Tony Braxton often compares himself to the ugly duckling, which somehow miraculously turned into a beautiful swan. All fans of the singer deny this and emphasize the fact that every note of her songs fills the world with good and light. Tony is more than just an artist. She is a reflection of lovers' hearts and open souls.
early years
Braxton Tony Michelle was born on October 7, 1967 in Sivern, Maryland. The baby was the sixth in a large family. The girls were brought up under the strict supervision of Father Michael Conrad, who worked as a priest. The only joy was music. The love of melodies and the subtle sound of the sisters was instilled by their mother Evelyn.
At first, Tony sang in the children's church choir. Then the sisters joined together in the family music group The Braxtons. In the graduation classes, the girls participated in singing school competitions, when the fanatic father cooled the ardor a little.
Michelle studied at Bowie State University and wanted to get a teaching degree. Later, dreams of teaching were scattered and goals appeared in a musical career.
At the same time, the white streak of the family team began. Once at an automobile gas station, the Braxton sisters met a man named Bill Pattaway. Thanks to well-established contact, the group easily entered into a contract with a recording studio and released the first single.
Significant role in the formation of the singer Tony Braxton was played by Cannet Brian Edmonds (Babeyfeys) and Antonio Reed. Mentioned producers wrote songs for Whitney Houston, Asher and Stevie Vander. Professionals immediately noticed the singer's velvet voice and suggested thinking about a solo career.
Music
June 1993 was marked by the release of the first album of the same name by Tony Braxton, which reached the first lines in the American Billboard 200 chart. The debut album received three Grammy awards (nomination for "Best New Artist") and two awards for "The best female vocal performance in the style of art nb. ”In addition, Tony also received the American Music Awards.
1996 was marked by the release of Tony's “business card”. She became the hit Un-Break My Heart. The composition was part of the Secrets album, which was widely accepted by the public and critics.
In the biography of Tony Braxton there are also unpleasant moments. In 1998, there was a scandal with the LaFace label. The performer wanted to break off business with them, because of this went bankrupt. During the trial, the singer played Belle in the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast on Broadway. A few months later, the producers nevertheless took pity and entered into a new contract with milder conditions. All subsequent albums were not as popular as their debut.
With new labels, Tony has recorded several albums:
- The Heat - Double Platinum. Recognized as the best soul and rhythm and blues album (2001) at the American Music Awards.
- More Than a Woman.
- Libra
- Pulse.
Tony's life path is not limited only to music. She had her own show in Las Vegas, she distinguished herself by participating in a dance show and launched a family reality show.
Personal stories
Tony Braxton's personal life is filled with ups and downs. In 2001, the girl married one of the members of the Mint Condition band - Keri Lewis. Over the twelve years of family life, the couple acquired two sons: Denim-Kai and Diesel-Kai. But not everything worked out as we would like. Divorce from a loved one and autism in the youngest son unsettled the singer.
In 2007, Tony was diagnosed with cancer and the tumor removed. Later, she talked about another diagnosis - increased fragility of capillaries. Medical support and endless visits to hospitals did not allow the performer to fully surrender to the stage. Only Braxton is not so easy to scare, so she made every effort to cope with ailments.
Singer today
Last year, Tony was able to fulfill her childhood dream again and try herself as an actress. So, she played in the drama Faith Under Fire of an accountant in an educational institution named Antoinette Tuf. Everything worked out on the personal front of the star. So, recently Tony announced that she and Brian Williams (he is better known as rapper Birdmen) decided to get married.
In 2018, the singer delighted her listeners with a new album after eight silent years. Only one photo of Tony Braxton on the cover interested fans. The album “Sex and Cigarettes” returned its former glory and the very sound that many liked even during the singer’s first steps in the music industry.