Lavern Baker was a talented American rhythm-and-blues singer known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. She was born on November 11, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, and began singing in church at a young age. She later joined various gospel groups before transitioning to rhythm and blues in the 1950s.
Baker’s breakthrough came with her 1955 hit single “Tweedle Dee,” which reached the top of the R&B charts and crossed over to the pop charts as well. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she continued to release successful singles, including “Jim Dandy” and “I Cried a Tear.”
Despite facing racial discrimination during her career, Baker remained a popular and influential figure in the music industry. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, recognizing her significant contributions to the genre. Baker passed away on March 10, 1997, leaving behind a legacy as one of the pioneering women of rhythm and blues music.
1. I Waited Too Long
“I Waited Too Long” is a classic rhythm-and-blues song performed by LaVern Baker. It was released in 1957 as a single, with the B-side “How Often.” The song was written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, who were prominent songwriters of the era.
“I Waited Too Long” showcases Baker’s powerful and emotive vocal style, backed by a soulful arrangement typical of the rhythm-and-blues sound of the 1950s. The lyrics tell the story of someone who realizes they’ve missed out on love because they waited too long to express their feelings.
The song received positive reviews and became one of Baker’s popular tracks during her career. It’s often remembered as a standout example of her talent and the vibrant musical landscape of the time.
2. Saved
“Saved” is another notable song by LaVern Baker. It was released in 1961 and became one of her signature hits. The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who were prolific songwriters known for their contributions to the rock and roll and rhythm-and-blues genres.
“Saved” is a gospel-inspired rhythm-and-blues tune with a lively beat and passionate vocals from Baker. The lyrics tell the story of redemption and salvation, with Baker expressing gratitude for being saved from a life of sin and despair.
The song was well-received by both critics and audiences and became a chart success, further solidifying Baker’s reputation as a powerhouse vocalist. “Saved” remains a beloved classic and is often included in retrospectives of Baker’s career and the broader history of rhythm and blues.
3. 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 song’s origins are somewhat murky, but it’s believed to have originated in the early 20th century among African American musicians in the Mississippi Delta region.
LaVern Baker recorded her own version of “See See Rider” in 1962. Her rendition infused the traditional blues tune with her characteristic rhythm-and-blues style, featuring her powerful vocals and energetic delivery. The song became one of her most successful recordings, reaching the top of the R&B charts and making a significant impact on popular music at the time.
“See See Rider” has since become a standard in blues and rock music, with countless artists recording their own interpretations of the song. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the versatility of its melody and lyrics.
4. Tweedlee Dee
“Tweedlee Dee” is a classic rhythm-and-blues song that was a major hit for LaVern Baker. It was released in 1955 as a single and became one of her most successful recordings. The song was written by Winfield Scott and produced by Ahmet Ertegun and Jerry Wexler for Atlantic Records.
“Tweedlee Dee” features Baker’s dynamic vocal performance, characterized by her powerful voice and soulful delivery. The song’s catchy melody and lively rhythm made it a favorite on both the R&B and pop charts. It reached the top of the R&B charts and crossed over to the pop charts, solidifying Baker’s status as a rising star in the music industry.
The lyrics of “Tweedlee Dee” tell the story of a person who is infatuated with their romantic partner, likening their feelings to the buzzing of a bumblebee. The song’s infectious energy and Baker’s charismatic performance contributed to its enduring popularity, and it remains a beloved classic in the realm of rhythm and blues music.
5. Jim Dandy
“Jim Dandy” is another well-known song by LaVern Baker. It was released in 1956 and became one of her signature hits. The song was written by Lincoln Chase and produced by Ahmet Ertegun and Jerry Wexler for Atlantic Records.
“Jim Dandy” is an upbeat and catchy rhythm-and-blues tune with a driving rhythm and Baker’s powerful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a charismatic and confident man named Jim Dandy who catches the singer’s eye. The song’s infectious energy and playful lyrics made it a hit on both the R&B and pop charts.
