EXPLAINED || Anita Baker's Voice

[@BlackMusicArchive]

To support this channel in its efforts to continue making quality and accessible music education content please consider a donation: paypal.me/blackmusicarchive cash.app/$BlackMusicArchive account.venmo.com/u/milikkashad Zelle: [e-mail]

[@quidddaboss1061]

Can you please do Twinkie Clark and Whitney Houston

[@alterdei]

@@quidddaboss1061 He did Miss Houston and Carey both 30 minutes longs, search in the channel. Profound docs ...

[@MRDATNIGGA26]

Plzzzzzz do Karen Clark sheard plzzzzz

[@Cimento1906]

Do you Sarah!!!!!!🙏🏿

[@tyizzle80]

Thanks

[@thebrothaj]

saw her live in 2019, and it was one of the best shows i’ve ever seen. she’s from the gladys knight school of, “sing within your range, and your voice will sustain…”

[@mykoniichistorychannel]

I love me some Gladys.

[@MrChoirDirector87]

That’s wisdom!!!!

[@lyd2460]

I wish some of my other favourite singers applied this method during they primes 😫 .

[@urArchitect]

Yes!

[@lantoniowhite5603]

EXACTLY!!!!

[@jrborris]

Anita’s voice is like raw cocoa and shea butter. It’s silky, smooth, and nourishes the body & soul. See what I did there 😏

[@Theredeyedjedi]

You kinky 😏

[@TyeArtisik]

😍

[@farisasmith7109]

Wow ! Now that's a description! And now I want to listen to Anita with a cup of hot cocoa. Lol

[@uSnethepatchygirl]

😂😂😂👍 yup

[@gobabe2396]

I see ya

[@TheCallowayBride]

It's also worth mentioning that Anita saved her voice after all these years because she never screams out her songs or strains her voice like Mary J. Blige. Anita has always sang with perfect technique and skill. She stayed within a comfortable range. Lots of singers ruin their voices by oversinging, screaming and hollering, and straining. Even some of the old school singers can learn from Anita. She is proof that your voice doesn't have to be busted due to age.

[@akekestory493]

Yes very true

[@trudyhammond4953]

Anita ranks with the GREATS! Her talent surpasses most. Her style is hypnotic.

[@rahimi4762]

Who doesn’t it surpass? Only singer that can go high and low

[@basielu]

@@rahimi4762 rachelle ferrell probably

[@jak30341]

@@basielu she’s annoying

[@d.sweatt360]

Anita has a voice like Michael Jackson (meaning) when you hear it, you know without a doubt it's her.. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.. Been listening to her since I was a child (80s baby), and she still brings tears to my eyes. Anita brings me Joy...Tears of Joy🥹🥹

[@elfuegohumano]

Anita’s music is one of the best out there. Her voice is so rich and recognizable.

[@wally6914]

You can tell she really enjoys singing. She's so passionate

[@ms.brandyonyoutube]

You mentioned that Anita Baker's inspirations were Sarah Vaughan, Mahalia Jackson, and Nancy Wilson because they sang in her range. Growing up I favored Toni Braxton and Lauryn Hill because I could sing in their range. I find the statement so true that your favorite singers are the singers in which you sing a lot alike. Also I love your videos, please continue to give us great live interviews and commentary

[@mefirstplease3676]

Anita is definitely Sarah’s vocal daughter. You belong to me is one of my favorites by her. Sarah is in my top 3 of singers period and deserves to be heard more.

[@kclayhumble2146]

Saw Miss Baker perform a couple weeks ago at the Venetian in Vegas. Hearing her perform live was like witnessing vocal perfection. Her tone, her control, the runs, and the scatting sounded just like the records my Mom used to play. Seeing her perform was a moment in time I’ll never forget!

[@nSimone9]

I could not agree more. I was born in ‘71 and grew up listening to Miss Anita playing almost every day. Seeing her perform in Vegas was a dream come true and one I will never forget. I still have goosebumps.

[@sheldonwilliams4617]

this is one of the greatest singers of all time she is so underrated and she deserves around a million grammys but she is my favorite artist and I wish I had a voice like hers

[@heyrobertcarter1]

She’s not underrated at all. She’s known on the entire planet as a successful vocalist/performer/songwriter/producer on all her albums.

[@thatboycjsings]

I love me some Anita Baker her voice is deep but at the same time it sits a little high too!!

[@raddish4256]

I saw her twice in the 90s...met her when she stayed at a hotel I work at a few years ago...just the nicest celebrity ever to stay with us. She calls everyone by name. Hugged the waiter after her lunch lol.

[@WittynotSilly]

😂 Anita is wild.. it's no in-between with her either she's the sweetest thing ever or she's a hateful witch

[@marckmanalo]

Anita Baker is the Queen of Quiet Storm and 80s soul! I'm a 90s baby who wishes to have been around already when Anita owns & dominates the mainstream industry.

[@merlindsbest]

Btw brother, your understanding of music and technique is crazy. I love that I get to learn how music works with each singer you present. Keep doing your thing.

[@PeaceFan1]

I saw Anita in Concert in 1987 at Constitution Hall in D.C. and she was BRILLIANT!! Sounded JUST Like her Record (Rapture) she KILLED Totally!!! I will never forget it and then I got to shake her hand and tell her that I Loved Her and she was SOO SWEET and just simply said " Thank You " ...xoxoxoxoo

[@RSTAR2009]

Her Rapture LP particularly "Been So Long" with her magnificent jazz scatting

[@phyllispierce6146]

I loved everything about this woman. How many times did I go to the hair dresser and ask for the haircut!! She is my kind of singer: a voice with character!! There's not mistaking her with anyone else!!

[@cassiethevirgo1023]

Yessss, I rocked that Anita Baker hair!!

[@Somelady464]

Her voice goes from the ground to the sky

[@CoverBandDiva]

I’ve seen Anita Baker in the 80s, the 90s, and 2010s. She NEVER disappoints!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@underconstruction6432]

I remember driving with my dad in New York City as a child and when I first heard her voice, I had to take note because how unique and deep it was, I loved her voice, my God.

[@croissant2024]

My favorite song by Anita is ‘You’re My Everything’. So underrated! From the way she rides that melody from the beginning to end?? The scats at the end?? The lyrics?? 😩🙌🏽

[@73lyfe96]

I wish that album was available for streaming

[@badd.lil.ting88]

That’s my song and album too! I used to be in the car with my parents tearing that song up from the backseat. She never performs anything from that album which I find odd specifically that song since it has the most tempo of all her songs since Same Ole Love. Sings “I’ll tell you one more time” 🎶

[@CapricornQueen7425]

Anita Baker is amazing. And that background at the end on Angel was the truth. Anita is a master at vocals and I am so glad she has blessed us. But remember Sarah Vaughn also had her wonderful instrument still intact as she grew older as well. In fact, everyone said that Sarah Vaughn's voice got even richer as she grew older.

[@treytaylor1511]

Her vocal similarities with the Divine One are uncanny. You'd think they were related. Always loved Anita, her voice is among my favorites.

[@darkfeather6857]

Who is the Divine One?

[@dezgray7544]

@@darkfeather6857 Jennifer Lopez

[@darkfeather6857]

@@dezgray7544 That's who the Divine One is??? WTF? She can't even sing! That must be a joke.

[@treytaylor1511]

@@colly7963 Sarah Vaughan

[@maryexstroughtonaire4244]

Thank you! I thought was the only one that thought that!

[@rlly_james_smh1744]

Body and Soul and You Bring Me Joy are vocal masterpieces...just dynamic and a singers song 🤧🤧🤧

[@acfmisc]

And she hardly ever performs Body and Soul anymore. It’s my fave. :(

[@renmomtha-renaissancesoul8849]

💯

[@laurendukes3099]

Saw her live during the farewell tour. I wondered, the whole time, why she was retiring? She definitely still got the VOICE. She's a living legend & inspired me to sing as little girl

[@justice5992]

Thank you for acknowledging Nancy Wilson. She rarely gets her flowers as a influence, when she's be named by them and can easily be heard in their music, approach and phrasing. Anita, Phyllis, Regina and even Yolanda Adams.

[@Gonk]

So happy my mom listend to her music in the 80s , takes me back when I hear her music and it's still so damn good. :)

[@kwanzadixon4722]

Yes!!

[@francisko338]

13:09 Does anyone else start smiling whenever he breaks down the science of it all? It's just a cool kind of confirmation as to why the greats are the greats, I guess. I love this channel 🖤

[@TheMOVIEMANIAC13]

Honestly watching his videos makes me wanna just sing more

[@Anetekonjo]

Awesome breakdown!

[@nicolesherman8974]

One of the greatest voices that transcends through generation to generation ❤️.

[@E.Nicole]

I saw her in Vegas last week and after all these years she sounds amazing!! Her voice is so distinctive!!! I love music education. I’ll definitely be checking out this channel more!

