Toni Braxton Follow

Toni Braxton was born the oldest of five chldren in familly

of minister on October 7, 1967 in Severen, Maryland.

Because her parents were very religious, Toni grew up

singing in the choir at her father's church. She was not

allowed to were pants untill high school and forbidden to

listen to secular music or watch shows such as Soul Train.

Although she was forbidden to listen to secular music.

Toni's fondest memories are of "sneaking to watch Soul

Train whenever my parents weren't around. " It was these

glimpses of secular music that influenced Toni's singing

style. It also influenced her skills as a pianist and song

writer. Toni graduated from Gien Burnie High School and

went on to study teaching at Bowie State University before

embarking on her musical career.