Singer LaVern Baker saluted at all-star benefit concert

Jet, Dec 23, 1996

Veteran singer LaVern Baker was recently saluted in an all-star R&B benefit concert at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum near New York City.

Among the many stars on hand to salute the R&B performer were singers Mary Wilson, formerly of the Supremes, dance soul diva Martha Wash, pop-soul singer Ben E. King, Sarah Dash, formerly of the group LaBelle; Dee Dee Sharp (Mashed Potatoes) and Harvey & The Moonglows (Sincerely).

Proceeds from the benefit concert will go toward Ms. Baker's medical expenses. The singer, who lives in the Bronx, NY, suffered a stroke in 1992 and in 1993, had one leg amputated in 1994 and the other leg amputated in 1995 due to diabetes.

"You don't realize how many friends love you until something like this concert happens," Ms. Baker told JET. "When I was in the hospital a few of my friends came by to see me like Chuck Jackson, Ruth Brown and Bonnie Raitt. At this show, there were so many that my heart was full and I was all choked up. It was wonderful. God is so wonderful to let me have so many wonderful friends."

Baker, 67, won fame in the mid 1950s and early 1960s with such hit songs as Tweedle Dee, See See Rider, Jim Dandy To The Rescue and I Cried A Tear.

She performed Tweedle Dee and See See Rider during the concert and later told JET, "God took my legs, but He left me my voice so I could continue to do what I love, to sing and entertain."

The singer has maintained a sense of humor despite her health problems. "Now there are three of us. Mr. Wheeler, my wheelchair, Stumby and Bumby, my stumps, and me," she laughs. "I don't even think about it. I just keep on going and praise God that I can still do things for myself."