[@jak30341]

I’m so jealous! Seen some YT videos of her there, she sounds so DAMN GOOD!

[@JohnDeDominicano]

Anita Baker has a voice that makes me want to swim in an endless sea of warm silky almond milk with a hint of coconut and honey. The rawness and sultriness of her voice just seduces me. Anita Baker is an underrated legend. Anita Baker along with Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and Sade were commercial success for Black women in Pop Culture in the late 1980s. It really upsets me how Anita Baker is mistreated in the music industry but I'm glad she brought her master's with the help of Chance The Rapper.

[@hasannaomir.3037]

That’s what our ears are doing, whenever we hear her 🫠

[@its_april1]

Great analogy

[@lyd2460]

She is a actually very successful and respected in the industry . She is rich , and she still sells out shows . I'm glad she got her masters 😍 .

[@SteadyNUnremitting]

Generation Z won't gravitate to her because she's not a soprano or belting high notes

[@lyd2460]

@@SteadyNUnremitting I'm a Gen Z ... 👀 and I love Anita Baker .

[@janicedixon8032]

As a singer myself, I totally agree and do the same! More singers should take a look and try to take the VERY GOOD points here. In that way, you too can maintain a good and healthy vocal sound! Thank you Ms. Anita Baker and good luck everyone! 👍🏽 ❤🌷❤

[@CherryBlossomskt]

For some reason Anita Baker popped into my head and I have been binge listening to her songs. What a National Treasure she is. On another note, I can't believe I missed how fantastic the song fairytale is. She performs that song like a beast! I don't know who else could sing it the way she does. I'm happy to be able to donate to your channel, you bring me so much joy!

[@ghiberti]

Anita Baker another legend! Her discipline, longevity and mastery are admirable! Thanks BMA for shedding light on how great Anita Baker is!

[@Same_ol_jee]

As a musician and a violist , which is the alto tune, big brother of the violin , I love playing Anita baker songs on my viola . Love her music , sometimes s favorite song by Anita

[@cathybroadus4411]

Mr. Black Music Archive, I appreciate you so much. I’m learning theory for guitar and you have complete college lectures with every video. What a beautiful gift to us.

[@itsjustmedeedee6978]

My favorite singer of all time❤. Happy I got to see her in concert 😊

[@randygivens8421]

This was excellent. I love Anita Baker; She's one of the best artists of our time. Her technique is a phenomenon. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@MrChoirDirector87]

Yes! You can tell Anita was greatly influenced by Sarah Vaughn. If you listen to Sarah’s earlier recordings, practically identical to Anita!!

[@netfun8087]

Her voice is so RICH and smooth, I loooooove it

[@jak30341]

One of my favorite singers since childhood in the 80s. She still has it too🔥😍🥰🥰🥰

[@ipguyman108]

Anita singing deeply connects and touches me. She is beautiful inside and out. I used to dream of meeting her and wondered what it would be to married to this wonderful lady. I try to sing her songs best I can. But there’s only one Anita Baker..!

[@antwan6323]

This was good. Would love if you did a review on Patti Labelle.

[@CourageUnderFire87]

Patti has a tendency to scream

[@TheMusicalEmpress]

If u have not seen her live, you are cheating yourself! Thhhhhheeee best! Her songwriting and lyrical interprtation are "Priceless"!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 #FAVE THANK YOU 4 THIS ONE!

[@Bahia82]

Anita actually developed nodules and had to have vocal surgery. She’s talked about this before. She was scared because you never know what results are gonna be when knife touches your throat

[@idontknow7738]

Touring and singing can be very hard on the vocal chords. A prime example is Frankie Beverly. His vocal chords got ripped. He has been out there for 50+ years. I can't bear watching any of his videos where he was in concert live on YT. Very sad. 😢 I think he has officially retired. He gave it a good run. Frankie Beverly and Maze was my favorite band. 👍🏽💯👍🏽

[@Anetekonjo]

She is one of my my favorites, her voice is unique. Whitney Houston said she listened to Anita a lot during a past interview. Whitney also said that Anita and Luther voices are very unique. May Whitney and Luther rest easy.

[@lolitafiamma1485]

just paypaled a lil appreciation for this amazing video, anita is my queen

[@BlackMusicArchive]

Thank you 🥹♥️ I’ll include your name in my next upload.

