Braxton Family Values
Encyclopedia
Braxton Family Values is an American reality series
on WEtv
starring Grammy-winner Toni Braxton
and her sisters. The series premiered on April 12, 2011.
The show features the rambunctious, tight-knit Braxton sisters — Grammy Award
-winning artist Toni Braxton
, Traci, Towanda, Trina and Tamar
— and their headstrong mother, Evelyn, and offers an inside look at their lives and the drama of family chaos.
Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton was born October 7 1968 in Severn, Maryland
as the first daughter of Michael and Evelyn Braxton. Toni spent much of her childhood with her sisters watching Soul Train
and listening to music.
As she grew older, Toni became inspired by the greats such as Stevie Wonder
and Chaka Khan
. Her mother's religious teachings eventually contributed to Toni's musical style as well. She discovered her singing talents as a member of the church choir, which her mother founded. Although Toni knew she wanted to pursue a singing career, she also received a college education at Bowie State University
. While studying to be a teacher, Toni never gave up music. She continued singing lessons to fulfill her true passion in life.
Remaining true to their love for music, Toni and her sisters formed a group called "The Braxtons
." Their first single "The Good Life" managed to catch the ear of Babyface and Antonio "L.A." Reid," of LaFace Records
. "The Good Life" was good enough for Toni's career, as it led to her record contract with LaFace.
Toni’s singles such as "Give U My Heart
" (a duet with Babyface) and "Love Shoulda Brought You Home
" both appeared on the Billboard charts. Her debut album, the self-entitled "Toni Braxton
," was released in 1993 and spawned the hits "Another Sad Love Song
," "You Mean The World To Me
" and "Breathe Again
." Her critically acclaimed album and sultry style earned her a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1993. Her follow-up album, the 1996 Secrets, also did not disappoint.
The hit song "Un-Break My Heart" is still considered Toni’s biggest international single. Toni also contributed to another soundtrack: the female bonding film Waiting to Exhale
.
Toni has also had a successful run with her show, Toni Braxton Revealed, which takes place in Las Vegas
.
Toni has sold over 60 million albums and singles and has starred in two "Disney" Broadway hit shows, "Beauty and the Beast
" and "Aida
."
Along with all her accomplishments, six Grammy awards she also has managed to be a great mother of two boys and the spokesperson for "Autism Speaks."
She contributed much of her adult life to social work for children with disabilities. Due to her decision to settle down and start a family early in life, Traci still searches for her rightful place in the entertainment industry.
Traci lives in Maryland
with her husband, Kevin and her son, Kevin Jr. She hopes to one day make it back on stage where she feels the most comfortable, singing in a microphone.
She studied music education at Bowie State University
and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta
.
Towanda played the role as Lorelle in the off Broadway play "Dreamgirls
." But Towanda decided to follow her other passion for singing.
Although in the past Towanda was a part of "The Braxtons
" album with Tamar and Trina in 1996, she searches for more in the world of entertainment.
Towanda was a main character in the Emmy award-winning show "Starting Over." She has also been exercising her drama muscle with acting workshops.
Towanda resides in Lawrenceville, Georgia
with two small children and her husband, Andre. She hopes to fulfill her dreams and become a successful writer and actor. She is currently working closely with Toni in her business affairs and singing background.
." While in the group she discovered her passion for songwriting and modeling.
Trina currently resides in Suwanee, Georgia
with her second husband Gabriel (Gabe) Solis and sons Eric (16 years old) and Caleb (13 years old). She had her first son at the age of 17.
Today Trina finds herself singing background for sister, Toni, and contributing vocals for a wedding band called "Simply Irresistible."
In addition, Trina also juggles her busy schedule as mom, wife, and online college student with her career as singer and inspiring actress. Now that Trina’s children are all grown-up she enjoys her "me time" partaking in the nightlife scene.
Trina's ultimate goal is to find success in her marriage and family relationships, to be a great parent and to be content with her career.
