LaVern Baker, born Delores LaVern Baker on November 11, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, was a pioneering American rhythm and blues singer. Known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, Baker became one of the most prominent female R&B artists of the 1950s and 1960s. She rose to fame with hits like “Tweedlee Dee,” “Jim Dandy,” and “I Cried a Tear,” blending blues, gospel, and rock and roll. Her music played a significant role in shaping the sound of early rock and roll, and she was one of the first African-American women to achieve crossover success in mainstream pop. LaVern Baker’s contributions to music earned her a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
1. Tweedlee Dee
“Tweedlee Dee” is a 1954 hit song by LaVern Baker, written by Winfield Scott. The song is a lively, upbeat track with playful lyrics and a catchy melody, blending rhythm and blues with early rock and roll elements. Baker’s powerful and distinctive vocal performance helped the song become one of her biggest hits, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts. “Tweedlee Dee” was notable for its infectious rhythm and fun, nonsensical lyrics, making it a popular choice for covers by other artists. Despite facing competition from cover versions, Baker’s original remains the definitive and most celebrated rendition.
2. Jim Dandy
“Jim Dandy” by LaVern Baker is a lively R&B track released in 1956. The song became a major hit and is one of Baker’s signature tunes. Written by Lincoln Chase, “Jim Dandy” tells the story of a charismatic man, Jim Dandy, who swoops in to save the day in various adventurous situations. Baker’s energetic vocals, combined with a catchy, upbeat rhythm, make the song a classic example of 1950s R&B. The track’s playful lyrics and infectious groove helped it reach the top of the R&B charts and solidified LaVern Baker’s place as a pioneering female artist in the genre.
3. I Cried a Tear
“I Cried a Tear” by LaVern Baker is a soulful ballad released in 1958. The song showcases Baker’s powerful, emotive voice, as she sings about heartbreak and sorrow. Unlike her more upbeat hits, “I Cried a Tear” has a slower, bluesy feel, with a poignant saxophone melody that complements the melancholy mood. The song’s lyrics express deep emotional pain and vulnerability, resonating with listeners who have experienced loss and longing. “I Cried a Tear” became a major hit, reaching the top of the R&B charts and further establishing LaVern Baker as a leading voice in 1950s rhythm and blues.
4. See See Rider
“See See Rider,” also known as “C.C. Rider” or “Easy Rider,” is a traditional blues song that has been recorded by numerous artists over the years. The song was first recorded by blues singer Ma Rainey in 1924, and it has since become a blues standard. The lyrics tell the story of a troubled relationship, with the narrator lamenting the departure of their “easy rider,” a term that can refer to a lover.
LaVern Baker recorded a popular version of “See See Rider” in 1962, giving the song a more uptempo, R&B twist. Baker’s rendition was a hit, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her powerful vocals and energetic arrangement brought new life to the classic blues song, solidifying its place in both blues and R&B history. The song’s enduring popularity has led to countless covers by artists across various genres, including rock, soul, and jazz.
5. Saved
“Saved” is a gospel-influenced rhythm and blues song by LaVern Baker, released in 1960. Written by the prolific songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song tells the story of a person who has turned their life around after finding salvation and rejecting their sinful past. With its spirited lyrics, upbeat tempo, and Baker’s dynamic, soulful vocals, “Saved” became a standout track that showcased her versatility as a singer. The song blends gospel themes with a catchy R&B sound, reflecting Baker’s ability to cross genres and appeal to a broad audience. Though it wasn’t as commercially successful as some of her other hits, “Saved” remains a beloved track in her catalog, celebrated for its infectious energy and powerful message.
6. I Waited Too Long
“I Waited Too Long” is a 1959 rhythm and blues song recorded by LaVern Baker. Written by Johnny Harris and produced by the renowned team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song showcases Baker’s vocal prowess and emotional depth. In the track, Baker sings about the regret of waiting too long to make amends in a relationship, capturing the feelings of longing and remorse. The song features a blend of R&B and pop elements, with a catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics. “I Waited Too Long” was well-received by both critics and fans, further establishing Baker’s reputation as a powerful and influential R&B artist.
7. Play It Fair
“Play It Fair” by LaVern Baker is an upbeat R&B track released in 1955. The song features Baker’s dynamic vocals, full of sass and energy, as she delivers a message about love and fairness in relationships. The lyrics emphasize the importance of mutual respect and honesty, with Baker insisting that her partner “play it fair” if they want to be together. The lively rhythm, catchy melody, and Baker’s confident performance make “Play It Fair” a standout track of its time. The song showcases Baker’s ability to blend powerful vocals with playful, assertive lyrics, cementing her status as a prominent figure in 1950s R&B.
8. Lots and Lots of Love
“Lots and Lots of Love” is the title track from LaVern Baker’s 1957 debut album. The song is a smooth, mid-tempo R&B tune that captures Baker’s warm and expressive vocal style. In “Lots and Lots of Love,” Baker sings about the joy and abundance of love she feels, with lyrics that celebrate the excitement of being in a loving relationship. The track’s arrangement is rich with a blend of horns and rhythm, creating a classic R&B sound that complements Baker’s voice perfectly. As the opening song on her debut album, “Lots and Lots of Love” sets the tone for the rest of the record, showcasing Baker’s talent and versatility as a vocalist.
9. Bumble Bee
“Bumble Bee” is a 1955 rhythm and blues song recorded by LaVern Baker. Written by Fred H. Waring, this track features a playful, upbeat melody with a distinctive, catchy chorus. In the song, Baker uses the metaphor of a bumblebee to describe the feelings of being in love and the excitement that comes with it. The song is notable for its energetic rhythm and Baker’s vibrant vocal performance. “Bumble Bee” became a popular hit, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard R&B chart and contributing to Baker’s success in the mid-1950s. Its lively and joyful style reflects Baker’s ability to infuse her music with both charm and charisma.
10. Shake a Hand
“Shake a Hand” is a rhythm and blues song written by Fred H. Waring and first recorded by LaVern Baker in 1953. The song features a smooth, inviting melody and lyrics that encourage reconciliation and making amends in relationships. Baker’s rendition showcases her soulful voice and emotional delivery, making the song a memorable hit. The track reached No. 8 on the Billboard R&B chart, further solidifying Baker’s place in the R&B genre. Its themes of forgiveness and connection, combined with Baker’s compelling performance, have made “Shake a Hand” a classic in her discography.