R&B / Adult Contemporary · 1990s Career
Toni Braxton became one of the decade’s defining ballad singers through a deep contralto voice, elegant production and emotionally controlled performances.
Debut breakthrough
Her 1993 self-titled debut introduced major hits such as “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again,” establishing her immediately in mainstream R&B and pop.
Secrets
The 1996 album became her commercial peak through “You’re Makin’ Me High” and “Un-Break My Heart,” one of the decade’s defining power ballads.
Why she matters
Braxton helped define sophisticated 1990s adult R&B and became a major influence on lower-register female vocalists.