Toni Michele Braxton was born of October 7, 1967. She is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, actress, and television personality. Toni Braxton began her professional career singing alongside her sisters, until emerging as a solo artist with a song on the soundtrack for Boomerang. 

Braxton and her four younger sisters — Traci, Towanda, Trina and Tamar — began singing at an early age at their father’s church. Over time, Michael and Evelyn eased their household rules, allowing their daughters to gain more exposure to soul and rock singers like Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan. Following her graduation from high school, Braxton planned on becoming a music teacher but was easily swayed to leave college when songwriter Bill Pettaway overheard Braxton singing to herself. Pettaway, was moved by Braxton’s husky, driving voice. With his help, Braxton landed a record contract with Arista Records for both her and her sisters.