stuart Baker For North Carolina Govenor

[@thefoundationofwhate]

I will never be able to come back from this

[@richfiryn]

"It beats starving..." LOL

[@jimmyavalon2741]

EARLY CUYLER BABY!!!

[@stringbender311]

Your the best guitar player I've ever heard! I love when you cover Hendrix, you do it so much better. Thank you!

[@clityeastwood5262]

I love the dude too but that's h st offensive and unamerican. no one does it better than Jimi

[@dennisr1146]

Stu, get back on the horse. Don't quit touring yet. The world needs you most now =)

[@blakeswanson1322]

It sucks ur off adult swim. I love your character and creativity

[@teddysalad8227]

Finding out he's just a character makes me sleep better at night.

[@newfreedom21]

incredible skills, overall tremendous performer

[@WOMPITUS]

I never thought I’d see this man out of character. In fact i assumed that Unknown Hinson was a real life deranged person. Nice to see that he’s a real human being lol. Hwatch the trim!!

[@AnguSGibson1995]

kind of like when you find out Santa isn't real...

[@craigwallace1862]

I heard his voice in a movie called Hoodwinked, a voice over, and they said "they were lucky to get him for the part.

[@kempenglish]

Sandy Claws is real - yeah, yeah

[@priddycrankyyankeeamyniemi8957]

No! It's obvious to with his white beard and all that he is Santa and I defy anyone to remember a time that he and Santa were seen on the same place.....

[@jameswilson3554]

Caught a couple minutes of a video. Would love to see this cat live..totally awesome. Musician god bless.

[@brandonchilders2667]

He's retired now but if he ever gets back you should really check him out.

[@williamburgess6693]

Whoa I though unknown hinson was his real life , he's a good actor

[@stevemoriarty9884]

I would give away my jewelry to get one of those records he made in the 70's!! Especially with his brother, who was in my class...

[@jimmybrock6593]

So interesting even wo playing unknown hinson 😊 so articulate 😮

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

I love this man. Just fkkn love him.

[@nd5428]

of course you do... every wormen's dream bayba... yea yea.

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

@@nd5428 He is the Country Western troubadour.......of my heart 😂

[@rockbackbilly8618]

yes it is him (unkown hinson) i found him on youtube in about 2014 i was a instant Fan.. thats what i was looking for i would love to see him live but im in N.Z. i rang an old band mate up at bedrock custom guitar shop . denny jude blues man and he said hes mad..... mmmm na hes F#@!*^ GOOD ..so came over to dunedin new zealand unkown ...stevo

[@upstart1776]

Amazing talent. And so unlike the glitz and flash and NO TALENT of Hollywood posers.

[@Milosledge]

No way!!!! I don't want to know the back story on Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, least of all UNKNOWN HINSON. Priceless...both the enigma, and the man behind the man. Thank you both.

[@Ianfrost83]

God bless Stuart Baker and Unknown Hinson

[@me2onthenet]

Long live the Chart Topping King!!

[@dunskie]

Thank you so much for this. Mr. Baker did not say anything about writing jingles for income. I thought I had read that he might have made a living writing some pretty famous nationwide TV spots. True? Thanks Wildwood. Awesome.-DV

[@frankchilds9848]

Stuart is a genius who makes country music and vampires into a work of art 😮😅😊

[@ErictheACKACKTOR]

Can you believe it. He throws it back by askin "Any Questions?" That Vampar Hinson NEVER lets anyone get a word in edgewise.

[@JustMe-dr2ci]

Thank you for Unknown! Highly entertaining!

[@themollyface]

The more you know! Pretty awesome dude.

[@Goto10Gaming]

I was waiting for unknown Hinson to come in with whoever these guys are

[@davidcombs5427]

First time I've seen him out of character, great stuff!!

[@blenderbanana]

Here's his character, right here "Dear friends, I have sincerely apologized for my post regarding Dolly Parton, BLM, race and everything. I apologized for my actions, my bad choice of words and any offense I may have caused to anyone. I don't know what else you want from me. If you're not satisfied with my apology, just tell me what else you want." - Stuart Baker(Unknown Hinson)

[@nh8444]

Omg an interview where he’s not in character? He’s so chill! Woo!!!!

[@ubermench1000]

Look what they've done to Stuart . I know that "Unknown Hinson" is just his persona/character but there's a considerable amount of Stuart that goes into Unknowns charm . Seriously its like he's been broken down , and is in very low spirits . My heart goes out with love and RESPECT for Stuart , and his point of view . He broke the 3 monkeys , golden rule No. 2 "Speak no evil" and well look what happened .

[@grecco_buckliano]

this interview was in 2012. long before his little faux pas.

[@ubermench1000]

@@grecco_buckliano Oh, um never mind:)

[@trjb1767]

Thank heavens they didn't take it down

[@precisionbrown6829]

Still has a lot of people fooled. Good for you boy!

[@teeheeteeheeish]

Unknown Hinson is really good at acting like a normal dude

[@peter.4015]

Right on. If you ever get back tword Spartanburg let us know.

[@JGPorcello]

He seems so subdued compared to his persona.

[@douglasbroccone3144]

Amazing artist

[@HinknownUnson]

He'll always be tha King to me.