LaVern Baker, born Delores Evans on November 11, 1929, was an American rhythm and blues singer. She was known for her powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and versatility in performing various styles of music, including R&B, jazz, and rock and roll.
Baker began her music career in the 1940s as a member of the gospel group The Santanes. She transitioned to secular music in the 1950s and signed with Atlantic Records. It was during her time at Atlantic that Baker rose to prominence as one of the leading female R&B singers of her era.
Baker’s powerful voice and dynamic stage presence made her a favorite among audiences, and she continued to record and perform throughout the 1960s and beyond. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 in recognition of her contributions to the genre. LaVern Baker passed away on March 10, 1997, but her music remains influential and continues to be celebrated by fans of rhythm and blues.
1. Tweedlee Dee
“Tweedlee Dee” is a rhythm and blues song written by Winfield Scott. It was first recorded by LaVern Baker in 1954 and released as a single on Atlantic Records. The song became one of Baker’s biggest hits, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well.
“Tweedlee Dee” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and Baker’s dynamic vocal performance. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s admiration for a romantic interest, comparing their love to the buzzing of a bee and the singing of a bird.
The song’s success established LaVern Baker as a prominent figure in the R&B and rock and roll scene of the 1950s. “Tweedlee Dee” remains one of her signature songs and a classic of the era, beloved by fans of early rhythm and blues music. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and continues to be celebrated for its infectious energy and timeless appeal.
2. Jim Dandy
“Jim Dandy” is a rhythm and blues song originally recorded by LaVern Baker in 1956. The song was written by Lincoln Chase and became one of Baker’s biggest hits, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well.
“Jim Dandy” is known for its infectious beat, catchy melody, and Baker’s energetic vocal delivery. The lyrics describe the charms and charisma of the titular character, Jim Dandy, who is portrayed as a smooth and confident individual who captivates everyone he meets.
The success of “Jim Dandy” solidified LaVern Baker’s status as one of the leading female R&B singers of the 1950s. The song has since become a classic of the era, beloved by fans of rhythm and blues and rock and roll music. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal and infectious groove.
3. I Cried a Tear
“I Cried a Tear” is a classic rhythm and blues song performed by Lavern Baker, an American rhythm and blues singer. The song was released in 1958 as a single on the Atlantic Records label.
“I Cried a Tear” is a soulful ballad that showcases Baker’s powerful and emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics convey the pain and heartache of lost love, with Baker lamenting the tears she shed over a broken relationship. The song features a dynamic arrangement with a prominent horn section and a driving rhythm, typical of the rhythm and blues sound of the era.
“I Cried a Tear” became one of Lavern Baker’s most successful songs, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well. It remains a beloved classic in the realm of rhythm and blues music, admired for Baker’s passionate performance and the song’s timeless appeal.
4. See See Rider
“See See Rider,” also known simply as “C.C. Rider,” is a traditional blues song that has been recorded by numerous artists over the years. The song’s origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, and it has become a standard in the blues, jazz, and rock and roll genres.
The lyrics of “See See Rider” typically depict a narrator lamenting the departure of their lover, who is referred to as “C.C. Rider.” The song often features themes of heartache, longing, and betrayal, common in traditional blues music.
“See See Rider” has been recorded by many artists, including Ma Rainey, Lead Belly, Big Bill Broonzy, and Bessie Smith, among others. It has also been covered by numerous rock and roll artists, including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and The Animals.
One of the most famous versions of “See See Rider” is Elvis Presley’s rendition, which became a hit for him in the 1970s. Presley’s energetic performance of the song helped introduce it to a wider audience and solidified its status as a blues and rock and roll classic.
5. Saved
“Saved” is a song by LaVern Baker, released in 1961. It was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, two prolific songwriters known for their contributions to rock and roll and rhythm and blues music.
“Saved” is a gospel-infused R&B song that showcases Baker’s powerful and soulful vocals. The lyrics of the song express themes of redemption, faith, and salvation, with Baker singing about the transformative power of religious experience and finding strength in spirituality.
The song was well-received by both critics and audiences and became one of Baker’s notable hits. “Saved” further solidified her reputation as a versatile and talented singer capable of delivering emotionally resonant performances across different musical styles.
