Anita Baker
Anita Denise Baker (born January 26, 1958)[1] is an American singer-songwriter. She is known for her soulful ballads, particularly from the height of the quiet storm period in the 1980s.[1]
This article is about the singer. For the politician, see Anita Baker (New Zealand politician).
Anita Baker
Starting her career in the late 1970s with the funk band Chapter 8, Baker released her first solo album, The Songstress, in 1983. In 1986, she rose to fame following the release of her Platinum-selling second album, Rapture, which included the Grammy-winning single "Sweet Love". As of 2017, Baker has won eight Grammy Awards and has four Platinum albums, along with two Gold albums.[2][3][4][5] Baker is a contralto with a wide range of octaves.[6][7][8]
Life and music career[edit]
1958–82: Early life, career beginnings and Chapter 8[edit]
Anita Baker was born on January 26, 1958, in Toledo, Ohio. When she was two, her mother abandoned her and Baker was raised by a foster family in Detroit, Michigan.[9] When Baker was 12, her foster parents died and her foster sister raised her afterwards.[9] By the time Baker was 16, she began singing R&B at Detroit nightclubs. After one performance, she was discovered by bandleader David Washington, who gave her a card to audition for the funk band, Chapter 8.
Baker joined Chapter 8 in 1975 and the group toured until securing a deal with Ariola Records in 1979. The group's first album, Chapter 8, was released that year and featured the singles "Ready for Your Love", a duet between Baker and bandmate Gerald Lyles, and the Baker-led "I Just Want to Be Your Girl."[10] After Ariola was bought out by Arista Records in 1979, Chapter 8 was dropped by the label who were convinced that Baker, as the group's lead singer, didn't have "star potential."[11] Baker returned to Detroit, working as a waitress and a receptionist until, in 1982, Otis Smith, a former associate of Ariola, convinced Baker to start a solo career under his Beverly Glen label.[12]
Personal life[edit]
Baker married Walter Bridgforth, Jr. on December 24, 1988 at their home in Detroit.[27] In the following year, Baker had a miscarriage.[28] The couple separated in 2005 and finalized their divorce two years later.[29] They have two sons, Walter Baker Bridgforth (born January 1993) and Edward Carlton Bridgforth (born May 1994).[30] Baker currently lives in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan.[31]
More than five years after her divorce, Baker filed for a legal last name change from Bridgforth to her maiden name in her private life.[32]
Baker publicly endorsed presidential candidate Andrew Yang in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.[33]
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