LaVern Baker, born Delores LaVern Baker, was an American rhythm and blues singer known for her powerful vocals and energetic stage presence. She was born on November 11, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on March 10, 1997.
Baker began her singing career in the 1940s, initially performing with various gospel groups. In the early 1950s, she transitioned to rhythm and blues music, signing with Atlantic Records in 1953. It was during her time with Atlantic that she achieved her greatest success.
One of Baker’s most well-known songs is “Jim Dandy,” released in 1956. The song became a major hit, reaching the top of the R&B charts and crossing over to the pop charts as well. “Jim Dandy” showcased Baker’s dynamic vocal range and energetic delivery, solidifying her reputation as one of the leading female R&B singers of her time.
In addition to “Jim Dandy,” Baker had several other hits during her career, including “Tweedle Dee” and “I Cried a Tear.” Her music was characterized by its blend of R&B, rock and roll, and gospel influences, and she was admired for her soulful voice and charismatic stage presence.
Baker’s influence on popular music has been significant, particularly in the realm of rhythm and blues. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, recognizing her contributions to the genre and her impact on the music industry as a whole.
1. Tweedlee Dee
“Tweedlee Dee” is a classic rhythm and blues song originally recorded by LaVern Baker in 1954. It was written by Winfield Scott and became one of Baker’s signature songs.
Released on the Atlantic Records label, “Tweedlee Dee” became a major hit, reaching number 4 on the Billboard R&B chart. The song features Baker’s powerful vocals and energetic delivery, coupled with a catchy melody and lively rhythm.
“Tweedlee Dee” is known for its upbeat tempo and infectious energy, making it a favorite among fans of rhythm and blues music. It has since become a standard in the genre and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
Baker’s rendition of “Tweedlee Dee” solidified her reputation as one of the leading female vocalists of the 1950s, and the song remains a beloved classic in her discography.
2. Jim Dandy
“Jim Dandy” is a rhythm and blues song originally recorded by LaVern Baker in 1956. It was written by Lincoln Chase and became one of Baker’s biggest hits.
“Jim Dandy” features Baker’s powerful vocals and energetic delivery, backed by a lively rhythm and catchy melody. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a confident and charming man named Jim Dandy, who captures the attention of everyone around him.
Upon its release, “Jim Dandy” became a major hit, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well. It solidified Baker’s reputation as one of the leading female R&B singers of the 1950s and remains one of her most enduring and beloved songs.
“Jim Dandy” has been covered by various artists over the years and has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a classic in the realm of rhythm and blues music.
3. I Cried a Tear
“I Cried a Tear” is a rhythm and blues song recorded by American singer Lavern Baker in 1958. It was written by Ahmet Ertegun, the co-founder of Atlantic Records, along with Jerry Wexler and Lavern Baker herself.
The song features Baker’s powerful vocals and a soulful arrangement typical of the R&B sound of the late 1950s. Lyrically, “I Cried a Tear” expresses the anguish and heartache of lost love, with Baker’s emotive delivery conveying the pain of the narrator’s tears.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well. “I Cried a Tear” remains one of Lavern Baker’s most well-known songs and a classic of the R&B genre, showcasing her dynamic vocal talent and contributing to her legacy as one of the leading female vocalists of her era.
4. See See Rider
“See See Rider,” also known as “C.C. Rider” or “Easy Rider,” is a traditional blues song that has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The origins of the song are unclear, but it has been attributed to various blues musicians.
The song’s lyrics typically revolve around a woman named “C.C. Rider” or “See See Rider,” who is described as a free-spirited individual who travels from place to place. The narrator often expresses longing for C.C. Rider and reflects on the pain of her departure.
“See See Rider” has been recorded by many artists in various musical styles, including blues, jazz, and rock and roll. One of the most famous versions is by Ma Rainey, one of the earliest recorded blues singers. However, it was Elvis Presley’s rock and roll rendition in the 1970s that brought the song to a wider audience.
The song’s catchy melody, driving rhythm, and evocative lyrics have made it a favorite among performers and audiences alike, ensuring its enduring popularity in the blues canon.
5. Saved
“Saved” is a gospel song written and originally recorded by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. It was released on his 1980 album of the same name, “Saved.” The album marked Dylan’s second foray into Christian music, following his conversion to Christianity in the late 1970s.
