Anita Denise Baker (born January 26, 1958) is an American singer and songwriter. Baker started out her career with Funk/Soul band Chapter 8 in the 1970s, and recorded an album. The band was dropped from record label Arista Records after their original label, Ariola Records was purchased by Arista. Disheartened by being dropped and being told she didn't have star potential, Baker spent a few years working menial jobs. Former Ariola Records associate Otis Smith encouraged Baker to sign with his label Beverly Glen Records as a solo artist. Baker agreed and in 1983, she recorded her first album The Songtress, which was a moderate hit. She would leave Beverly Glen Records and move to Elektra Records in 1986 and record her second album Rapture. The album would prove to be her breakthrough and spawn five singles including her signature hit, "Sweet Love". The album would go on to win two Grammys. She would continue to release music through the 80s and 90s before going a farewell tour in 2018 and retiring from music.
Baker is known for her soulful R&B ballads and being one of top performers of Quiet Storm, a R&B subgenre defined by easy listening and jazz influence.
Discography
- The Songstress (1983)
- Rapture (1986)
- Giving You the Best That I Got (1988)
- Compositions (1990)
- Rhythm of Love (1994)
- My Everything (2004)
Tropes from this artist include:
- The Diva: One of R&B's biggest divas, she has a classy, controlled image emphasizing her talent and poise.
- Friendly Rival: With Whitney Houston; by all accounts they were peers and respected each other but during the 80s and 90s, they were pit against each other by fans and music critics.
- Love Nostalgia Song: "No One in the World" is a wistful song about a lost love and how no one can replace her former lover.
- Power Ballad: Several, including "You Bring Me Joy" and "Same Old Love (365 Days a Week)"
- Serenade Your Lover: Almost her entire catalog is soulful love songs.
- Silk Hiding Steel: Baker's image and visuals emphasize her beauty and elegance, but she has a strong, controlled singing voice.
- Truck Driver's Gear Change: Anita is very fond of this trope. The album Rhythm of Love especially uses this quite liberally.
