African Celebrities: Toni Braxton

Sunday 29 September 2013

Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton is an American R & B singer-songwriter, pianist, musician, record producer, actress, television personality and philanthropist. She was born on October 7, 1967 to Michael Conrad Braxton and Evelyn Jackson. Her father was a Methodist clergyman and power company worker, and her mother Evelyn Jackson was a former opera singer and cosmetologist as well as a pastor.

Toni is the eldest of six siblings. She has a younger brother Michael born in 1968, and four younger sisters; Traci born in 1972, Towanda born in 1973, Trina born in 1974 and Tamar born in 1977.

Toni Braxton attended Bowie State University to obtain a teaching degree but decided to sing professionally after she was discovered by William E. Pettaway Jr., who heard her singing to herself while pumping gas.

Toni was married to Keri Lewis on April 21, 2001 but they separated in November 2009 and their divorce was finalized on July 25, 2012. They have two sons named Denim Cole Braxton-Lewis born on December 2, 2001 and Diezel Ky Braxton-Lewis born on March 31, 2003.

Toni Braxton has won 6 Grammy Awards, 7 American Music Awards and 9 Billboard Music Awards. Throughout the years, she has sold over 66 million records worldwide.