Anita Baker December 13, 2008

With her classy, refined brand of romantic soul, Anita Baker earned her place as one of the definitive quiet storm singers of the '80s. Gifted with a strong, supple alto, Baker was influenced not only by R&B, but jazz, gospel and traditional pop, which gives her music a distinctly adult sophistication. Smooth and mellow, but hardly lifeless, she continues to be one of the most popular romantic singers around.