Baker’s spirited performance on “Jim Dandy” further solidified her reputation as one of the leading female vocalists of her time. The song remains a beloved classic and is often included in retrospectives of Baker’s career and the broader history of rhythm and blues music.
6. I Cried a Tear
“I Cried a Tear” is a soulful rhythm-and-blues ballad recorded by LaVern Baker in 1958. The song was written by Fred Jay and produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller for Atlantic Records.
“I Cried a Tear” showcases Baker’s emotive vocals and her ability to convey deep emotion through her singing. The lyrics tell the story of heartbreak and sorrow after a failed relationship, with Baker lamenting the pain of lost love.
Upon its release, “I Cried a Tear” became a major hit for Baker, reaching the top of the R&B charts and crossing over to the pop charts as well. The song’s success solidified Baker’s reputation as one of the premier female vocalists of the era and remains one of her most enduring recordings.
Baker’s heartfelt performance on “I Cried a Tear” continues to resonate with audiences, making it a beloved classic in the realm of rhythm and blues music.
7. Bop-Ting-A-Ling
“Bop-Ting-A-Ling” is a lively and upbeat rhythm-and-blues song by LaVern Baker. It was released in 1956 as a single and became a hit on the R&B charts.
The song features Baker’s energetic vocals and a catchy melody, typical of the rhythm-and-blues sound of the era. “Bop-Ting-A-Ling” is known for its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, which describe the joy and excitement of dancing and having a good time.
While “Bop-Ting-A-Ling” may not be as widely remembered as some of Baker’s other hits, it remains a fun and enjoyable example of her talent and the vibrant musical landscape of the 1950s rhythm and blues scene.
8. Play It Fair
“Play It Fair” is a rhythm-and-blues song by LaVern Baker. It was released in 1956 as a single, with “My Happiness Forever” as the B-side.
“Play It Fair” features Baker’s soulful vocals and a mid-tempo rhythm characteristic of many of her recordings from the era. The lyrics of the song emphasize the importance of honesty and integrity in a romantic relationship, with Baker imploring her partner to treat her right and play fair.
While “Play It Fair” may not be as well-known as some of Baker’s other hits, it showcases her talent for delivering heartfelt performances and her ability to connect with listeners through her music. Like many of her recordings from the 1950s, “Play It Fair” remains a testament to Baker’s enduring legacy as one of the leading female vocalists of the rhythm-and-blues genre.
9. Voodoo Voodoo
“Voodoo Voodoo” is a rhythm-and-blues song by LaVern Baker, released in 1958. It was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who were prolific songwriters known for their contributions to the rock and roll and rhythm-and-blues genres.
“Voodoo Voodoo” is characterized by its infectious rhythm, lively instrumentation, and Baker’s powerful vocals. The lyrics of the song describe the mysterious and seductive allure of voodoo magic, with Baker warning against its dangerous powers.
While “Voodoo Voodoo” may not be as widely recognized as some of Baker’s other hits, it remains a notable example of her versatility as an artist and her ability to interpret a wide range of musical styles. The song captures the energy and excitement of the rhythm-and-blues music of the late 1950s and further showcases Baker’s talent as one of the leading vocalists of the era.
10. Soul on Fire
“Soul on Fire” is one of LaVern Baker’s notable songs, released in 1953. It was written by Ahmet Ertegun, Jerry Wexler, and Fred Weismantel. The song was one of her earliest hits and is often considered a classic in the rhythm-and-blues genre.
In “Soul on Fire,” Baker’s emotive vocals convey the intensity and passion of romantic longing. The song’s lyrics express the burning desire and emotional turmoil experienced by someone deeply in love. Baker’s powerful delivery, combined with the song’s soulful melody and arrangement, made it a success on both the R&B and pop charts.
“Soul on Fire” played a significant role in establishing LaVern Baker as a prominent figure in rhythm and blues music. It remains a beloved track in her catalog and a testament to her talent and influence in the genre.