Tamar Braxton
Tamar was born March 17, 1977, and is the youngest of the Braxton children, which has created her insecure, immature, and outspoken personality. She has always harbored a passion for the closeness of her family.
Tamar started singing background for her sister, Toni, at age 11. She was also a member of the sisters’ group, "The Braxtons
."
Tamar knew as early as 3 years old that she wanted to be center stage; this developed into a need to be a super-star singer in her own right.
While writing and actively singing on Toni’s albums, Tamar began working closely with "super producer," executive and best friend to Toni, Vincent Herbert. The two became very close and wed in the fall of 2008.
While still being a well sought after background singer, Tamar signed a new deal with her husband’s record label and is currently working on her long awaited album.
Tamar is also an actress who has worked with Tyler Perry
on the play "Madea Goes to Jail" as well as a voice-over for Will Smith
’s web-a-sodes, "The Fresh Prince."
Tamar is determined not to live in her big sister and husband’s shadow. She strives to make a mark as a stand-alone artist and independent woman.
Despite the portrayal of her singing career on the show, Tamar did indeed release a solo album
in 2000 via Dreamworks Records
. It was commercially unsuccessful, however.
At the Braxton Family Values Reunion , talk show host Wendy Williams announced that Tamar was voted the fans favorite Braxton sister.
with several brothers and sisters. At the age of 13 she experienced a life-change when she moved to Maryland
alone to live with her aunt who had no children. This is where she met Michael Braxton and married him at the age of 18. Evelyn gave birth to her first daughter, Toni
, after only one year of marriage. Following their firstborn Evelyn had 4 more daughters, as well as a son, Michael.
Evelyn came into her own as a full-time mother, a pastor and the children’s singing coach. She took great pride in her talented children; every Sunday she and the children would sing in the "family" church choir. Not knowing that her daughters would take their singing careers to the next level, she was suddenly thrown into "Momager" (mom + manager) for her very young daughters.
After her daughters became "of age" she decided she’d spent enough time on tour and decided to take some time for herself. Evelyn attended Sojourner College (Annapolis, Maryland) and Bowie State University
where she studied Social Science and Psychology
. She also attended Wesley Seminary College in Washington, D.C.
.
Evelyn has pastored and counseled at her own church for many years. She has also tenured as a volunteer counselor at Sarah’s House of Distressed Women and Family shelter.
Due to personal struggles that Evelyn had overcome, she embarked on a new passion of life coaching and started her organization "God Can Heal the Heart," which is a self-empowering mentorship that helps encourage, motivate and support other men and women who have been through personal trauma.
Evelyn also has 11 grandchildren, who she adores and enjoys spending time with.
Her motto is and forever claims, "All that I am and all that I ever hope to be — I owe it all to God — for He has healed my heart."
's husband and Toni
's former manager)
Tamar
's husband, Vincent Herbert, born December 31, has been the man in the background of many famous recording artists over the last 10 years, creating hits for Destiny's Child
, Michael Jackson
, Jo Jo, Stevie Wonder
and many more, including megastar Lady Gaga
. When the 19-year-old Stefani Joanna Angelina Germanotta
decided to put all her effort in her music, she rejected Def Jam but got a new chance when her ex-boyfriend and co-writer Rob Fusari sent the songs he produced with her to Vincent, who was then a producer and record executive at Streamline Records, an imprint of Interscope Records
. This become the big breakthrough for young Lady Gaga, since she got the opportunity to write songs for artists such as the Pussycat Dolls
, Fergie and Britney Spears
. Gaga credits Herbert as the one who discovered her saying, "I really feel like we made pop history, and we're going to keep doing it."
Herbert has a huge commitment and interest in music, which he successfully channels into hit song after hit song. Tamar Braxton
's most famous song as a solo artist, "Please", was produced by her husband.
Trina's husband, Gabe Solis, is a software developer
born to Mexican parents in Palacios, Texas
, a small town on the shores of Matagorda Bay
with a populationof 4,000 and one traffic light. Raised in a religious Christian family, as a kid he wanted to be a professional baseball player, after that a lawyer and he eventually got into computer work.
