Lavern Baker was a powerhouse singer and performer who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her dynamic voice and commanding stage presence made her one of the most popular and influential rhythm and blues singers of the 1950s and 1960s. Born Delores LaVern Baker in Chicago in 1929, she began singing in church and later performed in nightclubs and theaters across the country. With a range that spanned from gritty blues to sultry ballads, Lavern Baker had a unique style that was all her own. She also had a talent for adapting to different musical genres, from rock and roll to jazz to soul, which helped her stay relevant throughout her career. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best Lavern Baker songs of all time, exploring the range of her vocal abilities and the depth of emotion she brought to each performance. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to her music, this list is sure to showcase the very best of Lavern Baker’s impressive discography.
1. Think Twice (featuring Jackie Wilson)
“Think Twice” is a soulful duet featuring Etta James and Jackie Wilson. The song, written by Joe Shapiro and Lou Stallman, tells the story of a couple who are on the verge of breaking up. James’ and Wilson’s voices blend together perfectly, with James’ soulful rasp contrasting with Wilson’s smooth tenor. The backing band provides a solid foundation, with a driving rhythm section and soulful horns. “Think Twice” is a classic example of James’ and Wilson’s ability to deliver a powerful performance together.
2. Jim Dandy
“Jim Dandy” is a fun, upbeat track that showcases Lavern Baker’s ability to infuse R&B with a sense of humor. The song, written by Lincoln Chase, features Baker’s playful vocals and a catchy melody. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is irresistible to women, and Baker’s delivery is full of sass and attitude. The backing band provides a solid foundation, with a driving rhythm section and bright horns. “Jim Dandy” became one of Baker’s most popular songs and a classic example of her ability to deliver a lighthearted performance without sacrificing soulfulness.
3. Saint Louis Blues
“Saint Louis Blues” is a classic blues tune that has been covered by countless artists, but Louis Armstrong’s version is one of the most memorable. His rendition features his signature gravelly voice and powerful trumpet playing. The song, written by W.C. Handy, tells the story of a man who is heartbroken after his lover leaves him. Armstrong’s delivery is full of pain and longing, with his raw emotion shining through in every note. The backing band provides a solid foundation, with a steady rhythm section and bluesy piano. “Saint Louis Blues” is a classic example of Armstrong’s ability to convey complex emotions through his music.
4. Fly Me to the Moon
“Fly Me to the Moon” is a classic jazz standard that has been covered by countless artists, but Frank Sinatra’s version is one of the most memorable. His rendition features his signature crooning style and impeccable phrasing. The song, written by Bart Howard, tells the story of a man who longs to be with his lover on the moon. Sinatra’s delivery is full of romance and charm, with his effortless vocal range shining through in every note. The backing band provides a lush orchestration that complements Sinatra’s voice perfectly. “Fly Me to the Moon” is a classic example of Sinatra’s ability to deliver romantic ballads with style and sophistication.
5. See See Rider
“See See Rider” is a blues standard that has been covered by countless artists, but Lavern Baker’s version is one of the most memorable. Her rendition features a driving rhythm section and Baker’s trademark powerhouse vocals. The lyrics, which tell the story of a woman who leaves her man after he mistreats her, are delivered with sass and attitude. The song also features a memorable call-and-response section that showcases Baker’s interaction with her backing vocalists. “See See Rider” is a perfect showcase for Baker’s ability to infuse a classic blues tune with her own unique style.
6. Tweedlee Dee
“Tweedlee Dee” is an upbeat, danceable track that showcases Lavern Baker’s versatility as a performer. The song, written by Winfield Scott, features Baker’s playful vocals and a catchy melody. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is swept off her feet by a charming man, and Baker’s delivery is full of flirtatious energy. The backing band provides a solid foundation, with a driving rhythm section and bright horns. “Tweedlee Dee” became one of Baker’s signature songs and a classic example of her ability to blend R&B, blues, and rock and roll into a cohesive sound.
7. I Cried a Tear
“I Cried a Tear” is a soulful ballad that showcases Lavern Baker’s ability to convey heartbreak through her singing. The song, written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, features a simple arrangement that allows Baker’s vocals to take center stage. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is devastated by a breakup, and Baker’s delivery is full of emotion and vulnerability. The backing vocalists provide a subtle harmony that complements Baker’s lead. “I Cried a Tear” is a classic example of Baker’s ability to deliver a powerful performance with a minimal arrangement.
8. Harbor Lights
“Harbor Lights” is a romantic ballad that showcases the smooth, velvety voice of The Platters’ lead singer Tony Williams. The song, written by Hugh Williams and Jimmy Kennedy, tells the story of a man who longs to be reunited with his lover under the soft glow of harbor lights. Williams’ delivery is full of passion and tenderness, with his effortless vocal range shining through in every note. The backing band provides a lush orchestration that complements Williams’ voice perfectly. “Harbor Lights” is a classic example of The Platters’ ability to deliver romantic ballads that tug at the heartstrings.
9. I Waited Too Long
“I Waited Too Long” by Lavern Baker is a soulful ballad that showcases Baker’s powerful vocals and emotional depth. The song, written by Otis Blackwell and Winfield Scott, tells the story of a woman who realizes she has let the love of her life slip away. Baker’s delivery is full of longing and regret as she sings about the pain of lost love. The orchestration complements Baker’s voice, with strings and horns building to a crescendo in the chorus. “I Waited Too Long” is a classic example of Baker’s ability to convey raw emotion through her singing.
10. I’ll Never Be Free (featuring Jimmy Ricks)
“I’ll Never Be Free” is a duet featuring Ella Fitzgerald and Jimmy Ricks. The song, written by Bennie Benjamin and George David Weiss, tells the story of a couple who are destined to be together despite the obstacles in their way. Fitzgerald’s and Ricks’ voices blend together beautifully, with Fitzgerald’s smooth, velvety tone contrasting with Ricks’ deep, rich vocals. The backing band provides a swinging, jazzy arrangement that complements the vocalists perfectly. “I’ll Never Be Free” is a classic example of Fitzgerald’s ability to deliver a powerful performance with a collaborator.
Samuel Moore 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.
