Toni Braxton life and biography

Toni Braxton: The Iconic Voice Behind R&B’s Golden Era

Toni Braxton Born October 7, 1968, in Severn, MD; daughter of Michael (a utility company employee and minister) and Evelyn (a cosmetology instructor) Braxton. Married Keri Lewis (a musician); children: Denim Kole, Diezel Ky. Education: Attended community college, business school, and Bowie State University.

Early Life and Background

Toni Michelle Braxton was the eldest of six siblings in a deeply religious household. Her father, Michael Conrad Braxton, worked for a utility company and was also a Methodist clergyman, while her mother, Evelyn, was a former opera singer turned cosmetology instructor. The strictness of their Apostolic faith meant that secular music was frowned upon during her childhood. However, Toni’s mother recognized her children’s musical talent and was instrumental in fostering their love for music.

Toni’s musical beginnings were grounded in gospel, performing with her siblings—Towanda, Trina, Tamar, and Traci—as part of their church choir. They were collectively known as "The Braxtons." While Toni initially planned to become a music teacher, attending Bowie State University on a teaching scholarship, her passion for performing soon took precedence over her academic pursuits.

Her career began by chance when she was overheard singing to herself while pumping gas. William E. Pettaway Jr., a producer and songwriter, approached her and offered to produce her music. This serendipitous moment marked the beginning of her journey to superstardom.

The Breakthrough: From The Braxtons to Solo Stardom

Toni Braxton’s first entry into the professional music scene came in 1989 when she and her sisters signed a contract with Arista Records as "The Braxtons." However, their debut single, “Good Life” (1990), did not achieve commercial success. Nevertheless, it caught the attention of producers L.A. Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, who recognized Toni’s potential as a solo artist.

In 1991, Toni Braxton was offered the opportunity to perform the song “Love Shoulda Brought You Home” for the Boomerang movie soundtrack. Originally intended for Anita Baker, the track showcased Braxton’s rich contralto voice and was well-received. This success led to her signing with LaFace Records, Reid and Edmonds' label, in 1992. Her self-titled debut album was released the following year.

Key Career Milestones

Toni Braxton (1993) was an instant success, with singles like "Another Sad Love Song" and "Breathe Again" dominating the charts. The album sold over 10 million copies worldwide, winning her three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist in 1994. Her ability to deliver emotion-laden ballads, with a voice that combined warmth and vulnerability, set her apart in the R&B world.

In 1996, Braxton released her sophomore album, Secrets, which solidified her status as a global superstar. The lead single, "You're Makin' Me High," was her first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, but it was "Un-Break My Heart" that truly defined her career. The song, written by Diane Warren, became one of the best-selling singles of all time and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Braxton's momentum continued into the 2000s with the release of her third album, The Heat (2000), which featured hits like "He Wasn’t Man Enough." This era showcased her evolution into a more versatile artist, experimenting with different genres, including pop and hip-hop-infused R&B. The Heat was another commercial success, earning her yet another Grammy.

In addition to her musical success, Braxton ventured into Broadway in 1998, making her debut in the lead role of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. She became the first African-American woman to play Belle in the production, further showcasing her talents as a performer.

Challenges and Triumphs: Overcoming Personal and Professional Setbacks

Despite her success, Braxton faced a number of personal and professional challenges. In 1998, she filed for bankruptcy due to issues with her contract and financial mismanagement. This legal battle delayed the release of new music and strained her career. However, she rebounded with the release of The Heat in 2000.

In the early 2000s, Braxton’s health took a turn when she was diagnosed with pericarditis, a condition that affects the heart’s lining. This would be the beginning of a series of health issues, including her later diagnosis of lupus, an autoimmune disease that forced her to take several breaks from her career. Despite these health setbacks, Braxton continued to fight, returning stronger with new music and projects.

In 2007, she signed a deal for a Las Vegas residency at the Flamingo Hotel titled Toni Braxton: Revealed. The residency was highly successful, but health issues once again forced her to cancel multiple shows, leading to a second bankruptcy filing in 2010. Braxton, however, turned these struggles into an opportunity to educate herself and the public on the importance of financial literacy, particularly for artists navigating complex music industry contracts.

Reality TV and Expanding Her Career

In 2011, Toni Braxton and her family embarked on a new chapter with the reality television series Braxton Family Values. The show became a hit, giving fans a closer look into Braxton's personal life, as well as the dynamics between her and her siblings. The series ran for seven seasons, becoming one of the most-watched shows on the WE tv network.

Braxton’s reality TV presence didn’t stop there. She went on to compete in Dancing with the Stars and executive produced Tamar & Vince, a spin-off series focused on her sister Tamar. In addition, Braxton co-starred in several made-for-TV movies and began exploring acting roles outside of the music world.

Major Achievements and Accolades

With over 70 million records sold worldwide, Toni Braxton is one of the best-selling female R&B artists of all time. Her unique voice has earned her seven Grammy Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, seven American Music Awards, and countless other honors.

Her 1996 hit "Un-Break My Heart" is often cited as one of the most iconic ballads of the 1990s and remains her signature song. Its global success paved the way for future R&B artists to cross over into pop, and it continues to inspire today’s generation of singers.

In 2011, Braxton received one of the highest honors in the music industry when she was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Her influence as a trailblazer for women in R&B, especially Black female artists, remains unparalleled.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Toni Braxton married musician Keri Lewis in 2001, and they have two sons, Denim and Diezel. Her son Diezel was diagnosed with autism at a young age, which led Braxton to become a spokesperson for Autism Speaks, raising awareness about the condition and advocating for early diagnosis.

In 2010, Braxton revealed her battle with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. She has since become a leading advocate for lupus awareness, frequently speaking about her experience with the disease and working to raise funds for research.

Though her marriage to Keri Lewis ended in divorce in 2013, Braxton remains dedicated to her family and health. She has been in a high-profile relationship with rapper Birdman since 2016, and the couple is often in the media spotlight.

Influence, Legacy, and Continued Success

Toni Braxton’s impact on music, particularly R&B, is undeniable. Her contralto voice, with its rich and soulful quality, has influenced artists like Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Brandy. Braxton’s music often explores themes of heartbreak, love, and resilience, resonating with listeners across generations.

Her ability to cross over from music to television, Broadway, and philanthropy showcases her versatility as an entertainer. She has managed to stay relevant over the decades, adapting to new trends in the entertainment industry while staying true to her musical roots.

In 2020, Braxton released her tenth studio album, Spell My Name, to critical acclaim, proving that she continues to be a powerful force in the music industry.

Toni Braxton’s career spans more than three decades, during which she has not only helped define the sound of modern R&B but also broken barriers for women of color in the music industry. Her timeless ballads, impressive vocal range, and fearless approach to life’s challenges have made her an enduring figure in popular culture.

Her commitment to philanthropy, particularly her work with autism and lupus awareness, further cements her legacy as an artist who used her platform to make a difference in the world.

As Toni Braxton continues to inspire, her legacy as one of the greatest voices in R&B will undoubtedly remain.

Selective discography of Toni Braxton:

* Selected works Toni Braxton, LaFace, 1993.
* Secrets, LaFace, 1996.
* Heat, LaFace, 2000.
* Snowflakes, BMG Special Products, 2001.
* More Than a Woman, Arista, 2002.
* Ultimate Toni Braxton, LaFace, 2003.
* Platinum & Gold Collection, LaFace, 2004.
* Also recorded a 1990 single, "The Good Life," as a member of The Braxtons; as solo artist, contributed tracks to the soundtracks for Boomerang, 1992, and Waiting to Exhale, 1996.

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