“Saved” features Dylan’s distinctive vocal style and is characterized by its energetic gospel arrangement, complete with backing vocals and lively instrumentation. Lyrically, the song expresses Dylan’s newfound faith and his belief in the transformative power of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, “Saved” has since gained appreciation among fans and critics for its sincerity and musical craftsmanship. It remains a notable entry in Dylan’s extensive catalog, reflecting a significant period of his spiritual journey and artistic exploration.
6. I Waited Too Long
“I Waited Too Long” is a song recorded by LaVern Baker in 1958. It was written by Baker herself along with Otis Blackwell, a prolific songwriter known for his contributions to rock and roll and rhythm and blues.
“I Waited Too Long” is a soulful ballad that showcases Baker’s emotive vocals and heartfelt delivery. In the song, Baker expresses regret and longing for a lost love, lamenting that she waited too long to express her feelings.
Released as a single, “I Waited Too Long” achieved moderate success on the R&B charts. While it may not be as well-known as some of Baker’s other hits, the song remains a standout in her discography, showcasing her talent as a vocalist and songwriter.
Baker’s rendition of “I Waited Too Long” captures the essence of heartbreak and longing, resonating with audiences and earning her further acclaim as one of the leading female singers of her time.
7. Play It Fair
“Play It Fair” is a soul song originally performed by LaVern Baker in 1963. It’s a lively and upbeat track that features Baker’s powerful vocals and a catchy melody. The song’s lyrics encourage honesty and fairness in relationships, urging both parties to treat each other with respect and integrity.
“Play It Fair” showcases Baker’s dynamic vocal range and her ability to infuse emotion into her performances. With its infectious rhythm and positive message, the song became a hit for Baker and remains a favorite among fans of 1960s soul music.
LaVern Baker’s rendition of “Play It Fair” is a testament to her talent as a vocalist and her contribution to the R&B and soul genres during the golden era of Motown and Atlantic Records.
8. Lots and Lots of Love
“Lots and Lots of Love” is a song performed by LaVern Baker. It was released as a single in 1958 on the Atlantic Records label. The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who were prominent songwriters and producers in the rock and roll and rhythm and blues genres.
“Lots and Lots of Love” is an upbeat and catchy song with a lively rhythm and soulful vocals by Baker. The lyrics express a sentiment of giving and receiving love abundantly, with lines like “I got lots and lots of love to give to you.”
While “Lots and Lots of Love” may not be as widely remembered as some of Baker’s other hits, it still showcases her vocal talent and the energetic style that characterized much of her music.
As with many of Baker’s songs, “Lots and Lots of Love” contributed to her reputation as one of the leading female R&B singers of the 1950s and helped solidify her place in the history of rhythm and blues music.
9. Bumble Bee
“Bumble Bee” is a song recorded by LaVern Baker in 1956. It was written by Jules Bihari and Richard Penniman, better known as Little Richard. The song was released as a single on the Atlantic Records label.
“Bumble Bee” is an energetic and uptempo rhythm and blues song with a catchy melody and lively rhythm. In the song, Baker compares her lover to a busy bumble bee, buzzing around and causing a commotion wherever he goes.
While “Bumble Bee” may not be as well-known as some of Baker’s other hits, it remains a favorite among fans of her music. The song showcases Baker’s powerful vocals and dynamic delivery, as well as her ability to infuse energy and personality into her performances.
Overall, “Bumble Bee” is a lively and enjoyable addition to LaVern Baker’s discography, further highlighting her talent and versatility as a singer in the realm of rhythm and blues.
10. Shake a Hand
“Shake a Hand” is a classic rhythm and blues song written by Joe Morris, initially recorded in 1953. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, becoming a standard in the R&B genre.
One of the most famous versions of “Shake a Hand” was recorded by Faye Adams in 1953. Adams’ rendition features her powerful and soulful vocals, backed by a lively arrangement of horns and drums. The song’s lyrics express a desire for human connection and affection, with the act of shaking hands symbolizing friendship and camaraderie.
“Shake a Hand” has since been covered by various artists across different genres, including Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, and Etta James, among others. Its enduring popularity and universal message of goodwill have cemented its status as a timeless classic in American popular music.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
