LaVern Baker
I didn't grow up on R&B music, just like blues I first heard the popular radio stations playing the rock bands' cover versions of those songs before I realized how great the originals were. But Lavern Baker is in a category all her own. Jim Dandy to the Rescue; Tweedlee Dee and I Cried a Tear all made it into the kitchen radio tuned to Jess Cain on WHDH. A friend suggested that I approach Lving Blues about doing a short story about her and the fact that her Boston friends were trying to get her fitted with double prosthesis to replace her legs which were amputated due to complications from diabetes. I got the okay from David Nelson and began to meet with Lavern when she was in town and Sue Auclair could arrange some time. Being around Lavern was electrifying. She'd tell jokes and stories and on one occasion while having a birthday dinner at Bob the Chefs in Boston when they announced that Lavern was in the audience the place went crazy.
Her shows were riveting and I got to see her perform a number of times during her 1990s Boston comeback. Unfortunately her life was cut short in 1997. She was truly one of the greats.
Her shows were riveting and I got to see her perform a number of times during her 1990s Boston comeback. Unfortunately her life was cut short in 1997. She was truly one of the greats.
Lavern Baker Newport R&B Festival Newport, RI Saturday July 27th, 1996, with Sugar Ray Norcia
