LaVern Baker was an influential American rhythm and blues singer known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Born Delores LaVern Baker on November 11, 1929, in Chicago, she began singing in gospel choirs before transitioning to R&B. Baker rose to fame in the 1950s with hits like “Tweedle Dee,” “Jim Dandy,” and “I Cried a Tear.” Her energetic performances and vocal prowess made her one of the leading female R&B artists of her time. Baker’s contributions to music were recognized with her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. She passed away on March 10, 1997, leaving behind a legacy of classic R&B recordings.
1. Tweedlee Dee
“Tweedlee Dee” is a classic rhythm and blues song recorded by LaVern Baker in 1954. Written by Winfield Scott, the song features a catchy, upbeat melody and playful lyrics. LaVern Baker’s powerful and expressive vocals helped propel “Tweedlee Dee” to popularity, making it one of her signature hits. The song reached the top ten on the Billboard R&B chart and crossed over to the pop charts, showcasing Baker’s broad appeal. Known for its infectious chorus and lively rhythm, “Tweedlee Dee” remains a memorable and influential track in the history of early rock and roll and rhythm and blues.
2. Jim Dandy
“Jim Dandy” is a rhythm and blues song recorded by LaVern Baker in 1956. Written by Lincoln Chase, the song tells the story of a heroic man named Jim Dandy who rescues women from various predicaments. LaVern Baker’s energetic and charismatic performance, combined with the song’s catchy beat and lively saxophone, made “Jim Dandy” a major hit. It reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart and became one of Baker’s most well-known songs. The song’s success cemented Baker’s status as a leading female artist in the rhythm and blues genre, and it remains a classic of the era.
3. I Cried a Tear
“I Cried a Tear” is a classic rhythm and blues song performed by LaVern Baker. Released in 1958, the song showcases Baker’s rich, emotive vocal style and became one of her biggest hits. Written by Fred Jay and Al Julia, “I Cried a Tear” features a soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics about love and heartbreak. The song’s success helped solidify Baker’s reputation as a leading R&B artist of the era, reaching number two on the Billboard R&B chart and number six on the Billboard Hot 100. Its timeless appeal and Baker’s powerful performance continue to resonate with audiences today.
4. See See Rider
“See See Rider,” also known as “C.C. Rider,” is a traditional blues song that has been recorded by numerous artists over the years. The song’s origins date back to the early 20th century, with Ma Rainey’s 1925 recording being one of the earliest and most influential versions. The song narrates the woes of a lover who is abandoned by their partner, with the term “See See Rider” referring to a traveling blues musician or a promiscuous lover.
LaVern Baker’s rendition of “See See Rider” was released in 1962 and became one of her notable hits. Her powerful, soulful interpretation brought a fresh energy to the song, blending blues with early rock and roll influences. Baker’s version contributed to the song’s enduring popularity, and it has since been covered by many other artists, including Elvis Presley, The Animals, and Mitch Ryder.
5. Saved
“Saved” is a powerful gospel-influenced song recorded by LaVern Baker in 1960. Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song features an upbeat rhythm and Baker’s dynamic vocal performance. The lyrics tell a story of personal transformation and redemption, celebrating a newfound faith and a turn away from a troubled past. “Saved” showcases Baker’s versatility and ability to infuse soul and gospel elements into her music, making it one of her standout tracks. The song’s energetic delivery and inspirational message have resonated with audiences, solidifying its place as a memorable and influential piece in Baker’s discography.
6. I Waited Too Long
“I Waited Too Long” is a soulful ballad by LaVern Baker, released in 1959. The song showcases Baker’s emotive vocal style, capturing the essence of longing and regret. With its poignant lyrics and melancholic melody, “I Waited Too Long” tells the story of someone who realizes, too late, the depth of their feelings for a lost love. The track highlights Baker’s ability to convey deep emotion through her powerful voice, making it a standout in her discography. This song is one of many that helped solidify Baker’s reputation as a leading figure in the rhythm and blues genre during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
7. Play It Fair
“Play It Fair” is a soulful rhythm and blues song recorded by LaVern Baker in 1957. Written by Baker herself along with Al Smith and Sam Ling, the song carries a message of honesty and fairness in relationships. Baker’s vocals are both commanding and emotive, supported by a lively arrangement that blends blues and pop influences. “Play It Fair” showcases Baker’s ability to convey heartfelt emotions through her music, addressing themes of trust and integrity in love. The song’s catchy melody and Baker’s dynamic performance contributed to its popularity, cementing it as a notable entry in her repertoire of hits from the era.
8. Lots and Lots of Love
“Lots and Lots of Love” is the debut album by LaVern Baker, released in 1957. This album features a blend of rhythm and blues, jazz, and traditional pop, showcasing Baker’s versatile vocal talent. It includes standout tracks like the title song “Lots and Lots of Love,” along with other notable songs such as “Jim Dandy,” which became one of her signature hits. The album is characterized by its vibrant arrangements and Baker’s powerful, emotive voice, which effortlessly transitions between energetic numbers and heartfelt ballads. “Lots and Lots of Love” helped establish Baker as a prominent figure in the R&B scene and demonstrated her ability to connect with a wide audience through her expressive singing style.
9. Bumble Bee
“Bumble Bee” is a blues song originally recorded by Memphis Minnie in 1930 under the title “Bumble Bee Blues.” Known for her strong voice and guitar playing, Memphis Minnie’s rendition of “Bumble Bee” became a classic in the blues genre. The song metaphorically compares a lover to a bumblebee, describing their impact on the singer’s life. Over the years, “Bumble Bee” has been covered by various artists, including LaVern Baker in 1959. Baker’s version infused the song with her energetic vocals and a more contemporary R&B sound, bringing renewed attention to the classic blues tune.
10. Shake a Hand
“Shake a Hand” is a classic rhythm and blues song that has been performed by various artists over the years. It was originally written by Joe Morris and recorded by him in 1953. The song became a hit in 1957 when it was covered by Faye Adams, whose version reached number two on the Billboard R&B chart.
LaVern Baker also recorded a notable version of “Shake a Hand” in 1953, showcasing her powerful vocals and dynamic delivery. Her rendition added a soulful touch to the song, emphasizing its gospel roots and emotional intensity. Baker’s interpretation contributed to the song’s enduring popularity and solidified her reputation as a talented vocalist in the R&B genre.
“Shake a Hand” has since been covered by many artists across different genres, further cementing its status as a beloved classic in American music history.
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.