Gabe enlisted in the Air Force
at age 19 because he didn't want to stay in a small town and work at a local plant. He admits that in the military he had the cushy job of counseling people on how to prepare to move. Gabe was honorably discharged then started working for a cell phone company in customer service for the next five years. After meeting a girl (and thinking she was the "one"), they moved to Atlanta, Georgia
. There, Gave went to Georgia State University
on the HOPE scholarship, got his degree in computer information systems and eventually realized she wasn't "the one."
Gabe met Trina at a bar called American Pie in Atlanta
on a night when he admits he wanted to "get lucky." He saw Trina, dancing on the stage wearing very little clothing, and spent all night watching her as he drank Coronas. When the bar closed, Trina approached him and asked why he was staring at her all night. He suggest they go outside to talk, asking her if she thought he could take his beer out. Trina's response: "No, you alcholic." They later went to IHOP
then he took her back to his place and once they started kissing in bed, Trina asked, "Has another woman been on these sheets?" Gabe got up and changed the sheets because Trina said she "didn't want to sleep in another woman's juices." So Trina slept over, but Gabe admits that he didn't get lucky.
On their first real date they both claimed that they didn't want to get into a serious relationship with each other and just wanted to have fun - and the opposite happened. After a year and a half, Gabe took Trina to see "Dreamgirls
" at the Fox Theater, and on the rooftop of the Georgian Terrace Hotel after, he proposed. Trina said 'yes' but didn't like the ring so they later exchanged it.
A gym fanatic, Gabe practices Krav Maga and still likes playing baseball. His goals for the future are to keep his family together and stay married to Trina. He knows he has to work on issues and is willing to go to therapyfor them. When asked what the best of being married to Trina is, Gabe answers: "getting to wake up to her every morning."
Michael Conrad Braxton, Sr. grew up in Maryland
and loves the home of the Baltimore Ravens
. Like his daughter Traci, he prefers the four seasons to the constant summer in Los Angeles
. He spent his life working at Baltimore Gas & Electric and as Methodist clergyman. When his job ended, four years from retired, Michael decided to go back to college to get his degree. He talks to his son, Michael Jr., who lives in Maryland
, every day. Since he's been working since age 17, Michael Sr. is now enjoying retirement and wants to travel and reestablish relationships with his daughters and visit his grandchildren as much as possible. Michael and Evelyn, or "Miss E" as he calls her, divorced 12 years ago and Michael Sr. now lives with his second wife in Baltimore.
When Michael was a pracher, his daughters were his choir and sang together. Although he's retired, he has been substitute teaching and is on the board of directors for Anne Arundel County. Michael enjoys giving back to the community and sharing his vast life experience. Since he was from a bad neighborhood, he wants to show today's kid that it's possible can get past all of that and have a better life.
Michael drives a 2010 candy apple red Corvette
and admits to being old school and stuck in the 1960s. His daughters him "El Cheapo" for obvious reasons. He learned to dance when he was seven or eight years old and now loves it. He also claims that he didn't have gray hair until Tamar
came along.
Andre Montellus Carter was born in Long Island, New York and moved to Atlanta, Georgia
when he was "too young to remember" and now claims the city that is "too busy to hate" as home. He has one older brother who lives in Los Angeles, California
. Both young men were reared in a strict home where education and spirituality were core values. A 1980 graduate of Woodward Accademy in College Park, Georgia
, Andre later obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kennesaw State University
in Kennesaw, Georgia
. Andre's grandmother is a spiritual counselor and his mother taught French
, Spanish
, English
in the Atlanta public school district and received her Master's degree in all three.
