Starting off her career in the Chicago clubs in the 1940's, as "Little Miss Sharecropper", it wasn't until the mid 1950's that Lavern Baker became better known after signing to Atlantic Records and releasing the likes of "Tweedle Dee".
In the mid 1960's she switched labels to Brunswick but by then her fifteen minutes of fame were largely over. Shame as she was an extremely versatile singer with a big voice but, as with so many other great vocalists of that era, she has largely been forgotten about in the sands of time.
I'm The One To Do It
I think she could have had a very successful career as a "soul" singer in the '60s, if they'd provided her with the right material.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your well-written and informative posts, Scott.
Marie
Thank you so much for your kind comments Marie, it's what makes doing the blog worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree that lesser singers were given better material and that with the right songs Lavern Baker would have been much better known today. Incredible voice that is up there with the best female vocalists of that era.
My favourite will always be Soul On Fire, it has got to be one of the most sensual recordings I've got although it's inclusion in Angel Heart fucked that up a bit!
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