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Toni Braxton is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality who rose to fame as a member of the R&B group The Braxtons, formed with her sisters in the late 1980s. However, her solo career is what made her one of the most recognized voices in music.
With her self-titled debut album in 1993, featuring hits like Another Sad Love Song and Breathe Again, Toni Braxton became a household name.
Over the years, she has sold over 67 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female R&B artists in history. Beyond her music, Braxton is also known for her appearances on reality TV and her advocacy for lupus awareness.
Toni Braxton's early life and musical beginnings
A musical upbringing in Maryland
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Toni Michelle Braxton was born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland. She grew up in a strict religious home filled with music. Her father, Michael Braxton, was a cleric, while her mother, Evelyn, was a former opera singer and cosmetologist
Toni's early exposure to singing was in the church choir, which was influenced by her parents' membership in the local Methodist church. She is the firstborn of six siblings, including a brother, Michael Jr., and four sisters: Traci, Towanda, Trina, and Tamar.
The formation of the Braxtons
In 1989, Toni and her sisters formed The Braxtons and signed a deal with Arista Records. Their first single was released in 1990, Good Life, which did not have commercial success, but it made producers Antonio L.A. Reid and Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds take notice of them.
The duo was very impressed with Toni Braxton and requested she record a demo of the song Love Shoulda Brought You Home, which was to be featured on the soundtrack of the film starring Eddie Murphy, called Boomerang. This marked the starting point for Braxton as a solo artist.
Solo career and breakthrough success
Debut album and critical acclaim
Her self-titled debut album was released in July 1993 by LaFace Records, which turned out to be commercially successful. The record topped the Billboard 200 and included five singles. The one that placed Braxton at number one on the Adult R&B charts with her first single, Another Sad Love Song.
Her successful debut album brought Toni Braxton three Grammys, for Best New Artist and two consecutive Best Female R&B Vocal Performance awards in 1994 and 1995.
Health problems and advocacy
Toni Braxton had some medical problems over the years, reportedly she was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, in 2010. Since lupus is a potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease, Braxton has spoken several times about her condition to increase awareness about it among people.
She also took part in Autism Speaks as an International Spokesperson, after her son, Diezel, was diagnosed with autism.
Expanding career into acting and television
Broadway debut and acting ventures
In 1998, Braxton expanded her career into acting with her Broadway debut as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. The show's composer was Alan Menken, who wrote a new song for Braxton to perform titled A Change in Me. Her performance was met with great success, and she continued to pursue other acting opportunities on Broadway and television.
Reality TV and continued success
Toni Braxton also delved into reality TV with Braxton Family Values, which aired on WeTV in 2011. This show let people into the lives of the Braxton family and did well enough to have multiple seasons.
Braxton continued to appear on television, on the show Dancing with the Stars, and headed the show in Las Vegas called Toni Braxton: Revealed from 2006 to 2008.
Relationships and social media presence
Braxton married musician Keri Lewis in 2001, and they had two sons together, Denim and Diezel. They divorced in 2013. Later, Braxton began dating rapper Birdman in 2016 and got engaged to him the next year.
Although they briefly called off their engagement in 2019, they made it clear that year they were still on. However, in January 2024, she revealed that they were no longer together.
Toni Braxton is active on social media, especially on Instagram, with over 4 million followers. Her Instagram account, @tonibraxton, updates on music and her personal life. She posts about ongoing projects and shares awareness for various issues.
For over three decades, Braxton has been active in the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on the same. Performing, releasing music, and engaging with her audience, she remains one of the most respected and influential artists in the industry.