Andre developed a passion for writing in a unique manner. At the age of five, his mother began asking him and his brother to tell her about their days during the home for school. They were far too many instances when the lulls in the conversation were just too unbearable for their mother. It was a life-changing moment in the author's childhood when his mother said to him and his borother, "Since you two act like it's too hard for you to say what's on your mind around me, then maybe it'll be easier for you to say it with pencil and paper." The two brothers were then required to spend an hour in their rooms after school each weekday in order to prepare a one page hand-written journal that was to be read aloud to their mother at the kitchen table. Andre, literally, fell in love with the routine. His very first communication, outside of the journals thaat he read to his mother, was a four-page, front and page, love letter that he gave to his eighth grade girlfriend.
"Writing is my therapy," Andre says. "It gives me a better understand of who I am and my intepretation of my life experiences." Andre has written and self-published five books since 2000. "Crazy for a Man", a fictional novel centering on the strong influence his mother had in his development. "Code Dan", a book about being trapped in the corporate world, which he was; "Who Wears the Pants"; "Fried Fish" and a new book that will be revealed in Season Two.
Andre and Towanda are currently legally seperated but still living together. They've been married for seven years and dated for seven years prior to that. They have two children together, Braxton, 5, and Brooke, 4. Andre met Towanda in his early 30s while she was promoting an album in a club in Atlanta. He says she was dancing on the floor then stood by him, rubbing his fingernails and asked, "Do you get manicures?" Andre responed, "Why, do you give 'em?"
Andre admits his relationship with the Braxton family is a shaky bridge and he never knows which way it will sway.
later tweeted that the show had the #1 reality show ratings in weTV's history.
On May 10th, 2011, after only four episodes having been aired, the show was renewed for a 19-episode second season. There will be 19 more one-hour episodes of “Braxton Family Values” on the WE channel starting on November 10, 2011. “We all hoped people could relate to our family dynamic and are thrilled with the positive response we have received," Braxton, who lives in Duluth, said in a statement. "We are all very much looking forward to bringing you another eventful season." It has recently been announced the second season will have 19 episodes.
Reality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
on WEtv
WE TV
We TV is the third TV channel from Malayalam Communications Ltd, in Kerala and based at Trivandrum. The other two channels of this company are Kairali TV and People TV. WE TV is mainly aimed at the youth and was officially launched on April 14, 2007. Mr...
starring Grammy-winner Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton
Toni Michelle Braxton is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Braxton has won six Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and five Billboard Music Awards and has sold over 60 million records worldwide...
and her sisters. The series premiered on April 12, 2011.
The show features the rambunctious, tight-knit Braxton sisters — Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
-winning artist Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton
Toni Michelle Braxton is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Braxton has won six Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and five Billboard Music Awards and has sold over 60 million records worldwide...
, Traci, Towanda, Trina and Tamar
Tamar Braxton
Tamar Braxton-Herbert is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and reality television personality. She rose to fame in the 1990s as a founding member of the R&B group, The Braxtons. Braxton is the youngest sister of prominent R&B singer Toni Braxton.In 2011, Tamar Braxton reunited with her sisters,...
— and their headstrong mother, Evelyn, and offers an inside look at their lives and the drama of family chaos.
Toni BraxtonToni BraxtonToni Michelle Braxton is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Braxton has won six Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and five Billboard Music Awards and has sold over 60 million records worldwide...
Toni Braxton was born October 7 1968 in Severn, MarylandSevern, Maryland
Severn is a census-designated place in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States. The population was 35,076 at the 2000 census, which is a 30 percent increase over the 24,499 population of 1990...
as the first daughter of Michael and Evelyn Braxton. Toni spent much of her childhood with her sisters watching Soul Train
Soul Train
Soul Train is an American musical variety show that aired in syndication from October 1971 to March 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared.As a nod to Soul Trains...
and listening to music.
As she grew older, Toni became inspired by the greats such as Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
and Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan , frequently known as the Queen of Funk, is a 10-time Grammy Award winning American singer-songwriter who gained fame in the 1970s as the frontwoman and focal point of the funk band Rufus. While still a member of the group in 1978, Khan embarked on a successful solo career...
