‘Babyface’ sues Anita Baker

R&B; singer-songwriter-producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds has sued singer Anita Baker for breach of contract, claiming the sultry Grammy-winning songstress owes him at least $250,000 after canceling two concert dates last year and also for producer’s royalties owed him on the song “Like You Used to Do.”

The suit, which was filed Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that Edmonds and Baker had an oral agreement that he would be paid $75,000 per concert to perform during Baker’s four-city tour. Edmonds claims that Baker paid him only for performing at concerts in Los Angeles and New York and still owes him money for concerts she canceled in Chicago and Detroit.

Edmonds also alleges that he is owed at least $100,000 in producer’s fees for the song “Like You Used to Do,” which was released by Blue Note Records on Baker’s album “My Everything,” which achieved gold record status, selling in excess of 500,000 units. The suit states that the album liner notes credit Edmonds as a vocalist, co-writer and producer of the song.

Baker’s attorney could not be reached for comment.

-- Robert W. Welkos