Anita Baker, the iconic voice behind hits like “Sweet Love” and “Giving You the Best That I Got,” has been a household name for decades. At 67, she’s reflecting on her illustrious career, but not without addressing the struggles and personal challenges that have shaped her journey. In a candid interview, she opened up about everything—from the painful truth behind her divorce to the health issues that led her to step away from music for nearly a decade. Here’s a deep dive into the life of a legendary artist whose story is far more complex than the sweet melodies we know.

A Childhood Full of Secrets and Pain

Born on January 26, 1958, in Toledo, Ohio, Anita was raised in Detroit, Michigan, by a couple she believed were her grandparents—Granville and Mary Lewis. Her early years were filled with love and security, but everything changed when she discovered the truth: the couple wasn’t related to her by blood. She learned that her biological mother had been just a 16-year-old teenager when she gave her up for adoption. This revelation shook Anita to the core, leaving her to grapple with feelings of rejection and confusion about her identity.

Despite this, Anita grew stronger, thanks to the love of the Lewis family. She was able to build her life and music career on a foundation of resilience, drawing deeply from the emotional complexities of her past.

The Struggles of Balancing Career and Family

Anita’s career took off after she joined the band Chapter 8 in the early 1980s, eventually leading to her breakthrough as a solo artist. But even as she rose to fame, she faced personal struggles that would test her perseverance. Between dealing with the pressures of her rising career, working through difficult relationships, and the death of loved ones, Anita’s personal life was often in turmoil.

Her first marriage ended in divorce in 2005, after years of balancing family life with her commitments to music. The marriage, while initially promising, became a source of stress, and Anita confessed that marital secrets and unresolved issues ultimately led to their public split. Despite this, she fought through the painful aftermath, determined to move forward for the sake of her two children.

The 10-Year Break: Health Battles and Family Life

In the early ’90s, Anita faced another set of emotional and physical challenges. After suffering two miscarriages, she found herself overwhelmed by the demands of her career and family. In a vulnerable moment, she opened up about her struggles with depression and the emotional toll that came with her family life. She had to put music on the back burner, focusing on her children and caring for family members who were battling serious health issues.

During this hiatus, Anita described her break from music as a time when she was “pulled into another world,” where the music she once poured her soul into had to wait. But this break also led her to rediscover her love for music and gave her the chance to reconnect with herself. In 2004, she made a powerful comeback with her album My Everything, which was a huge success among fans.

The Controversy with Babyface: A Growing Feud

In 2023, Anita Baker found herself back in the spotlight—not for her music, but for the growing feud between herself and R&B legend Babyface. After a series of online threats from Babyface’s fans, Anita made the difficult decision to remove him as an opening act for her tour. The decision sparked controversy, with fans taking sides and many questioning Anita’s actions. While Babyface later explained that he had been asked not to perform to give Anita more stage time, the incident left fans divided.

Anita stood her ground, clarifying that she wasn’t at fault and placed the blame on the concert organizers. In an interview, she also addressed rumors about her strained relationships with other artists, including Maxwell and Luther Vandross, explaining that while they had differences, they always gave their fans memorable performances.

Anita’s Personal Evolution and Resilience

Through every challenge, Anita Baker has proven her strength and resilience. From her troubled youth to her battles with health issues, and even her public divorces, she has never stopped fighting for her happiness and legacy. Despite the ups and downs of her personal life, she has consistently put her family first, making countless sacrifices along the way.

As she continues to tour and make music, Anita remains a powerful voice in the world of R&B. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, and her ability to rise above adversity continues to inspire both old and new generations of fans.

The Road Ahead: A Legacy Still Being Written

Now in her late 60s, Anita Baker shows no signs of slowing down. As she reflects on her past, including her rocky relationships and struggles with the music industry, she remains dedicated to making the most of her legacy. With a new album and ongoing performances, Anita is reclaiming her space in the music world and ensuring that her voice, once lost to personal struggles, will continue to echo for years to come.