. Her mother's religious teachings eventually contributed to Toni's musical style as well. She discovered her singing talents as a member of the church choir, which her mother founded. Although Toni knew she wanted to pursue a singing career, she also received a college education at Bowie State University
Bowie State University
Bowie State University , is a public university located on 355½ acres in unincorporated Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, north of the suburban city of Bowie. Bowie State is part of the University System of Maryland...
. While studying to be a teacher, Toni never gave up music. She continued singing lessons to fulfill her true passion in life.
Remaining true to their love for music, Toni and her sisters formed a group called "The Braxtons
The Braxtons
The Braxtons were an American R&B girl group consisting of sisters Toni Braxton, Traci Braxton, Towanda Braxton, Trina Braxton, and Tamar Braxton...
." Their first single "The Good Life" managed to catch the ear of Babyface and Antonio "L.A." Reid," of LaFace Records
LaFace Records
LaFace Records is an American record label, owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment.-Company history:LaFace was formed in 1989 as a joint venture between the producing duo Antonio "L.A." Reid & Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, and Arista Records. The combined nicknames of the duo's successful...
. "The Good Life" was good enough for Toni's career, as it led to her record contract with LaFace.
Toni’s singles such as "Give U My Heart
Give U My Heart
"Give U My Heart" is a song recorded by American R&B singers Babyface and Toni Braxton for the soundtrack to the 1992 film Boomerang. The collaboration was released as a single the same year, reaching number twenty-nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs...
" (a duet with Babyface) and "Love Shoulda Brought You Home
Love Shoulda Brought You Home
"Love Shoulda Brought You Home" is the first solo single by American R&B singer Toni Braxton. The song was written by Babyface, Daryl Simmons, and Bo Watson, and was featured on the soundtrack to the 1992 romantic comedy film Boomerang. It served as the follow-up to Braxton's duet with Babyface...
" both appeared on the Billboard charts. Her debut album, the self-entitled "Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton (album)
Toni Braxton is the self-titled debut album by American recording artist Toni Braxton. It was released in the United States on July 13, 1993 by LaFace Records.-Overview:...
," was released in 1993 and spawned the hits "Another Sad Love Song
Another Sad Love Song
"Another Sad Love Song" is the first official single from Toni Braxton's self-titled debut album, Toni Braxton . After the success of "Love Shoulda Brought You Home", Braxton followed up with this R&B mid-tempo single. The song proved to be a success, giving Braxton her first U.S...
," "You Mean The World To Me
You Mean The World To Me
"You Mean the World to Me" is the fourth single from Toni Braxton's self-titled debut album, Toni Braxton . The track was released in March 1994 and was a radio hit, peaking at number seven on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs...
" and "Breathe Again
Breathe Again
"Breathe Again" is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton from her self-titled debut album, Toni Braxton . Written by Babyface and produced by L. A. Reid, Babyface, and Daryl Simmons, the ballad was released as the album's second single, garnering heavy airplay during late 1993 and early 1994,...
." Her critically acclaimed album and sultry style earned her a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1993. Her follow-up album, the 1996 Secrets, also did not disappoint.
The hit song "Un-Break My Heart" is still considered Toni’s biggest international single. Toni also contributed to another soundtrack: the female bonding film Waiting to Exhale
Waiting to Exhale
Waiting to Exhale is a 1995 romance film starring Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett, directed by Forest Whitaker. The movie was adapted from the 1992 novel of the same name by Terry McMillan. Loretta Devine, Lela Rochon, Dennis Haysbert, Michael Beach, Gregory Hines, Donald Faison and Mykelti...
.
Toni has also had a successful run with her show, Toni Braxton Revealed, which takes place in Las Vegas
Las Vegas metropolitan area
The Las Vegas Valley is the heart of the Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA also known as the Las Vegas–Paradise–Henderson MSA which includes all of Clark County, Nevada, and is a metropolitan area in the southern part of the U.S. state of Nevada. The Valley is defined by the Las Vegas Valley landform, a ...
