Jump to content

The Braxtons

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Taurean81278 (talk | contribs) at 18:34, 17 June 2011 (→‎1998-2010: Disbandment). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

The Braxtons

The Braxtons were an American R&B girl group consisting of sisters Toni Braxton, Traci Braxton, Towanda Braxton, Trina Braxton, and Tamar Braxton. Despite being commercially unsuccessful, the group's first single, "Good Life", led to oldest sister Toni Braxton's acclaimed solo career.[1]

All five members reunited in 2011 to star in the WE tv reality show Braxton Family Values alongside their mother, Evelyn Braxton. The Braxtons and Toni Braxton sing the show's theme song.

Background and early beginnings

The Braxtons' parents are Rev. Michael Braxton and amateur opera singer Evelyn Braxton. Toni is the eldest sister and was born on October 7, 1967. Traci Renee Braxton, their third child, was born in 1972. Soon after Traci's birth, Towanda Braxton was born on September 18, 1973. The Braxton's fifth child, Trina was born in 1975. The youngest member, Tamar, was born on March 17, 1977. They are originally from Severn, Maryland.[2]

The sisters began to harmonize together when a then 2-year-old Tamar demanded, "Somebody get me some toilet paper!" Each sister soon after went in the bathroom and began singing the "Toilet Paper Song." The Braxtons credit this incident as their first song-writing experience and the first time that they harmonized as a group.[3] Growing up, they sang in the choir at several churches and toured the East Coast with their religious parents singing at various events.[4]

1989-1991: Good Life and lineup change

Toni, Traci, Towanda, Trina, and Tamar Braxton signed their first record deal with Arista Records in 1989. In 1990, they released their first single, "Good Life". It would be their only single as a fivesome. "Good Life" was not a hit, peaking at No. 79 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart. At the time of the single's release, the members' age differences created a problem with marketing. Subsequently, The Braxtons were dropped from Arista Records.

In 1991, during a showcase with Antonio "L.A." Reid and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, who were in the process of forming LaFace Records, Toni Braxton, minus her four sisters, was chosen and signed as the label's first female solo artist. At the time, the remaining members were told that LaFace was not looking for another girl group since it had just signed TLC.[5][6]

1992-95: The Braxton 4 and Traci's Pregnancy

After Toni's departure from the group in 1991, the remaining Braxtons members became backup singers for Toni's first U.S. tour, music videos, and promotional appearances. Traci, Towanda, Trina, and Tamar were featured in the music video for Toni Braxton's third single, Seven Whole Days, from her debut album.

In 1993, LaFace Records A&R Vice President, Bryant Reid, signed The Braxtons to LaFace. However, the group never released an album or single for the record label. When Reid moved on to work for Atlantic Records, he convinced executives at LaFace to allow him take the group to Atlantic also.[7][8]

It was reported in Vibe magazine that in 1995 Traci Braxton had left the group to pursue a career as a youth counselor.[9] However, it was not confirmed until a 2011 promotional appearance on The Mo'Nique Show, that Traci was not allowed to sign with Atlantic because of her pregnancy at the time.[10]

1996-97: So Many Ways

In June 1996, Tamar, Trina, and Towanda returned with a new single titled "So Many Ways." So Many Ways, which shared the same title as its lead single, was released on August 13, 1996 and peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.[11] It became their first and only LP. Atlantic Records A&R VP, Bryant Reid, served as the album's executive producer. At the time of of its release, Reid told Billboard Magazine, "I had a vision for them then that was about young sophistication with sex appeal." So Many Ways included production from Jermaine Dupri and Daryl Simmons along with Christopher "Tricky" Stewart and Sean "Sep" Hall. The album also included a cover of Diana Ross's hit "The Boss" and Klymaxx's song "I'd Still Say Yes"[12]

The Braxtons released a music video in order to promote "So Many Ways". It was directed by Cameron Casey and featured upcoming actor Mekhi Phifer.[13] The trio also performed a remixed version of "So Many Ways" with rapper Jay-Z on September 9, 1996 at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.[14] The single was also used as the opening track for the soundtrack to the comedy film High School High.[15] "So Many Ways" went on to peak at No. 83 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1996 and number 32 on the UK Singles Chart in January 1997.[16]

The album's second single, Only Love was released on January 25, 1997 and peaked at number 52 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart. A music video for this song was also released.[17]

A Masters At Work remix version of The Braxtons cover of The Boss reached number 1 on Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart in early 1997.[18] Slow Flow was the final single released from So Many Ways. It peaked at No. 26 on the UK Charts in July 1997, becoming their highest charting single in the UK.[19]

The Braxtons also served as the opening act for Toni Braxton on the European Leg of her Secrets Tour in 1997.

