| Delores Williams was born on November 11, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois. She died on March 10, 1997.
Williams began her career with Fletcher Henderson's big band in 1947. She adopted the stage name LaVern Baker shortly afterwards.
In 1953, Baked signed with Atlantic Records. In 1955, LaVern had her first hit with "Tweedle Dee." Other hits, including "Jim Dandy" and "See See Rider," followed.
In the late 1960s, Baker toured Vietnam entertaining the US troops. Her career began to fade about that time and after visiting a US military base in the Philippines she moved there.
In 1988, Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic Records invited Baker to perform at the label's 40th anniversary celebration. Baker returned to the US and a new career. She recorded songs for films (Shag and Dick Tracy), and won rave reviews for her performance in Black and Blue on Broadway.
Despite suffering two strokes and having both legs amputated due to complications related to diabetes, Baker continued to perform during the 1990s. She received the Rhythm & Blues Foundation Career Achievement Award in 1989 and, in 1991, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Baker died on on March 10, 1997, of heart problems. Visitor Comments:Connections:LaVern Baker ... |