.
Toni has sold over 60 million albums and singles and has starred in two "Disney" Broadway hit shows, "Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast is a traditional fairy tale. The first published version of the fairy tale was a rendition by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, published in La jeune américaine, et les contes marins in 1740...
" and "Aida
Aida
Aida sometimes spelled Aïda, is an opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni, based on a scenario written by French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette...
."
Along with all her accomplishments, six Grammy awards she also has managed to be a great mother of two boys and the spokesperson for "Autism Speaks."
Traci Braxton
Traci Renee Braxton was born April 2, 1972, the 3rd child and second daughter born to Michael and Evelyn Braxton. She is a talented writer and singer, is a genuine people person.She contributed much of her adult life to social work for children with disabilities. Due to her decision to settle down and start a family early in life, Traci still searches for her rightful place in the entertainment industry.
Traci lives in Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
with her husband, Kevin and her son, Kevin Jr. She hopes to one day make it back on stage where she feels the most comfortable, singing in a microphone.
Towanda Braxton
Michael and Evelyn Braxton gave birth to their 4th child Towanda Chloe Braxton on September 18, 1973. Even though Towanda and her siblings were reared in the church singing, Towanda knew she wanted to spread her wings and become a trailblazer in her own right as an entertainer. At a young age Towanda had the natural gift for acting.She studied music education at Bowie State University
Bowie State University
Bowie State University , is a public university located on 355½ acres in unincorporated Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, north of the suburban city of Bowie. Bowie State is part of the University System of Maryland...
and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta
Zeta Phi Beta
Zeta Phi Beta is an international, historically black Greek-lettered sorority and a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.Zeta Phi Beta is organized into 800+ chapters, in eight intercontinental regions including the USA, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean...
.
Towanda played the role as Lorelle in the off Broadway play "Dreamgirls
Dreamgirls
Dreamgirls is a Broadway musical, with music by Henry Krieger and lyrics and book by Tom Eyen. Based upon the show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others, the musical follows the story of a young female singing trio...
." But Towanda decided to follow her other passion for singing.
Although in the past Towanda was a part of "The Braxtons
The Braxtons
The Braxtons were an American R&B girl group consisting of sisters Toni Braxton, Traci Braxton, Towanda Braxton, Trina Braxton, and Tamar Braxton...
" album with Tamar and Trina in 1996, she searches for more in the world of entertainment.
Towanda was a main character in the Emmy award-winning show "Starting Over." She has also been exercising her drama muscle with acting workshops.
Towanda resides in Lawrenceville, Georgia
Lawrenceville, Georgia
Lawrenceville is a city in and the county seat of Gwinnett County, Georgia, in the United States. The Census Bureau estimates the 2008 population at 29,258...
with two small children and her husband, Andre. She hopes to fulfill her dreams and become a successful writer and actor. She is currently working closely with Toni in her business affairs and singing background.
Trina Braxton
Trina E. Braxton, the 5th child of Michael and Evelyn Braxton was born : December 3, 1974, is a multi-talented actress and singer. Most notably she has acted in Tyler Perry’s play, "Meet the Browns." As well as being an actress, Trina started singing with her sisters when she was barely a pre-teen – they formed a group known as "The BraxtonsThe Braxtons
The Braxtons were an American R&B girl group consisting of sisters Toni Braxton, Traci Braxton, Towanda Braxton, Trina Braxton, and Tamar Braxton...
." While in the group she discovered her passion for songwriting and modeling.
Trina currently resides in Suwanee, Georgia
Suwanee, Georgia
As of 2010 Suwanee had a population of 15,355. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 67.4% white, 10.8% black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 18.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.3% reporting some other race and 2.3% reporting two or more races...
with her second husband Gabriel (Gabe) Solis and sons Eric (16 years old) and Caleb (13 years old). She had her first son at the age of 17.
Today Trina finds herself singing background for sister, Toni, and contributing vocals for a wedding band called "Simply Irresistible."
