Metro Clerk

Resolution RS2018-1310

A resolution recognizing legendary singer-songwriter Anita Baker.

WHEREAS, Anita Baker is an African-American singer-songwriter who started her career in the late 1970’s with the funk band Chapter 8, before transitioning to her solo career; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Baker released her first solo album, The Songstress in 1983, and proceeded to rise to fame following the release of her platinum-selling second album, Rapture, which included the Grammy-winning single “Sweet Love”; and

WHEREAS, Anita Baker was born in Toledo, Ohio, but grew up in Detroit, Michigan where she began singing R&B in nightclubs at the age of 16; and

WHEREAS, after only one performance, Ms. Baker was discovered by David Washington, who gave her the opportunity to audition for the funk band, Chapter 8; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Baker officially joined Chapter 8 in 1975 and was a member until the group was dropped by their label in 1979; and

WHEREAS, after a brief break from the music industry, Anita Baker began her solo musical career in 1982; and

WHEREAS, Anita Baker’s debut solo album, The Songstress, was released in 1983 and produced four singles: “No More Tears”, “Will You Be Mine”, “Angel”, and “You’re the Best Thing Yet”; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Baker’s second album, Rapture, earned the musician her first and second Grammy awards for Best R&B Vocal Performance and Best Rhythm & Blues Song; and

WHEREAS, over the course of her illustrious musical career, Anita Baker has won eight Grammys, four American Music Awards, seven Soul Train Music Awards, and has five platinum albums along with one gold album; and

WHEREAS, Anita Baker is often regarded as one of the most popular singers of soulful romantic ballads during the “quiet storm” period of contemporary R&B in the 1980’s; and

WHEREAS, currently, Ms. Baker is on her 2018 Farewell Concert tour, which features two dates at The Ryman Auditorium here in Nashville, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, Nashville, also known as “Music City” and the “Songwriting Capital of the World”, is honored to host two nights of Anita Baker’s Farewell Concert tour; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize Ms. Anita Baker for her legendary musical career and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Anita Baker for her many contributions to the contemporary R&B music genre, and her remarkable musical career.

Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsor(s)

DeCosta Hastings, Erica Gilmore, Brett Withers, Karen Johnson, Jeff Syracuse, Burkley Allen, Antoniette Lee, Russ Pulley, Sharon Hurt, Fabian Bedne, Freddie O'Connell, Mina Johnson, Jacobia Dowell, Tanaka Vercher, Colby Sledge, Kevin Rhoten, Brenda Haywood, Anthony Davis