S.O.D. "Sweet Love" by Anita Baker

7/19/2016    Lots of incredible turnarounds in show business.  Baker grew up with a foster family in Detroit, Michigan and when she was 12, raised by her foster sister after her foster parents' death.  She got out on her own fast, singing in local nightclubs by the age of 16 and slung right into the business after being discovered by bandleader David Washington.  

     The Detroit soul group Chapter 8 was Baker's first breakthrough which lasted 4 years beginning in 1975.  The group was eventually dropped by Arista Records, convinced the Baker did not have what it took to be a star.  She proved them wrong of course, starting a solo career in 1983.  Her debut album "The Songstress," produced 4 hit singles, and she was on her way.  Now under the Beverly Glen label, she realized that she was not receiving any royalties for her songs.  Otis Smith who helped her get back into the music business tried to sue her for leaving the Beverly Glen label. Baker however won the court case and soon after joined Electra Records under the Warner Music Group, being given full creative control.  

     Active since 1979, Baker has released 6 studio albums, 24 singles and has won 20 awards, having been nominated for 39.  This includes International Artist of the Year in 2005 presented by the Canadian Smooth Jazz Association.  This song charted in 6 countries, taking the #2, 3, 8 and 12 positions on U.S. charts.