Baby Face and Anita Baker are two legendary R&B artists who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. Though they pursued solo careers, their paths crossed in intriguing ways over the years. This article will explore their intersecting careers, mutual respect for each other’s talent, and the highlights of their collaboration.
Baby Face’s Early Career
Kenneth “Baby Face” Edmonds got his start in the music industry playing in the funk band Manchild as a teenager in the 1970s. He soon shifted his focus to songwriting and production, founding the production company L.A. Reid and Babyface with fellow musician Antonio “L.A.” Reid in the early 1980s. The company produced hits for artists like Bobby Brown, Karyn White, Paula Abdul, and Sheena Easton. This established Baby Face’s signature smooth R&B sound.
Baby Face also recorded with the funk band the Deele during this time. The Deele’s single “Two Occasions” reached #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987. The following year, Baby Face left the Deele to pursue a solo career.
Anita Baker’s Breakthrough
Meanwhile, Anita Baker was struggling to find her big break after winning a talent show on a local Detroit TV station in the late 1970s. She recorded a pop album with the band Chapter 8 in 1979. Though it yielded a few minor hits, the group eventually disbanded.
It wasn’t until Baker connected with executive Otis Smith and signed with his Beverly Glen label in 1983 that her career took off. He helped refine her style into a smooth adult contemporary/R&B blend. Baker released her debut solo album The Songstress in 1983. Her follow-up album Rapture was a massive success in 1986, producing the Grammy-winning hits “Sweet Love,” “Caught Up in the Rapture,” and “Same Ole Love.”
Baby Face’s Solo Debut
As Baker’s star rose, Baby Face was also coming into his own as a solo artist. He released his debut album Lovers in 1988, which reached #14 on the Billboard 200. The single “It’s No Crime” reached #7 on the R&B chart.
That same year, Baby Face produced two tracks on Baker’s third album Giving You the Best That I Got – the title track and “Just Because.” He helped refine Baker’s signature harmonies and laidback grooves. The album won three Grammys and went triple platinum.
Early 1990s Solo Success
In the early 1990s, both Baby Face and Baker were at the peak of their creative powers as solo artists.
Baby Face released his self-titled second album in 1989, which hit #1 on the R&B chart. The singles “It’s No Crime” and “Whip Appeal” both hit #1 on the R&B chart. He also collaborated extensively with Bobby Brown, co-writing the hits “Every Little Step” and “Tenderoni.”
Meanwhile, Baker released her album Compositions in 1990. Fueled by the hit “Talk to Me,” it became her second #1 R&B album. Her follow-up Rhythm of Love arrived in 1994 and also topped the R&B chart, featuring “Body and Soul” and the title track.
Baby Face and Baker Connect
Despite pursuing solo work, Baby Face and Baker expressed admiration for each other’s music over the years. Baker stated in interviews that she loved Baby Face’s songwriting and wished to collaborate with him. Baby Face said Baker was one of his dream collaborators.
They finally got the opportunity when Baker was recording her album My Everything for the Atlantic label in 2004. Baby Face co-wrote and produced the lead single “Like You Used to Do.” It gave Baker a hit on the R&B chart for the first time in over a decade.
Recent Projects
In the years since their collaboration, both Baby Face and Baker have continued recording while also influencing new generations of R&B artists.
Baby Face released his album Return of the Tender Lover in 2015. He has also written and produced for Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, and others. In 2021, he produced songs for Ella Mai’s album Heart on My Sleeve.
Baker made a comeback with her 2019 single “Lately,” her first new song in over a decade. She also released the first Christmas album of her career, Christmas Fantasy, that same year. It marked a seasonal reawakening of her career.
Legacy
Though Baby Face is 11 years younger than Baker, the two share an enduring legacy as pioneers of contemporary R&B from the 1980s through today. Both have won multiple Grammys and continue to influence modern soul and R&B.
Their collaboration showed the deep mutual respect these two legends have for each other. Though their styles differ, Baker and Baby Face created a timeless musical blend by playing to each other’s creative strengths.
Highlights of Baby Face and Anita Baker’s Careers
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Conclusion
Baby Face and Anita Baker represent two of the most talented singer-songwriters that contemporary R&B has ever seen. Though they had separate hits in the 80s and 90s, their musical chemistry was undeniable when they finally collaborated in 2004. Both artists remain creative forces in R&B today, showing how their smooth soul sound remains timeless.