1998-2010: Disbandment

The Braxtons decided to part ways as a group after lead singer Tamar Braxton decided to pursue a solo career with DreamWorks Records in 1999.[20] However, the members continued to sing and act in various other projects.

Trina appeared in the 2004 Tyler Perry play Meet the Browns as Tracy Stevens. She was also part of the play "Rise" written by Salt from Salt-n-Pepa and Christopher "Play" Martin from the rap group Kid 'n Play and starred in an off-broadway production of Dreamgirls as Deena Jones. In 2004, Trina Braxton appeared in "The Walk" with Eva Pigford and Vanessa Bell. Additionally, she co-starred in two independent films including "Jail Party" and was host for the unbroadcasted Urban Idol for UPN. She also made a cameo in Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself as a member of a band performing with singer Mary J. Blige's character. Trina along with Tamar also performed as background singers and dancers for the entire duration of Toni's 2006 Libra Tour. They were also in Toni Braxton: Revealed at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino until R&B singer Sparkle and fellow former Braxtons member Towanda Braxton replaced them.[21]. In 2009, Trina joined the wedding band "Simply Irresistible" as a lead vocalist. [22]

Towanda Braxton appeared in season 2 of the reality show, Starting Over. She performed and recorded a solo song, "Here I Am", for the show and conducted a radio interview on the Wendy Williams Experience about her time on Starting Over. Towanda is also a Zeta Phi Beta and pledged at Bowie State University in 1995.[23] In September 2005, People magazine's website reported that Towanda was pregnant.[24]

Tamar Braxton released her debut solo album Tamar in 2000. Tamar also made a cameo in the music video for He Wasn't Man Enough. She also appeared for a short time as Sasha in the stage play version of Madea Goes to Jail in 2005 alongside Tyler Perry and Cassi Davis. Tamar co-wrote several songs and sang background vocals for several of Toni's albums including Snowflakes , More Than a Woman , Libra , and Pulse .[25]

In 2010, The Braxtons including Traci Braxton appeared in sister Toni Braxton's music video for her dance single "Make My Heart." Earlier in the year, it was rumored that all five Braxtons would star in a reality show about their lives for the Bravo. However, this was never confirmed by the network.[26]

2011-present: "Braxton Family Values"

In January, 2011, WE tv Network confirmed that it had signed Toni Braxton for a reality series, entitled "Braxton Family Values", which will be marketed as one of the network's flagship shows. To prepare for the networks heavily anticipated new show lineup, WE tv has also given the network a new logo and marketing tagline: WE tv, “Life As WE Know It.” The show, Braxton Family Values, series debuts April 12, 2011, and looks at the relationship between the singer/songwriter Braxton, her mom, and her four sisters; Trina, Tamar, Traci and Towanda— all aspiring singers themselves, along with the interpersonal relationships of each family member. The show will also look at Braxton's heavily publicized separation from estranged husband, singer Keri Lewis.[27] After only four episodes, the new reality show about singer Toni Braxton, her sisters and their mom has been renewed for a second season. There will be 13 more one-hour episodes of “Braxton Family Values” on the WE channel in 2012, up from 10 during the debut season. “We all hoped people could relate to our family dynamic and are thrilled with the positive response we have received," Braxton, who lives in Duluth, said in a statement. "We are all very much looking forward to bringing you another eventful season."

Discography

Albums

Singles

References

  1. ^ Fanning, Michael. "Family Values." Kontrol. 01 Apr 2011: 65-69. Print.
  2. ^ "Braxton Family Values - Cast – WE Tv." WE Tv - Life As WE Know It. WE: Women's Entertainment LLC, 12 Apr. 2011. Web. 13 June 2011. <http://www.wetv.com/shows/braxton-family-values/cast>.
  3. ^ Millner, Denene. "Enjoying The Last Laugh Record Bosses Rejected The Singing Braxton Girls - They Only Wanted Toni. Now Her Sisters Get Their Big Chance." NYDailyNews.com (1996): n. pag. Web. 13 Jun 2011. <http://articles.nydailynews.com/1996-07-21/entertainment/18009513_1_tamar-braxton-toni-singing>.
  4. ^ Leading Women: Toni Braxton. Perf. Braxton, Toni. Viacom International, Inc.: 2009, Film.
  5. ^ Toni Braxton interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' May 2010
  6. ^ Lacher, Irene. "Toni Braxton: Sunday Conversatation." Los Angeles Times (2011): n. pag. Web. 13 Jun 2011. <http://articles.latimes.com/2011/may/22/entertainment/la-ca-conversation-20110522>.
  7. ^ Reynolds, J.R. "'So Many' Braxtons on Atlantic Label Downplays Link To Famous Sister." Billboard Magazine. 06 Jul 1996: 18-19. Print.
  8. ^ Lacher, Irene. "Toni Braxton: Sunday Conversatation." Los Angeles Times (2011): n. pag. Web. 13 Jun 2011. <http://articles.latimes.com/2011/may/22/entertainment/la-ca-conversation-20110522>.
  9. ^ Davis, Joyce E. "The Braxtons: And then there were threee." Vibe Magazine. 01 Sep 1996: 92. Print.
  10. ^ Hicks Media, prod. "The Mo'Nique Show: The Braxton Sisters; Travis Porter Performs; Shirley Strawberry." The Mo'Nique Show. BET. Atlanta, Georiga, 12 May 2011. Television.
  11. ^ 2011 Billboard. "The Boss [Maw Dub] - The Braxtons | Billboard.com." Music News, Reviews, Articles, Information, News Online & Free Music | Billboard.com. Billboard.com. Web. 14 June 2011. <http://www.billboard.com/#/artist/the-braxtons/155185>.
  12. ^ Reynolds, J.R. "'So Many' Braxtons on Atlantic Label Downplays Link To Famous Sister." Billboard Magazine. 06 Jul 1996: 18-19. Print.
  13. ^ Reynolds, J.R. . "So Many Ways." Billboard Magazine. 14 Sep 1996: 30. Print.
  14. ^ Don Cornelius Productions. "1996 - 2nd Annual Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards." Soul Train - Don Cornelius Productions. Web. 14 June 2011. <http://www.soultrain.com/stlos/library.html>.
  15. ^ Amazon.com, Inc. "Amazon.com: High School High: The Soundtrack: Various Artists: Music." Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & More. Amazon.com. Web. 14 June 2011. <http://www.amazon.com/High-School-Soundtrack-Various-Artists/dp/B00000010R>.
  16. ^ The Official UK Charts Company. "BRAXTONS - The Official Charts Company." The Official Charts Company – The Home of UK Charts. TheOfficialCharts.com. Web. 14 June 2011. <http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/braxtons/>.
  17. ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/song/the-braxtons/only-love/878841
  18. ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/artist/the-braxtons/chart-history/155185?f=359&g=Singles
  19. ^ http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/braxtons/
  20. ^ DeCurtis, Anthony. "Tamar 'Ridiculous'." Vibe Magazine. 01 Dec 1999: 250. Print.
  21. ^ http://trinab.nowcasting.com/
  22. ^ http://www.simplyirresistibleband.com/news/1-13-08_toni_braxtons_sister_joins_si.htm
  23. ^ Braxton, Towanda. ThaBiz.com. Intervew by Dorrie Williams-Wheeler . 01 Jan 2005. Print. 14 Jun 2011. <Dorrie Williams-Wheeler >.
  24. ^ Hudson, -. Kate. "Pregnant Celeb Spotting: Towanda Braxton – Moms & Babies – Moms & Babies - People.com." Celebrity Babies – Moms & Babies – People.com. Time Inc. Web. 17 June 2011. <http://celebritybabies.people.com/2005/09/26/pregnant_celeb_/>.
  25. ^ http://www.tylerperry.com/shows/jail/the_players.php
  26. ^ Eskridge, Sonya. "Bravo bags Toni Braxton." S2Smagazine.com (2010): n. pag. Web. 14 Jun 2011. <http://www.s2smagazine.com/node/2446>.
  27. ^ Braxton television show by 'ABC.com', Jan 2011%5d http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/01/04/wetv-toni-braxton-staten-island-cakes-tagline/Toni Braxton television show by 'ABC.com', Jan 2011]. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  28. ^ a b c Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 77. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.

See also

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Braxtons&oldid=434804039"