What is Anita Baker's net worth?
Anita Baker is an American jazz and soul singer-songwriter with a net worth of $10 million. She rose to fame with her romantic R&B ballads and achieved significant success in her career, starting in the late 1970s as part of the funk band Chapter 8. She launched her solo career with her debut album in 1983 and gained widespread fame with her second album, the Platinum-selling "Rapture," in 1986. Over the years, she has won multiple Grammy Awards and produced several Platinum and Gold albums.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Anita Denise Baker was born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1958. Abandoned by her mother at the age of two, she was raised by a foster family in Detroit, Michigan. After her foster parents passed away, she was cared for by her foster sister. By age sixteen, Baker was performing R&B in Detroit nightclubs. Discovered by bandleader David Washington, she joined Chapter 8 in 1975 and toured with the group. In 1979, they secured a deal with Ariola Records and released their first self-titled album, which included the single "Ready for Your Love." However, when Ariola was bought by Arista Records, the band was dropped, and Baker returned to Detroit, working various jobs. In 1982, Otis Smith, a former Ariola associate, convinced Baker to begin her solo career under his label, Beverly Glen.
"The Songstress" and Solo Success
Baker released her debut solo album "The Songstress" in 1983. Featuring singles like "Will You Be Mine," "No More Tears," "You're the Best Thing Yet," and "Angel," the album brought her recognition, with "Angel" reaching number five on the R&B charts. Despite her success, Baker claimed she did not receive royalties and sought to leave the label. After a legal battle, she won the right to record for other labels and signed with Elektra Records. In 1986, she achieved international stardom with her second album, "Rapture." The album's hit singles, including "Sweet Love" and "Caught Up in the Rapture," propelled it to sell over eight million copies globally and earned Baker two Grammy Awards.
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Further Musical Triumphs
Baker's collaboration on The Winans' "Ain't No Need to Worry" won her a third Grammy in 1987. Her third album, "Giving You the Best That I Got," released in 1988, topped the Billboard 200 and sold five million copies. The title track reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B and adult contemporary charts. Other singles from the album also achieved notable success, earning Baker additional Grammy and Soul Train Music Awards. In 1990, Baker released "Compositions," incorporating more jazz elements. The album produced hits like "Soul Inspiration" and "Fairy Tales," and Baker took a brief hiatus after promoting it. She returned in 1994 with "Rhythm of Love," featuring chart-topping singles such as "Body and Soul" and "I Apologize," which won her another Grammy. Her fourth consecutive Platinum album solidified her status as a music icon. Later works include "My Everything" in 2004, which went Gold, and "Christmas Fantasy" in 2005. In 2013, Baker was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.
Personal Life and Real Estate
In 1988, Baker married Walter Bridgeforth, Jr., and they have two sons, Walter and Edward. The couple separated in 2005.
Since 1993, Baker has lived in a waterfront home in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. Her 7,000-square-foot house, built in 1987 on Lake St. Clair, boasts a three-car garage. She listed this home for sale in November 2023 for $1.85 million.
