[1] Starting her career in the late 1970s with the funk band Chapter 8, Baker released her first solo album, The Songstress, in 1983.

In 1986, she rose to fame following the release of her Platinum-selling second album, Rapture, which included the Grammy-winning single "Sweet Love".

After one performance, she was discovered by bandleader David Washington, who gave her a card to audition for the funk band, Chapter 8.

[citation needed] Baker joined Chapter 8 in 1975 and the group toured until securing a deal with Ariola Records in 1979.

The group's first album, Chapter 8, was released that year and featured the singles "Ready for Your Love", a duet between Baker and bandmate Gerald Lyles, and the Baker-led "I Just Want to Be Your Girl.

"[10] After Ariola was bought out by Arista Records in 1979, Chapter 8 was dropped by the label who were convinced that Baker, as the group's lead singer, didn't have "star potential.

Baker then signed with the Warner Music Group-associated Elektra Records label in 1985 and began working on her next album.

While sales were initially slow following the release of the album's debut single, "Watch Your Step", Elektra released the mid-tempo ballad, "Sweet Love", which became her first pop hit, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and also reaching the UK Top 20.

The album eventually launched three further hit singles, including "Caught Up in the Rapture", "No One in the World" and "Same Ole Love (365 Days a Year)".

[citation needed] In 1987, Baker collaborated with The Winans on their song, "Ain't No Need to Worry", which gave Baker a third Grammy, this time in the Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group, Choir or Chorus category.

The album launched the singles "Talk to Me", "Soul Inspiration" and "Fairy Tales", and eventually sold over a million copies.

[citation needed] After the end of the album's touring and promotion schedule in 1991, Baker took a break from the business to settle down with her husband at the time, later having two children with him.

[citation needed] After appearing on Frank Sinatra's Duets album, Baker returned to the charts with Rhythm of Love in 1994.

[14] Taking a hiatus after the end of the Rhythm of Love Tour to care for her two sons, Baker returned to the studio in 2000.

[1][15] Due to a label restructuring, Baker was let go from Atlantic that November without releasing any material with the company.

That year, Baker returned to live performing, signing with Blue Note Records in March 2004.

In February 2013, Baker returned to the national spotlight, performing "Lately" and "Same Ole Love" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

[21][22][23][24] Baker performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field prior to the 2022 NFC Championship Game between the Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.