In addition, Trina also juggles her busy schedule as mom, wife, and online college student with her career as singer and inspiring actress. Now that Trina’s children are all grown-up she enjoys her "me time" partaking in the nightlife scene.
Trina's ultimate goal is to find success in her marriage and family relationships, to be a great parent and to be content with her career.
Tamar BraxtonTamar BraxtonTamar Braxton-Herbert is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and reality television personality. She rose to fame in the 1990s as a founding member of the R&B group, The Braxtons. Braxton is the youngest sister of prominent R&B singer Toni Braxton.In 2011, Tamar Braxton reunited with her sisters,...
Tamar was born March 17, 1977, and is the youngest of the Braxton children, which has created her insecure, immature, and outspoken personality. She has always harbored a passion for the closeness of her family.Tamar started singing background for her sister, Toni, at age 11. She was also a member of the sisters’ group, "The Braxtons
The Braxtons
The Braxtons were an American R&B girl group consisting of sisters Toni Braxton, Traci Braxton, Towanda Braxton, Trina Braxton, and Tamar Braxton...
."
Tamar knew as early as 3 years old that she wanted to be center stage; this developed into a need to be a super-star singer in her own right.
While writing and actively singing on Toni’s albums, Tamar began working closely with "super producer," executive and best friend to Toni, Vincent Herbert. The two became very close and wed in the fall of 2008.
While still being a well sought after background singer, Tamar signed a new deal with her husband’s record label and is currently working on her long awaited album.
Tamar is also an actress who has worked with Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry is an American actor, director, playwright, entrepreneur, screenwriter, producer, author, and songwriter. Perry wrote and produced many stage plays during the 1990s and early 2000s. In 2005, he released his first film, Diary of a Mad Black Woman...
on the play "Madea Goes to Jail" as well as a voice-over for Will Smith
Will Smith
Willard Christopher "Will" Smith, Jr. , also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor, producer, and rapper. He has enjoyed success in television, film and music. In April 2007, Newsweek called him the most powerful actor in Hollywood...
’s web-a-sodes, "The Fresh Prince."
Tamar is determined not to live in her big sister and husband’s shadow. She strives to make a mark as a stand-alone artist and independent woman.
Despite the portrayal of her singing career on the show, Tamar did indeed release a solo album
Tamar (album)
Tamar is the self-titled debut by Tamar Braxton, the younger sister of R&B singer Toni Braxton.-Track:# "Your Room" - 4:14# "No Disrespect" - 3:34# "Money Can't Buy You Love" - 4:32...
in 2000 via Dreamworks Records
DreamWorks Records
DreamWorks Records was an American record label. Founded in 1996 by David Geffen, Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg as a subsidiary of DreamWorks SKG, the label operated until 2005 when it was shut down...
. It was commercially unsuccessful, however.
At the Braxton Family Values Reunion , talk show host Wendy Williams announced that Tamar was voted the fans favorite Braxton sister.
Evelyn Braxton
Evelyn Braxton grew up in South CarolinaSouth Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
with several brothers and sisters. At the age of 13 she experienced a life-change when she moved to Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
alone to live with her aunt who had no children. This is where she met Michael Braxton and married him at the age of 18. Evelyn gave birth to her first daughter, Toni
Toni Braxton
Toni Michelle Braxton is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Braxton has won six Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and five Billboard Music Awards and has sold over 60 million records worldwide...
, after only one year of marriage. Following their firstborn Evelyn had 4 more daughters, as well as a son, Michael.
Evelyn came into her own as a full-time mother, a pastor and the children’s singing coach. She took great pride in her talented children; every Sunday she and the children would sing in the "family" church choir. Not knowing that her daughters would take their singing careers to the next level, she was suddenly thrown into "Momager" (mom + manager) for her very young daughters.
