Anita Denise Baker, born on January 26, 1958, in Toledo, Ohio, is an acclaimed American jazz and soul singer known for her emotive ballads and contributions to the quiet storm genre of the 1980s. Raised in Detroit, Michigan, Baker's musical journey began in church choirs and local nightclubs. At 16, she was discovered by David Washington and joined the funk band Chapter 8 in 1975. Despite a setback when the band was dropped by its label, Baker launched a successful solo career with her debut album, "The Songstress," in 1983.

Her breakthrough came with the 1986 album "Rapture," which sold over five million copies and earned her two Grammy Awards, including for the hit single "Sweet Love." Baker's subsequent albums, "Giving You the Best That I Got" (1988) and "Compositions" (1990), further solidified her status, each winning Grammy Awards. Known for her contralto voice and three-octave range, Baker's music is characterized by its sophisticated blend of R&B, jazz, gospel, and traditional pop.

After a brief hiatus to focus on her family, Baker returned with "Rhythm of Love" in 1994 and continued to release music, including "My Everything" in 2004 and a holiday album in 2005. Despite periods of retirement, she remains a celebrated figure in music, recognized for her contributions to urban contemporary music and her influence on the genre. As of 2017, Baker has won eight Grammy Awards and achieved multiple Platinum and Gold albums.