Toni Michelle Braxton
- Born:
- October 7, 1967, Severn, Maryland, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Television Personality
Early Life and Education
- Raised in a strict religious household; singing in church choirs was a key part of her early life.
- Attended Bowie State University to study teaching, but left to pursue a music career.
Career and Major Achievements
- Started her career with her sisters in the group The Braxtons.
- Signed as a solo artist to LaFace Records in 1991.
- Released her self-titled debut album in 1993, achieving significant commercial success.
- Won multiple Grammy Awards throughout her career.
- Successfully transitioned into acting, appearing on Broadway and in television shows.
- Battled Lupus, which impacted her career and personal life.
- Toni Braxton's musical impact can be felt throughout pop and R&B, and even now, many fans hold her hit "Un-Break My Heart" in high regard. It's not uncommon to hear people remark on the enduring quality of her discography, saying something like, "That track, 'toni braxton long as i live,' still moves me."
Notable Works
Discography
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Toni Braxton | LaFace |
| 1996 | Secrets | LaFace |
| 2000 | The Heat | LaFace |
| 2001 | Snowflakes | Arista |
| 2002 | More Than a Woman | Arista |
| 2005 | Libra | Blackground |
| 2010 | Pulse | Atlantic |
| 2014 | Love, Marriage & Divorce (with Babyface) | Motown |
| 2018 | Sex & Cigarettes | Def Jam |
| 2020 | Spell My Name | Island |
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Kingdom Come | Juanita Slocumb | Film |
| 2011-2021 | Braxton Family Values | Herself | Reality TV Series |
| 2016 | Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart | Herself | Lifetime Biopic (Executive Producer) |
Legacy and Impact
Toni Braxton's impact on R&B music is undeniable. Her distinctive contralto voice and emotionally charged songs have solidified her place as one of the most successful and influential female artists of the 1990s and beyond. Her contributions span music, television, and film, making her a multifaceted entertainer.