[@courtnocase]

Saw her this year , I have to say that was the best concert I been too ! She killed it

[@tford1552]

I enjoy your lessons.This one was quite informative.You are brilliant. Thank you. (BTW, I hope you do a video on Jennifer Holiday. Why does she and other female singers like Dionne Warwick move the jaw while singing. I find that I can sing certain notes clearly when I contort my face/jaw and sing through my ears. I started doing this in my 50s. Is this proper technically? What is happening.)

[@alterdei]

He explained once in his videos, move the jaw is not necessary.

[@tford1552]

@@alterdei Thanks for sharing that information. Do you remember which video?

[@mrvocal21]

@@tford1552 He removed the video but the topic was about tension when singing

[@tford1552]

@@mrvocal21, thank you. I have never heard anyone discuss singing techniques mixed with music theory like Mr. Kashad. His knowledge is mind-blowing. He did the darn thing with this video. The way he broke down why Ms. Baker is a Mezzo-Soprano and how she links words together fascinated me.

[@mrvocal21]

@@tford1552 I enjoy his channel. He's mostly correct but he's abit misinformed on certain topics. Specifically on Whitney, who he considers a mezzo soprano simply because of her passaggio and tessitura. When she's an full soprano who uses coordinated chest voice complimented by girare to make her sound darker and larger. But this video was great.

[@AlisonCrockett]

I love the technical breakdowns of voices. You are uplifting people who really need to be talked about. Bravo.

[@MrChoirDirector87]

When you said Anita is a Mezzo soprano, I was huh? But then, I had to really think about it. If Anita sung with full power as in gospel music, she would sound similar to that of Vicki Winans. So, Mezzo soprano makes sense.

[@lyd2460]

She is defiantly a Mezzo, a true contralto is Nina Simone

[@CashUnlimited8]

I’ve always wondered if she was a mezzo. She has a husky, smooth tone but it’s not really dark, like a true contralto.

[@quintenisliving7204]

Absolutely

[@myconspiracy03]

Beautiful voice.

[@roystonbrown1474]

Another excellent review of a great artist and one of my favourits! You were being very generous to Miss Byonce but we all know that placing emphasis on the vowels is the best way to achieve great singing. This is because vowel sounds are made with the vocal chords while consonants are made with the lips, tongue, and teeth. Vowels are what allow us to speak and sing period. In fact take the vowels out of any word and you could never speak it let alone sing it!

[@quintenisliving7204]

One of the BEST IVE SEEN IN CONCERT.....EVER

[@ericwilliams5518]

The background singers was EATIN at the end!!! Love me some A Baker

[@RHOMANTIC1]

Loved this so much!! I have been a fan for well over 25 years! She is still Amazing! Saw her in concert in the late 80s and she still has that buttery voice after a summer rain.

[@drock228]

Thx u for this. Anita is one of my fave singers of all time. I've loved her since I was 9yrs old when "Sweet Love" & the album "Rapture" came out. Her voice mesmerized me as a kid. I'm so happy she's still around. Again thx for this vid & all of the work you do honoring our musical culture ❤

[@teddydavis2339]

Very few singers can do her songs. Layla Hathaway does a great job with Angel but ever noticed how low Layla starts off on that song? Her vocals are so unique I would love to hear you evaluate Phyllis Hyman's vocal technique.

[@teddyslibrary]

Chile... Anita Baker voice has always been the main music in my childhood home. And HER VOICE, has always been magically.

[@barnabirap]

I have been literally silently asking for this, so thank you! I love her so much, I'm so happy that she has taken such good care of herself and I really hope I have a chance to see her live. Much love to You, thanks for the awesome work you do here.

[@googlestreet5475]

I’m so glad u included my favorite song by her “No more tears” it’s a shame not many ppl kno about tht treasure

[@lyd2460]

I was literally thinking when are we going to get an Anita Baker Explained 😍 . Thank You 😊

[@YolandaHannaYoHan]

Thank you for this video, my eyes were glued from the moment it began until the very end. What an in depth analysis! I'm a huge Anita Baker fan, I love her music and I've watched many KZbin videos of her recent shows in Las Vegas, utterly amazed at how she has maintained the quality of her voice at her age, after all these years she sounds just as powerful performing live as she did on her recordings! I wondered how she was able to preserve her voice and you have also shown that she's a mezzo soprano, wow! I would have never thought that. Many of the articles I've read about her music categorize her voice as a contralto but you've proven that she isn't. I thoroughly enjoyed this video! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@BlackMusicArchive]

Thanks for watching ♥️

[@CherryBlossomskt]

Thanks!

