Written by | Ray Cornelius
This Sunday, March 20 marks the 30th anniversary of Anita Baker‘s “Rapture.” It was the Detroit singer’s second album and sold over 8 million copies worldwide including 5 million in the United States.
The album was executive produced by Baker and along with Michael J. Powell, Marti Sharron and Gary Skardina and featured such classic hits songs as “You Bring Me Joy,” “Mystery,” “Same Ole Love” as well as “Rapture” and “Sweet Love,” which earned Baker her first two Grammy Awards.
Baker was also a “breath of fresh air” on the music scene at the time and was a fierce competitor of music divas Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson, who were both dominated pop & R&B charts. Her songs resonated with everyone and became standards on Urban AC radio “Quiet Storm” programs and smooth jazz stations.
As equally as popular as her music was her short, cropped haircut which was affectionately known in most Black beauty salons in 1986 as “The Anita Baker.”
Check out her “One Night Of Rapture Live Concert” that was later released in 1987 by Elektra Records and showcases her unique talent and musical artistry.
What’s your favorite “Rapture” song?
Photo Credit: Amazon.com
