The Braxtons
The Braxtons
There are 5 sisters and a brother. The youngest is Tamar Braxton. The sisters were harmonizing together. When it comes to them singing together it was something to do with Tamar and she was in the bathroom. Demanding for something. And that was when the siblings started singing together. When they were growing up they were singing in Churches. And they performed at various events. They signed their first deal in 1989. And it was with Arista records. And in the year 1990 they released a song called Good Life. The song wasn’t like a hit. Because of the age differences because of marketing it made it difficult for them to build an audience.
When you look at people like The Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child, TLC. They all were close in age. And they were able to market because of it. And in 1991 Babyface and also LA Reid were in the process of creating LA Records. Toni Braxton was chosen to be signed. At the time they had just signed TLC. And they’re not looking to sign the Braxton sisters. And in 1991 Toni Braxton departed from the group. It’s interesting when you look at. If they didn’t sign TLC. Where their career together could be. The remaining Braxtons they became backup singers for Toni Braxton’s tours, music videos and also appearances.
Trina, Towanda and Tamar were featured in Toni’s music video called Seven Whole Days. And in 1993. The Braxtons were signed to LaFace. The group never released an album or even a song with the label. Was it because they were focusing all their energy on Toni Braxton? It could be. The following year they signed a 3 album deal with Atlantic Records. It was reported by Vibe magazine that Traci actually left the group to pursue another career in 1995. However, it was confirmed in the reality show Braxton Family Values that the reason why she didn’t sign it was because of her pregnancy at the time.
She always talks about and often gets angry. Because she felt like she was left out. And in June 1996 Tamar, Trina and Towanda returned with an album called So Many Ways. It peaked at number 26 on the Billboard charts. They also released a song called So Many Ways. It had production from people like Jermaine Dupri. They also had several cover songs. So Many Ways featured the rapper Jay-Z. And their second single Only Love was released in 1997. The Braxtons also served as an opening act for Toni Braxton’s tour in 1997. The Braxtons then decided to go their own ways. And Tamar Braxton started her own solo career.
The other members continue to sing and act. They were basically doing their own thing. There was tension in the group. Because they were supposed to release a second album. However, Tamar wanted to go solo. And they were planning to do a second album with Traci involved. When you have an older sister like Toni Braxton doing well. That can sometimes inspire you when it comes to doing your own thing. Because you have seen her become successful. And you feel like you can also do the same.
That probably what made Tamar to be a solo artist.
Trina then appeared in a Tyler Perry film called Meet the Browns. Trina was doing movies. Acting is another avenue that people could take especially if you have made a name for yourself in the Music industry. Trina also joined a band called Simply Irresistible and it was as a lead vocalist. Trina and Tamar were backup singers for Toni’s tour in 2006. Towanda Braxton also appeared on the reality TV called Starting Over. She performed and recorded a solo song called Here I Am. And in 2005 Towanda was pregnant. Tamar then released her album in the year 2000 called Tamar. She made a cameo in a music video called Wasn’t Man Enough.
Tamar Braxton was also co-writing songs for Toni’s albums: Snowflakes, More Than a Woman, Libra, and Pulse. The Braxtons during that time then were featured in a reality TV show called Braxton Family Values. Reality TV shows can show the type of person that you are. And they can really be seeing what is going on when it comes to their careers. And it’s really good. The reality show was huge. Because people saw the sisters and how they would interact with each other. And it makes sense because there are so many things that happened during the 90s. The 90s was such a hard time for the Braxtons.
So they talked about it on their reality show. They have also released a Christmas album. This was the first time we heard all of the sisters together. And this was the last thing that they released together. When it comes to the Braxtons, there is a lot that happened when it comes to their careers. And when it comes to LaFace records it was obvious that they were more focused on Toni Braxton’s career. Which meant that the sisters were basically left to be on their own. And sometimes as a sibling that can make you feel some type of way. Like you’re not included.
When you’re in a group and someone becomes even more successful.
There are some people that will use that situation to feel like your name is famous because of who you’re related to. And what they don’t realize is that they actually started off being a 5 girl group. They were supposed to be all 5 of them. And Toni Braxton had that responsibility when it comes to bringing her sisters with her. That can be a lot of responsibility on your plate. And so many good things can happen from it. The music industry is actually such a messy industry.
This situation could have really affected the sisters. And this could have made them resent them. And it did for a while. Working with your family. It’s not the easiest thing to do. There are so many things that can happen. And that’s why many people advise not to work with family members. There are so many feelings. And also making sure that it doesn’t interfere when it comes to your relationship with each other that can be difficult thing to do.