Toni Braxton

October 7, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Toni Braxton, one of the best-selling and leading female artists of the 1990s, was born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland. Toni’s father, Michael Braxton, was a minister, meaning that Toni and her four sisters were brought up in a strict, religious environment! Toni and her sisters were in the church choir and music was an integral part of their youth. She initially decided that she wanted to be a music teacher and attended Bowie State University to pursue this career but changed her mind halfway through her studies. Her career has seen her win multiple awards, and release numerous albums and songs. She is considered to be one of the best-selling female artists of the 1990s. Today, on her birthday, we look back on all that this sensational star has achieved throughout her life.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Toni Michele Braxton

Nickname:

Toni

Birth date:

October 7, 1967

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Libra

Height:

5' 2"

Relationship Status:

Single

Net Worth:

$10 million

Background

Toni Braxton was born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland to parents Michael and Evelyn Braxton. She comes from a very religious family as her father was a minister and therefore, Toni and her siblings were very active members of the church, specifically within the choir. Toni always had a passion for singing and wanted to be a music teacher, so she decided to attend Bowie State University and pursue a degree in education. Halfway through her studies, she was approached by Bill Pettaway who pushed her to think about a career in performing and creating music rather than teaching. This was all that Toni needed to be convinced that she had a shot and dropped out halfway through her degree.

In 1990, Toni signed with Arista Records and released her first record called ‘The Good Life,’ and while the song did not achieve much, it got the attention of LaFace Records! In 1992, Toni replaced singer, Anita Baker in Eddie Murphy’s movie “Boomerang”. 1993 was the year she released her debut album called “Toni Braxton” and had a number of songs that would be hits, even years after their release. Toni continued to make music and did what she does best, racking up awards as she got more and more popular in the entertainment industry.

In 2001 she married Keri Lewis and they had two sons together. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be and in 2009, the couple decided to get divorced. In 2012, Toni starred in the hit TV series “Braxton Family Values” which followed the lives of the Braxton sisters as they tried to navigate the entertainment industry. There is no doubt that Toni Braxton has had a profound impact on the entertainment industry. We cannot wait to see where the road takes this star next!

Career timeline

1990

The Arista Records Deal

In 1990, Toni signed with Arista records to pursue her career in the entertainment industry; even though this would not be a long relationship, it did help get her noticed.

1992

The “Boomerang” Connection

Replacing singer Anita Baker, Toni sang in “Boomerang,” a popular Eddie Murphy movie.

1993

The Debut Album

In 1993 Toni released her debut album, "Toni Braxton.”

2012

The “Braxton Family Values” Show

This show follows the Braxton sisters as they try to navigate through the world of the entertainment industry.

Why We Love Toni Braxton

Spokesperson for Autism Speaks
Toni has a son with Autism. This is the reason why she became the international spokesperson for the organization Autism Speaks.
She supports numerous charities
Toni has a given nature and she supports charities. Two that she is passionate about are American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.
She is a hands-on mom
Even though she is so busy, Toni still finds the time to be a hands-on mom to her kids. We love this work-life balance she has established

5 Surprising Facts

She wanted to teach music
Before coming to the realization that she wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, Toni wanted to be a music teacher.
She has won six Grammy Awards
We knew that Toni was talented, but six Grammy Awards is a huge accomplishment, and we could not think of a singer who deserves it more.
First black actress in a Disney musical
Toni became the first black actress to perform in a Disney musical and she was cast to play ‘Belle’ in a Broadway production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
Her mother was an amateur opera singer
Music definitely runs in the genes of this family, and Toni's mother was once an amateur opera singer.
She plays the piano
Toni actually composed the music for many of the songs that she wrote and is an avid piano player.