Thought for 6 seconds Toni Braxton (born October 7, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her distinctive rich contralto voice and polished blend of R&B, soul, and pop. Rising to prominence in the early 1990s, she quickly became one of the best-selling female artists of her era, earning multiple Grammy, Billboard, and American Music Awards. Beyond recording and touring, Braxton has appeared on Broadway (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Aida”) and starred with her sisters in the long-running reality series Braxton Family Values. A survivor and outspoken advocate for lupus awareness, she remains an influential figure in contemporary R&B.