After her daughters became "of age" she decided she’d spent enough time on tour and decided to take some time for herself. Evelyn attended Sojourner College (Annapolis, Maryland) and Bowie State University
Bowie State University
Bowie State University , is a public university located on 355½ acres in unincorporated Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, north of the suburban city of Bowie. Bowie State is part of the University System of Maryland...
where she studied Social Science and Psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
. She also attended Wesley Seminary College in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
.
Evelyn has pastored and counseled at her own church for many years. She has also tenured as a volunteer counselor at Sarah’s House of Distressed Women and Family shelter.
Due to personal struggles that Evelyn had overcome, she embarked on a new passion of life coaching and started her organization "God Can Heal the Heart," which is a self-empowering mentorship that helps encourage, motivate and support other men and women who have been through personal trauma.
Evelyn also has 11 grandchildren, who she adores and enjoys spending time with.
Her motto is and forever claims, "All that I am and all that I ever hope to be — I owe it all to God — for He has healed my heart."
Vincent Herbert
(TamarTamar Braxton
Tamar Braxton-Herbert is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and reality television personality. She rose to fame in the 1990s as a founding member of the R&B group, The Braxtons. Braxton is the youngest sister of prominent R&B singer Toni Braxton.In 2011, Tamar Braxton reunited with her sisters,...
's husband and Toni
Toni Braxton
Toni Michelle Braxton is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Braxton has won six Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and five Billboard Music Awards and has sold over 60 million records worldwide...
's former manager)
Tamar
Tamar Braxton
Tamar Braxton-Herbert is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and reality television personality. She rose to fame in the 1990s as a founding member of the R&B group, The Braxtons. Braxton is the youngest sister of prominent R&B singer Toni Braxton.In 2011, Tamar Braxton reunited with her sisters,...
's husband, Vincent Herbert, born December 31, has been the man in the background of many famous recording artists over the last 10 years, creating hits for Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child was an American R&B girl group whose final line-up comprised lead singer Beyoncé Knowles alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Formed in 1997 in Houston, Texas, Destiny's Child members began their musical endeavors in their pre-teens under the name Girl's Tyme...
, Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
, Jo Jo, Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
and many more, including megastar Lady Gaga
Lady GaGa
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta , better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in New York City, she primarily studied at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and briefly attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts before withdrawing to...
. When the 19-year-old Stefani Joanna Angelina Germanotta
Lady GaGa
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta , better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American singer and songwriter. Born and raised in New York City, she primarily studied at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and briefly attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts before withdrawing to...
decided to put all her effort in her music, she rejected Def Jam but got a new chance when her ex-boyfriend and co-writer Rob Fusari sent the songs he produced with her to Vincent, who was then a producer and record executive at Streamline Records, an imprint of Interscope Records
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...
. This become the big breakthrough for young Lady Gaga, since she got the opportunity to write songs for artists such as the Pussycat Dolls
Pussycat Dolls
The Pussycat Dolls are an American pop girl group and dance ensemble based in Los Angeles; currently consisting of Lauren Bennett, Vanessa Curry, Kristal "Lyndriette" Smith, Tiffany "Taz" Zavala, Kia Hampton and Paula Van Oppen. The Pussycat Dolls were founded by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995...
, Fergie and Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
. Gaga credits Herbert as the one who discovered her saying, "I really feel like we made pop history, and we're going to keep doing it."
Herbert has a huge commitment and interest in music, which he successfully channels into hit song after hit song. Tamar Braxton
Tamar Braxton
Tamar Braxton-Herbert is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and reality television personality. She rose to fame in the 1990s as a founding member of the R&B group, The Braxtons. Braxton is the youngest sister of prominent R&B singer Toni Braxton.In 2011, Tamar Braxton reunited with her sisters,...
's most famous song as a solo artist, "Please", was produced by her husband.
Gabe Solis
(Trina's husband)Trina's husband, Gabe Solis, is a software developer
Software developer
A software developer is a person concerned with facets of the software development process. Their work includes researching, designing, developing, and testing software. A software developer may take part in design, computer programming, or software project management...
born to Mexican parents in Palacios, