The Braxtons facts for kids

The Braxtons are an American music group made up of five sisters: Toni Braxton, Traci Braxton, Towanda Braxton, Trina Braxton, and Tamar Braxton. Their first song, "Good Life", wasn't a big hit. However, it helped Toni Braxton start her successful solo career. In 2011, all five sisters got back together to star in a reality television show called Braxton Family Values on WE tv, along with their mom, Evelyn Braxton.

In October 2015, the group released a Christmas album titled Braxton Family Christmas.

The Braxton Family Story

The Braxton sisters grew up in Severn, Maryland. Their parents are Michael Braxton Sr. and Evelyn Braxton. The sisters are:

• Toni Michele Braxton (born 1967)
• Traci Renee Braxton (born 1971, passed away in 2022)
• Towanda Chloe Braxton (born 1973)
• Trina Evette Braxton (born 1974)
• Tamar Estine Braxton (born 1977)

They also have a brother, Michael Conrad Braxton Jr.

The sisters started singing together when they were very young. They even wrote their first song, called the "Toilet Paper Song," after a funny moment in the bathroom! As they grew up, they sang in church choirs and traveled with their parents, performing at different events along the East Coast.

Starting Their Music Journey (1989–1991)

In 1989, Toni, Traci, Towanda, Trina, and Tamar Braxton signed their first record deal with Arista Records. They released their first and only song as a group, "Good Life", in 1990. It reached number 79 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart, but it wasn't a huge hit. The age differences between the sisters made it hard for the record company to market them. Because of this, The Braxtons were dropped from Arista Records.

In 1991, music producers Antonio "L.A." Reid and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds were starting a new record label called LaFace Records. They saw the sisters perform and decided to sign Toni Braxton as their first female solo artist. At that time, LaFace Records wasn't looking for another girl group because they had just signed TLC.

Singing Backup and New Deals (1992–1995)

After Toni left to start her solo career, the other four sisters – Traci, Towanda, Trina, and Tamar – became her backup singers. They joined her on her first U.S. tour and appeared in her music videos. They were even in the music video for Toni Braxton's song "Seven Whole Days".

In 1993, LaFace Records signed the remaining Braxtons sisters. However, they didn't release any music with LaFace. When a record executive named Bryant Reid moved to Atlantic Records, he helped the group sign a new deal there in 1994. They signed a deal for three albums.

In 1995, it was reported that Traci Braxton left the group. Later, in 2004, Towanda Braxton shared that Traci wasn't able to sign with Atlantic Records because she was pregnant at the time.

Their Album So Many Ways (1996–1997)

In June 1996, Tamar, Trina, and Towanda released their album called So Many Ways. The album came out on August 13, 1996. It reached number 26 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. This was their first and only full album. The album included songs produced by famous artists like Jermaine Dupri. It also featured their own versions of classic songs like "The Boss" by Diana Ross.

The group made a music video for the song "So Many Ways", which featured actor Mekhi Phifer. They also performed a special version of the song with rapper Jay-Z at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. "So Many Ways" reached number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1996 and number 32 on the UK Singles Chart in 1997.

Their next song, "Only Love", came out in January 1997. Another song, "The Boss", became a number 1 hit on the Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart. The last song from the album, "Slow Flow", reached number 26 on the UK Charts in July 1997.

The Braxtons also opened for Toni Braxton on her European tour in 1997.

Going Their Separate Ways (1998–1999)

The Braxtons group decided to stop making music together after Tamar Braxton left to start her own solo career in 1999. Even though the group broke up, the sisters continued to sing and act in different projects. There was some tension because the group had planned to make a second album, and Tamar's decision to leave surprised some of them.

Solo Adventures (2000–2010)

The sisters explored their own paths in music and acting:

• Trina appeared in plays like Meet the Browns and Dreamgirls. She also acted in independent films and joined a band called "Simply Irresistible." In 2012, Trina released her own song, "Party or Go Home."
• Trina and Tamar sang backup and danced for Toni Braxton on her "Libra Tour" in 2006.
• Towanda appeared on a reality show called Starting Over and recorded a song for it.
• Tamar released her first solo album, Tamar, in 2000. She also acted in a stage play and sang backup for Toni's albums. In 2012, Tamar released a hit song called "Love and War", followed by two albums in 2013.

In 2010, all five Braxtons sisters, including Traci, appeared in Toni Braxton's music video for her song "Make My Heart."

Braxton Family Values (2011–2014)

In 2011, WE tv announced a new reality television series called Braxton Family Values. The show featured Toni Braxton, her sisters, and their mom, Evelyn. It showed their relationships and daily lives. The show was very popular and was renewed for many seasons.

During the show, the sisters talked about making new music together. They even performed their song "The Boss" at an event in New York City. In 2014, a video showed the sisters discussing making a gospel album together. Toni, Tamar, and Trina also appeared in Traci's music video for her song "Last Call."

A Christmas Album (2015–Present)

In October 2015, all five sisters – Toni, Tamar, Traci, Trina, and Towanda – reunited to release a Christmas album called Braxton Family Christmas. The album was released on October 30 and quickly became popular. It reached number 1 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart in December 2015.

Members

Music Albums

Studio Albums

Singles

See also

• List of Number 1 Dance Hits (United States)
• List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart