LaVern Baker

LaVern Baker (November 11, 1929 - March 10, 1997) was an American Rhythm & Blues singer, originally billed as "Little Miss Sharecropper", then "Bea Baker". She had taken the first name "LaVern" by 1952, when she began recording with Todd Rhodes and his band.

Related Topics:
November 11 - 1929 - March 10 - 1997 - American - Rhythm & Blues - 1952 - Todd Rhodes

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Born Delores Williams in Chicago, Illinois, in 1953, Baker signed with Atlantic Records, and immediately began releasing hits, such as "Soul on Fire" and "Tweedlee Dee". Georgia Gibbs soon covered "Tweedlee Dee" with a whitewashed version of the song, and Baker unsuccessfully attempted to sue her.

Related Topics:
Chicago, Illinois - 1953 - Atlantic Records - Georgia Gibbs

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In addition to singing, Baker also did some work with Ed Sullivan and Alan Freed on TV and in films. In the late 1960s, Baker fell ill after a trip to Vietnam to entertain American soldiers, and she stayed in semi-retirement until 1988, when she performed at Madison Square Garden for Atlantic Records' 40th anniversary. She then worked on the soundtrack to Dick Tracy and appeared in Black & Blue, a Broadway musical, and released a comeback disc that sold moderately well.

Related Topics:
Ed Sullivan - Alan Freed - 1960s - Vietnam - 1988 - Madison Square Garden - Dick Tracy - Black & Blue - Broadway

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In 1991, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her song "Jim Dandy" was named one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

Related Topics:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll

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LaVern Baker passed away in 1997 and was interred in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens, New York.

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