[@CherryBlossomskt]

Just because.

[@blyons2000]

Another amazing educational experience about a legend! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@blessedandhighlyfavored2489]

This lady, right here. Let me tell you how as a child my sister and I growing up loved her voice, style and how sophisticated and classy she appered to be. Such style and grace 😍

[@pmarcel7322]

Thank you, Ms. Anita for returning to us, I realize I have to share - saw her at her best, twice, will see her again at the end of the year - in delightment.

[@luvte1]

This covers her stylistic choices, the ways in which she preserved her singing voice, Anitas choice to sing within a comfortable range. So many juicy tid bits this is very informative.

[@sharpgirlsSerious]

Not only is she one of my favorite singers. ! But ! Anita can Write her Asz Off. ! She Doesn't Need Anyone to bring her Material ! Boom Baby. ! 💐

[@DaydreamCarey1234]

"Strong technique does not protect from overwork and misuse" -Milik Kashad (A.K.A Black Music Archive)

[@ThePopAttic]

the songstress!

[@BlackMusicArchive]

…is her best album. Correct!

[@MarieHolliday]

Saw her twice in concert amazing

[@bemusedobserver6476]

I saw her live for her first concert at Lincoln Center in NYC...she was a talent to behold and I saw her again after some years had passed. Love Ms. Baker, and I love how you go into detail about singers' voices! Thank you!

[@dw7312]

She’s one of a kind. Just beautiful

[@holyhunkcutie84]

Saw her in Dallas, last night . Amazing, incomparable are descriptors are still not enough. My sister said the same thing about the power of her voice and her small stature.

[@autumn4993]

Anita was a strong musical and beauty icon when i was growing into adulthood in the late 80's 90s. Every man wanted their woman to favor Anita's beauty style to her dress style. her voice is a sultry elegant powerhouse. she is yet another legend and a strong musical force in the industry. Classic!

[@coursecorrection4105]

I saw Anita Baker at the Hollywood Bowl a few years ago. She was excellent

[@Samantha-ry2ke]

Thank you to the entire BMA team!! Anita is one of my absolute favorites. She and another one of my favorites , Sade, are very intentional about how much they perform. It makes you appreciate them even more. They literally transport you with their voice. Would it be possible to do a video on those who have destroyed their voices and why? Or would that ruffle too many feathers? I don’t want no problems for y’all. But it’s something I’d be interested in seeing. Thanks again for the education. ❤️❤️

[@missj3434]

The “I don’t want no problems for y’all” has me dying. 😩😭😭🤣🤣🤣

[@Hollywoodlpc]

I was literally listening to a Anita Baker song and I wanted to know the technical attributes of her voice. I went and I did a search and I’m so glad I found your video because it had all the details I was looking for. thank you so much!

[@sandywright-leonard5238]

I’ve seen her in concert many times, and she’s amazing every single time!!

[@awh5069]

Grew up listening to her and STILL have a weekly tradition of listening to only AB on Sunday mornings! ❤❤❤

[@tyjones1385]

can't wait to watch

[@boogiebrewster8990]

ANITA HAS A VOCAL GIFT/INSTRUMENT WHICH COLLIDES THE STYLINGS OF 1940s-1960s GREATS, WITH HER HIGHLY FLEXIBLE VOCAL PROWESS ... #❤️💜💗HER 4 A LIFETIME!

[@nicholasKMAmusic]

Anita Baker is in my top ten favorite artists, and Rapture among my top ten favorite albums, of all time. Love that woman down!

[@jomanda6876]

The Holy Trinity of deep, rich voices in my opinion: Anita Baker, Phyllis Hyman and Sade. Thank you for this video. This definitely made my night.

[@lyd2460]

I would say Toni Braxton over Sade . Although I love Sade's music more , her voice isn't as rich as these ladies.

[@Ovan61]

@@lyd2460 I'll raise you Mavis Staples, Gladys knight and Della Reese!

[@lyd2460]

@@Ovan61 I've only listened to Gladys knight . One of the greatest vocalist of all time and also a very preserved voice . I will check out the others .

[@Ovan61]

@@lyd2460 👍 A few song suggestion you could listen to (solo career) Mavis Staples - "Christmas Vacation" and (group career) The Staple Singers - "I’ll Take You There" and "The Staple Singers - "Let's Do It Again". Della Reese - "Don't You Know" and Della Reese - "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life".

[@lyd2460]

@@Ovan61 Thank you for the recommendations 😊 .

[@RamonExtraordinaire1]

Nice overview of her career, but you forgot to include that during part of her 4 year hiatus is when she had her children, and what pregnancy and performing childbirth can do to a woman's voice. Anita's not a mezzo-soprano, she's an alto with range. Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men calls her the best alto in the business. I believe there are some interviews where she defines her voice category as an alto.

[@OCKMEER]

I AGREE

[@idontknow7738]

Who really cares about whether she is mezzo-soprano, contralto, alto, etc. She just let it do what it do. She is a true Diva who can do whatever she wants. SHE'S BAD! Everybody wants to be like "Mic." No pun intended. 🤣🎤🎤🤣 She rocks the mic. 🎤 The mic 🎤 don't rock her. I feel sorry for the "mic." 🤣🎤🎼🎤🤣 THAT WOMAN SHO'NUF' CAN SANG! 👍🏽💯👍🏽 P.S. Thanks to the gentleman whose channel this is. I learned some things. 👍🏽💯👍🏽😘👍🏽💯👍🏽

[@judo1313]

You totally blew my mind talking about the connection of the vowels sounds when she sings. I knew there was something besides her lower range that was different about her singing, just couldn’t point it out. Now I can’t help but notice it whenever I listen to her songs. So smooth and beautiful. Love your content! Great analysis of her vocal style.

[@dash.reacts]

I love me some Anita Baker! This video is on point...I don't even sing all that much, but the comparison you made between Anita and Beyonce was amazing. Both women are EXTREMELY gifted singers. Anita stressing & extending vowels when she sings, gives her voice that smooth, silky delivery. Whereas Beyonce's singing on the consonant gives her sound more power & oomph. I didn't realize such a small detail could change a sound so much. GREAT STUFF!!!!

[@jason3561]

I'm hungry for an explanation of Luther Vandross' voice now. Where do I donate. 😅

[@ArtTheSinger]

Yes I want to hear black males too.

[@terencejulius8734]

Love me some Luther Vandross

[@tupacsheart504]

oh yes. i’d love a video on luther!

[@rhysoc6610]

Been waiting for this 💖

[@kyrelterrhaun]

Thank you for spotlighting Ms. Anita Baker. I’d loved her all of my life. I grew up listening to her thanks to my grandmother. ❤️❤️❤️

[@sojourningteddybear6838]

Thank you for doing Anita! I love this lady tremendously. Since I was in the fourth grade, she’s been my favorite singer. I’m 37 now. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kevanairn2970]

Thank you for this post. I was actually at the Vegas show (01Jun2022) you have shared the footage in this video and was indeed amazed how great her voice was. You have given an explanation to why it is so.

[@ReviewsChannel-e4r]

What a lovely compilation. Thank you for a dedicated walk-through of Anita Baker's uniquely capable range of singing.

[@colorantartificiel3018]

One of the best voice to exist

[@mcpheejesus5945]

Great job, BMA! I can definitely hear & see the Nancy Wilson & Sarah Vaughan influences on her style, technique & smooth vocals. Anita's a true vocalist; one who never comes off as superficial. I really respect & admire her for never resorting to "sex appeal" and raunchy lyrics to sell records; only used her God-given beautiful voice and remained classy while doing so. Just like Mahalia Jackson, Nancy Wilson, and Sarah Vaughan, Anita sings from her heart & soul, giving every listener something they can feel deep within. And just think, some record executive told this very gifted songstress she couldn't sing! No doubt, she's gifted by Almighty God, and nobody can stop or block that gift. God bless you, Anita!

[@clwxrf6007]

I have been blessed to see Ms. Baker twice. 2012 and 2019. I hope to see her again.

[@CuirPhotodotNet]

....i was fortunate enough to see her during the LEGENDARY TOUR....as the opening act for LUTHER....words cannot DESCRIBE THEM....and yes the drama between them.......another thing i loved about her is that she was seen as A GROWN WOMAN...singing GROWN BLACK WOMAN'S MUSIC...she was a MARRIED WOMAN and was a serious representational figure to black women......and she immediately was respected as such by the entire music industry....also she was respected as an style icon as far as her very CHIC SHORT BOUFFANT HAIRDO....she immediately was the spokesperson and main image for DARK and LOVELY the black perm product...her make up artist for the campaign was REGGIE WELLS....OPRAH'S MAN....she also co hosted the AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS....and she was also the QUEEN of a new musical genre.....called ...ADULT CONTEMPORARY....she is very unique and brilliant...a class act....cannot get enough of her...