Happy Birthday Anita Baker. ‘Enraptured’
This day (January 26, 1958), in Toledo, Ohio, is born Anita Baker,an American R&B/soul jazz singer.
Tracklist :
1 . The Impossible Dream (2009)
2 . Tracks Of My Tears (2008)
3 . Summertime
4 . w/ Mary J. Blige
5 . Body & Soul
6 . Sweet Love
7 . w/ George Duke – God Bless The Child (1987)
8 . w/ Paul Reiser – Mad About You
Tracklist :
Silent Night, Holy Night . Hark! The Herald Angels Sing . I Will Move On Up A Little Higher . O Little Town of Bethlehem . Silent Night . Go Tell It On The Mountain . Summertime/Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child . Amazing Grace . Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho . His Eye Is On The Sparrow .
Anita Baker: The Quiet Storm Icon
Anita Baker, born on January 26, 1958, in Toledo, Ohio, is an American singer-songwriter celebrated for her soulful ballads, particularly during the quiet storm era of the 1980s. Known for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice and musical sophistication, Baker has left an indelible mark on the music industry with her timeless hits and remarkable artistry.
Early Life and Childhood
Baker’s early life was shaped by family complexities and resilience. Born to a 16-year-old mother and an absent father, she was left on the doorstep of Granville and Mary Lewis, whom she believed to be her grandparents. Raised in Detroit, Michigan, she formed close bonds with the Lewis’s daughters, considering them her sisters. After the deaths of Granville and Mary, Baker learned of her true parentage and was adopted by Lois Landry, her aunt, whom she lovingly called her “Earth Mother.”
Despite struggles during her teenage years, including expulsion from several schools, Baker found solace in her deep, rich voice, which developed at the age of 12. Standing at just 4 feet 11 inches, her petite stature belied the immense talent she would bring to the world stage.
Early Career
Baker began singing in storefront churches at 12 and joined the rock group Chapter 8 at 18. The group’s single album failed commercially, leading Baker to return to Detroit and work as a legal secretary, cook, waitress, and receptionist. Music remained a part of her life, but she briefly stepped away before being convinced by Oda Smith to launch a solo career under the Beverly Glenn label.
Her debut album, *The Songstress* (1983), showcased her potential with three Top 5 R&B hits. However, disputes with the label led to a legal battle that Baker won, freeing her to sign with Elektra Records in 1985, where she gained creative control and began to define her sound.
Breakthrough and Major Success
Baker’s second album, *Rapture* (1986), catapulted her to fame, selling over 8 million copies worldwide. Featuring hits like “Sweet Love,” “Caught Up in the Rapture,” and “No One in the World,” the album established her as a leading voice in contemporary R&B. Her follow-up albums, including *Giving You the Best That I Got* (1988) and *Compositions* (1990), solidified her reputation, blending jazz influences with soulful ballads.
Her career highlights include eight Grammy Awards, four platinum albums, and two gold albums. Despite her success, Baker strategically limited her heavy singing to a seven-year period from 1983 to 1990, preserving her voice and maintaining her artistic integrity.
Personal Life and Family
Baker’s personal life has been marked by both joy and challenges. She married real estate developer Walter Bridgeforth in 1988 after a complex relationship and endured two miscarriages before giving birth to sons Walter Jr. and Edward in the early 1990s. Balancing her career with family life, she took a hiatus to care for her children and set up a home recording studio.
Amidst personal losses, including the deaths of her Earth Mother, adopted father, and birth mother in a short span, Baker faced significant emotional and professional challenges. Her marriage to Walter ended in divorce, with him receiving a share of royalties from her major albums.
Later Career and Controversies
Baker’s career was not without controversies. She faced accusations of being difficult to work with and had publicized disputes with artists such as Luther Vandross and Maxwell. Despite these challenges, she remained a powerful force in music, regaining control of her masters after advocating for her rights and continuing to perform in high-profile venues, including a Las Vegas residency in 2019.
Her unique vocal style, featuring a raised soft palate and seamless legato phrasing, reflects her musical intelligence and sophistication. Rolling Stone recognized her contribution to music by ranking her among the 200 greatest singers of all time.
Legacy
Anita Baker’s career has been a journey of resilience, artistic excellence, and unwavering dedication to her craft. With her rich voice and deeply personal songs, she continues to inspire generations of listeners, leaving a legacy as one of R&B’s most iconic figures.
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Photo : Anita Baker
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