
Anita Baker
Anita Denise Baker (born January 26, 1958) is an American jazz and soul singer known for her rich contralto voice and her success during the quiet storm era of the 1980s. She rose to prominence with a series of acclaimed albums and hit ballads, earning multiple Grammy Awards and widespread critical recognition. Baker was born in Toledo, Ohio, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, after being taken in by a foster family. Following the death of her foster parents, she was raised by her foster sister. She began singing in Detroit nightclubs as a teenager and was discovered by bandleader David Washington, who helped her join the funk group Chapter 8. The group released its self-titled album in 1979, but after being dropped by its label, Baker briefly stepped away from the music industry before launching a solo career. Her debut solo album, "The Songstress" (1983), produced several successful singles, including "Angel", which became a notable R&B hit. Greater commercial success followed with "Rapture" (1986), which established her as a major recording artist. The album included widely popular songs such as "Sweet Love" and "Caught Up in the Rapture", and sold millions of copies worldwide. …
Acting
- 2004The Tony Danza ShowSelf2 ep.
- 1991Breakfast with the Arts1 ep.
- 1982Christmas in WashingtonSelf1 ep.
- 1952TodaySelf1 ep.
Guest appearances
- 2007The ViewSelf1 ep.
- 2004The Ellen DeGeneres ShowSelf2 ep.
- 2006TodaySelf1 ep.
- 2006Breakfast with the Arts1 ep.
- 2006Jimmy Kimmel Live!Self1 ep.
- 2005The Tony Danza ShowSelf2 ep.
- 2004Later... with Jools Holland1 ep.
- 1994Christmas in WashingtonSelf1 ep.
- 1987Saturday Night LiveSelf - Musical Guest2 ep.
Also known as: Anita Denise Baker