Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton Net Worth

Explore Toni Braxton’s net worth, career highlights, financial struggles, and personal life. Learn about her journey from R&B stardom to overcoming health and financial challenges.

Toni Braxton at a Glance

  • Categories: Celebrities, Celebrities > Singers
  • Net Worth: $10 Million
  • Birthdate: Oct 7, 1967 (56 years old)
  • Birthplace: Severn
  • Gender: Female
  • Profession: Singer, Actor, Singer-songwriter, Artist, Record producer, Pianist, TV Personality, Musician, Music artist
  • Nationality: United States of America
  • Height: 5 ft 1 in (1.562 m)

Toni Braxton’s Net Worth: A Look at Her Career, Financial Struggles, and Comeback

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Toni Michelle Braxton, born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland, embarked on a journey that would lead her to become one of the most iconic voices in R&B. Raised in a deeply religious and musically inclined family, Braxton’s early life was steeped in the influences of gospel music. Her parents, Michael and Evelyn Braxton, played pivotal roles in their local Methodist church, with her father serving as a clergyman and working at a power company, while her mother, a former opera singer, found her profession in a beauty salon. Toni is the eldest of six siblings including one brother and four sisters, all of whom had musical inclinations.

Braxton’s musical journey began within the walls of her church, where she honed her vocal skills in the choir. Her formal education included enrollment at Bowie State University in Maryland, where she initially aimed to become a teacher. However, fate intervened when composer and producer William Pettaway Jr. discovered her exceptional vocal talent while she was singing at a gas station. This pivotal moment set the stage for her entry into the professional music industry.

Career Breakthrough and Musical Success

In the late 1980s, Braxton, along with her sisters, formed a group called The Braxtons, signing with Arista Records in 1989. While their debut single, “Good Life,” didn’t achieve significant radio play, it caught the attention of the renowned producers Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. These industry giants recognized Braxton’s extraordinary vocal abilities and invited her to record a demo for “Love Shoulda Brought You Home,” a song they had written for Anita Baker. However, Baker suggested that Braxton sing the song instead. The song found its way onto the soundtrack of the Eddie Murphy film “Boomerang,” alongside a duet featuring Braxton and Babyface.

This exposure led to Braxton signing with LaFace Records, a label co-founded by Reid and Babyface. Her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton,” released in 1993, became an instant sensation. The album’s lead single, “Another Sad Love Song,” topped the newly established Adult R&B charts, marking a milestone in her career. The album went on to spawn several hit singles and earned Braxton three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and two consecutive awards for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. In 1996, Braxton’s second album, “Secrets,” solidified her status as a global superstar. The album featured iconic tracks such as “Un-Break My Heart” and “You’re Makin’ Me High.” “Un-Break My Heart” became one of the best-selling singles of all time, showcasing Braxton’s ability to blend soulful R&B with pop sensibilities and appeal to a broad audience.

Financial Difficulties and Bankruptcy

Despite her immense commercial success, Toni Braxton’s career has been marked by significant financial struggles. In 1998, she filed for bankruptcy, citing debts totaling $5 million. Her financial recovery was briefly aided by the success of her album “The Heat” in 2000, which sold over two million copies. However, the financial pressures persisted, leading her to file for bankruptcy again in October 2010. This time, her debts were estimated to be as high as $50 million.

The sources of her debt were varied, including the IRS, Tiffany & Co, AT&T, and Neiman Marcus, highlighting the breadth of her financial obligations. Reports indicated significant spending on personal expenses, including substantial amounts on makeup, clothing, and hair. As part of her bankruptcy proceedings, she lost the rights to 27 of her most famous songs, including “You’re Makin’ Me High,” “Always,” and “How Many Ways,” which meant she would no longer receive the majority of the royalties from these hits.

Additionally, Braxton does not receive substantial royalties from her biggest hit, “Un-Break My Heart,” because the song was written by Diane Warren. Despite these financial setbacks, Braxton remains a popular live performer, especially in international markets, earning between $750,000 and $1 million annually from live shows and personal appearances, including her reality show, “Braxton Family Values.” A bankruptcy court eventually discharged a large portion of her debt, offering hope for improved financial stability in the future.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Personal Life and Relationships

Toni Braxton’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest. She married musician Keri Lewis in 2001, after his group Mint Condition opened for her on tour. The same year, she gave birth to their son, Denim Cole Braxton-Lewis. In 2002, she became pregnant with her second child, Diezel Ky Braxton-Lewis, during which she was placed on bed rest. Diezel was later diagnosed with autism, and Braxton became an international spokesperson for Autism Speaks, advocating for awareness and support for individuals with autism.

Braxton and Lewis divorced in July 2013. In May 2016, she began dating rapper Birdman, and they announced their engagement in February 2018. However, the engagement was called off in January 2019. Despite the breakup, Braxton and Birdman confirmed in April 2019 that they were still together, suggesting a reconciliation.

Health Challenges and Advocacy

Toni Braxton has faced several health challenges throughout her career. In late summer 2007, rumors circulated about a possible diagnosis of breast cancer, which she initially denied. In 2008, she underwent surgery to remove a benign lump from her breast. Her health issues led to the cancellation of the remaining dates of her Flamingo Hotel Las Vegas residency. During Season 7 of “Dancing with the Stars,” she revealed that she had been diagnosed with microvascular angina, a condition characterized by small vessel disease.

In November 2010, Braxton publicly disclosed that she had been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease that can be potentially life-threatening. Since her diagnosis, she has become an advocate for lupus awareness, using her platform to educate and support those affected by the disease.

Real Estate Ventures

In the fall of 2014, Braxton purchased a 5,323-square-foot home in The Oaks neighborhood of Calabasas, California, for $2.9 million. The house, which was built in 2006, featured four en-suite bedrooms and was considered a relatively affordable option for the upscale neighborhood. She sold the property in 2016 for $3.4 million, demonstrating her involvement in real estate ventures.

Toni Braxton’s Net Worth

As of 2024, Toni Braxton’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This figure reflects her successful career as a singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, television personality, and philanthropist. Despite facing financial challenges, her consistent income from live performances, television appearances, and music sales contributes to her financial standing.

Conclusion

Toni Braxton’s life and career embody a narrative of immense talent, resilience, and perseverance. From her early days in a musical family to her rise as a global R&B icon, she has captivated audiences with her powerful voice and emotionally resonant music. While she has navigated personal and financial difficulties, including bankruptcy and health issues, Braxton has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her art, her family, and her fans. Her story serves as an inspiration, showcasing the enduring power of music and the ability to overcome adversity. Her continuous contributions to the music industry and her advocacy work solidify her legacy as one of the most significant and influential artists of our time.