Anita Denise Baker, born January 26, 1958, is an American singer-songwriter. She is considered as one of the most popular singers of soulful romantic ballads during the 1980s. Baker grew up with a foster family in Detroit from the age of two she began her singing career in a church choir and performed at local nightclubs from the age of sixteen. In the late 1970s Baker joined the funk band Chapter 8 and in 1983 she released her first solo album, The Songstress. In 1986, Baker became very popular after the release of her second platinum album, Rapture, which included the Grammy-winning single "Sweet Love." As of 2017, Baker has won eight Grammy Awards and has five Platinum albums, along with one Gold album.