Looking for the Perfect Beat

The uncompromising and inspiring story of Arthur Baker, a local club DJ who went on to change popular music.

LONGLISTED FOR THE 2026 PENDERYN MUSIC BOOK PRIZE

'Every chapter of Looking For The Perfect Beat is absolutely mesmerising' Buzz Magazine

Beginning his career as a disco producer in the early 70s, Arthur Baker relocated to New York City and in the summer of 1982 produced one of the genre-defining early hip-hop tracks "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force. This began an illustrious career working with artists including Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Al Green, Pet Shop Boys, Quincy Jones, New Order, Fleetwood Mac, Hall & Oates and Neneh Cherry.

Looking for the Perfect Beat is the portrait of a pioneering artist who has been quietly influencing the sound of music for over fifty years.