Traci Braxton

Background

Traci Braxton was born on April 2, 1971. She was an American television personality, singer, and actor. She was the daughter of Michael Conrad Braxton, Sr., a Methodist minister and power company worker, and Evelyn Jackson, a former opera singer, pastor, and cosmetologist. She, her four sisters, and an elder brother (Michael) grew up in a religious family in Severn, Maryland. She was a member of her church choir.

Braxton and her sisters formed The Braxtons and signed their first record deal with Arista Records in 1989. In 1990, they released their first single ‘Good Life.’ Traci’s pregnancy and Toni’s departure led to the group’s disbandment. In 2015, the sisters reunited as a musical group and released their second album. “Braxton Family Christmas” landed the top spot on the Heatseekers Albums on December 12. Tracks included a cover of ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham!, and original songs ‘Every Day is Christmas’ and ‘Blessed New Year’ (both written by Toni). Michael’s voice was also heard in the song ‘Under My Christmas Tree.’

Despite her older sister Toni being regarded as the most successful among the sisters, Traci also enjoyed success as a solo artist. She released hit singles like ‘Last Call,’ ‘Moonlight,’ ‘Broken Things,’ ‘Perfect Time,’ and ‘Lifeline.’ She also released two solo albums titled “Crash & Burn” and “On Earth.” But it was her success outside of music that made her the entertainment powerhouse that she was. She appeared in movies and in her self-titled show “The Traci Braxton Show” and “Marriage Boot Camp” (where she appeared with her husband Kevin Surratt). Traci was perhaps best known for her role on the reality television show “Braxton Family Values” with her siblings and their families. It premiered on WE T.V. in 2011 and ran until late 2020. She lost her battle with esophageal cancer in March 2022.