“Saved” has since become a classic in both the gospel and R&B genres and continues to be celebrated for its uplifting message and Baker’s electrifying vocal performance. It remains a favorite among fans of LaVern Baker and is often included in compilations of her greatest hits.
6. I Waited Too Long
“I Waited Too Long” is a soulful song recorded by Lavern Baker, an American rhythm and blues singer, in 1960. The song was released as a single on the Atlantic Records label.
“I Waited Too Long” is a ballad that showcases Baker’s powerful and emotive vocals. The lyrics express regret and heartache as the narrator reflects on waiting too long to express their love and losing their chance with the one they desire. The song features a soulful arrangement with a lush orchestral backing, typical of the R&B sound of the era.
While “I Waited Too Long” may not be as well-known as some of Lavern Baker’s other hits, it remains a testament to her talent as a vocalist and her ability to convey deep emotions through her music. The song’s soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics have earned it a place among the classics of the rhythm and blues genre.
7. Play It Fair
“Play It Fair” is a song by LaVern Baker, released in 1959. It was written by Clyde Otis, Brook Benton, and Belford Hendricks.
“Play It Fair” is a soulful and bluesy ballad that showcases Baker’s powerful and emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics address themes of love, trust, and fidelity, with Baker pleading for honesty and fairness in a romantic relationship. She sings about the importance of mutual respect and communication in maintaining a healthy partnership.
The song received positive reviews from critics and became a modest hit for Baker, reaching the charts in both the R&B and pop genres. “Play It Fair” further demonstrated Baker’s versatility as a singer, with her ability to convey emotion and sincerity in her performances.
“Play It Fair” remains a beloved classic in LaVern Baker’s discography and is often included in retrospectives of her career. The song’s timeless message and Baker’s soulful delivery continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a standout track in her repertoire.
8. Lots and Lots of Love
“Lots and Lots of Love” is a song by Lavern Baker, an American rhythm and blues singer. It was released as a single in 1961 on the Atlantic Records label.
“Lots and Lots of Love” is an upbeat and catchy R&B song that showcases Baker’s powerful vocals and energetic delivery. The lyrics express the narrator’s desire to shower their love interest with affection and devotion. The song features a lively arrangement with a driving rhythm and a horn section, typical of the R&B sound of the era.
While “Lots and Lots of Love” may not be as well-known as some of Lavern Baker’s other hits, it remains a fun and infectious example of her work as a vocalist and entertainer. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat lyrics make it a favorite among fans of rhythm and blues music.
9. Bumble Bee
“Bumble Bee” is a rhythm and blues song recorded by LaVern Baker in 1960. The song was written by Robert “Bumps” Blackwell, a producer and songwriter known for his work with artists such as Little Richard.
In “Bumble Bee,” Baker uses playful and metaphorical language to describe the object of her affection. She compares herself to a bumblebee, buzzing around her lover and expressing her desire for their affection.
The song features Baker’s dynamic vocal delivery, backed by a lively arrangement with horns and a driving rhythm section. With its catchy melody and infectious energy, “Bumble Bee” became a popular hit for Baker, reaching the charts and earning acclaim from both fans and critics.
“Bumble Bee” remains a beloved classic in LaVern Baker’s discography, showcasing her talent as a singer and her ability to infuse her performances with personality and charm. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable lyrics have ensured its enduring popularity among fans of rhythm and blues music.
10. Shake a Hand
“Shake a Hand” is a classic rhythm and blues song written by Joe Morris. It was first recorded by Morris in 1953 and released as a single with his group, Joe Morris and His Orchestra. The song achieved moderate success upon its initial release.
However, the song gained greater popularity when it was covered by Faye Adams later in the same year. Faye Adams’ version of “Shake a Hand” became a major hit, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well. Her rendition is characterized by her soulful vocals and the song’s catchy melody.
“Shake a Hand” has since become a standard in the rhythm and blues genre and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, and Etta James, among others. The song’s enduring popularity and memorable refrain—”Shake a hand, shake a hand, shake a hand if you can”—have solidified its status as a classic in the world of rhythm and blues music.