Lavern Baker had spunk. Her voice leaps out of your speakers, pick you up by the lapels, and slap some sense into you. Even when addressing sorrowful subjects ("I Cried A Tear"), Baker's verve is invigorating, and her forceful yet playful style influenced a generation of white, female rockers. It's easy to dismiss some of her songs as novelties ("Tweedlee Dee," "Jim Dandy"), but I think they show how much fun rock used to be and how deadly serious (and dull) it has become.

Rhino/Atlantic's Soul On Fire: The Best Of Lavern Baker collects 20 great Atlantic-era cuts, enough for most collectors. Collectables Records has issued several nice two-LP's-on-one-CD discs, one of which includes her highly regarded Lavern Sings Bessie Smith (1958).