if you have a taste for the macabre, his posthumous autobiography is not to be believed--he was one twisted dude. also check out the documentary, "let's get lost', which is really powerful and sad. as for his playing and singing, i like much of it--as others have stated he's technically limited, but buconero's "lyricism" comment registers. like elvis, he made too many records--alot of his mid-period "soft jazz" stuff sounds like elevator/bar mitzvah music, but his ballads and boppier stuff still sounds good.
Where stands the music of Chet Baker with you?
I could say much from my own thoughts, but if you give a damn about this subject, I would like to hear of your own thoughts and listening history on the music of Chet Baker.
Please no cliche', "he is no Miles Davis" non-self thought.
And no need to apoligize for being black or white...another Jazz cliche'.