Saved

LaVern Baker’s 1961 single “Saved” is a rollicking R&B number with a tongue-in-cheek gospel twist. Penned by Leiber & Stoller, it finds Baker humorously testifying how she left her wild ways behind and “saw the light.” She belts out lines like “I used to smoke, drink, dance the hoochie koo” with spirited gusto. The song gave Baker a late Top 40 hit and stands as a joyful celebration of redemption.