In 1947, he formed a literary/artistic group called Cántico with his friends and fellow-writers Ricardo Molina, Juan Bernier, Julio Aumente and Mario López.
Also in the group were the painters Miguel del Moral and Ginés Liébana.
García Baena published more than a dozen collections of poetry, receiving widespread critical acclaim.
He has received numerous other honours, including "Favoured Son" status from his hometown of Córdoba and his native region of Andalusia.
He contributed regularly to Spanish newspapers and journals and lectured widely.