Toni Braxton is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality with a current net worth of $10 million. Known for her remarkable contributions to the R&B genre, Braxton has established herself as one of the best-selling female artists in music history. Throughout her career, she has sold over 67 million records worldwide, solidifying her status as an iconic figure in the entertainment industry.
Her rise to fame began in the late 1980s when she and her sisters formed The Braxtons. The group initially gained some attention, but it wasn’t until Toni signed with LaFace Records in the early 1990s that her career truly took off. With the guidance of producers Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Toni released her self-titled debut album in 1993. The album, which included the hits “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again,” showcased her powerful voice and marked the beginning of her career as a solo artist.
Breakthrough Albums and Global Stardom
Toni Braxton continued to build on her success with the release of her second album, Secrets (1996), which became her most successful project to date. The album spawned iconic singles such as “Un-Break My Heart” and “You’re Makin’ Me High.” “Un-Break My Heart” became one of the best-selling singles of all time, while “You’re Makin’ Me High” gave her her first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. These tracks, along with her unique blend of R&B and pop, helped her reach an international audience.
Over the years, Braxton has continued to release albums that received both critical and commercial success. Her works, such as More Than a Woman (2002), Libra (2005), and Pulse (2010), showed her ability to evolve musically, though she also faced personal and professional challenges, including health issues and contract disputes. Despite these obstacles, Toni has remained a significant force in the entertainment industry, with her music continuing to resonate with fans around the world.
Financial Struggles and Bankruptcy Filings
Despite her immense success, Toni Braxton has faced significant financial struggles. Her first bankruptcy filing came in 1998 when she was $5 million in debt. Though her financial situation appeared to improve with the release of The Heat in 2000, which sold over two million copies, her financial woes resurfaced. In 2010, Toni filed for bankruptcy again, reportedly owing as much as $50 million.
Her debt was spread across various creditors, including the IRS, AT&T, Tiffany & Co., and Neiman Marcus. Additionally, she spent significant sums on personal expenses, including $2.5 million on clothing, makeup, and hair in just two years. As part of her bankruptcy proceedings, Toni lost the rights to 27 of her most well-known songs, including “You’re Makin’ Me High” and “Un-Break My Heart,” meaning she no longer received royalties from these tracks.
Despite this, Braxton has continued to earn a steady income from live performances, especially overseas, where she can make between $750,000 and $1 million annually from her shows and public appearances. Her reality TV series Braxton Family Values also contributed to her income, helping her navigate financial recovery after her bankruptcy case.
Early Life and Family Background
Toni Michelle Braxton was born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland. She grew up in a religious family, with both her mother and father deeply involved in their local church. Her mother, an opera singer, also worked in a beauty salon, while her father held a position at the power company. Toni is the oldest of six siblings, and her childhood was shaped by a strong family bond.
She began her singing journey in her church choir, where she first discovered her love for music. Initially, Toni attended Bowie State University, intending to become a teacher. However, a chance encounter with composer and producer William Pettaway Jr. led to a career change. He overheard her singing at a gas station and encouraged her to pursue music professionally.
The Braxtons and Early Career
In the late 1980s, Toni and her sisters formed the group The Braxtons. Signed to Arista Records in 1989, the group released their debut single, “Good Life,” in 1990. While the song didn’t achieve commercial success, it caught the attention of producers Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. The duo asked Toni to record a demo of the song “Love Shoulda Brought You Home,” originally intended for Anita Baker. When Baker passed on the track, Toni’s version was included on the soundtrack of the 1992 film Boomerang.
Braxton’s demo caught the interest of LaFace Records, and she signed a deal, leading to the release of her debut solo album, Toni Braxton, in 1993. The album was an instant hit, peaking at number one on the charts. It produced five singles, including “Another Sad Love Song,” which became the first number-one song on the newly introduced Adult R&B charts. The success of the album earned Toni three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, and two consecutive awards for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
Achieving Longevity in Music
Toni Braxton’s music continued to evolve in the following years. In 1996, her second album, Secrets, cemented her place in pop culture, with chart-topping singles and a string of successful albums. In 2002, she released More Than a Woman, followed by Libra in 2005. The late 2000s were challenging for Braxton, with health issues and legal battles impacting her career. Nonetheless, she remained active, releasing the album Pulse in 2010 and collaborating with Babyface on the Grammy-winning Love, Marriage & Divorce in 2014.
Braxton also ventured into Broadway, taking on the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast in 1998. Her tenure on Broadway was a significant accomplishment, though she left the production in 1999. She later became a reality TV star, with Braxton Family Values airing on WeTV starting in 2011.
Personal Life and Health Struggles
Toni Braxton’s personal life has also been a subject of media attention. She married musician Keri Lewis in 2001, and the couple had two sons, Denim and Diezel. Diezel was diagnosed with autism, which led Toni to become an advocate for Autism Speaks. The couple divorced in 2013.
Toni later entered a relationship with rapper Birdman, announcing their engagement in 2018. However, the engagement was called off in early 2019, though they later confirmed they were still together.
Braxton has faced several health challenges over the years. In 2008, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with microvascular angina. Later, in 2010, she disclosed her battle with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that has affected her health significantly.
Real Estate Ventures
In 2014, Toni Braxton purchased a home in the upscale neighborhood of The Oaks in Calabasas, California, for $2.9 million. The 5,323-square-foot home included four en-suite bedrooms and was considered relatively affordable for the area. She sold the property in 2016 for $3.4 million, demonstrating her ability to make savvy real estate decisions despite her financial setbacks.
Toni Braxton’s journey has been marked by both immense success and personal challenges. Through it all, she remains an influential figure in the music world and continues to inspire with her resilience and talent.
