Early Life and Education
Braxton was born in Severn, Maryland. Toni's father, Michael Conrad Braxton, was a Methodist clergyman and power company worker, and her mother, Evelyn, a native of South Carolina, was a former opera singer and cosmetologist, as well as a pastor. The Braxton children were raised in a strict religious household. Braxton's first performing experience was singing in her church choir.
Toni and brother Michael Braxton Jr. are the eldest of the siblings, followed by younger sisters Traci, Towanda, Trina, and Tamar.
She attended Bowie State University to obtain a teaching degree but decided to sing professionally after she was discovered by William E. Pettaway Jr., who heard her singing to herself while pumping gas.
Read more about this topic: Toni Braxton
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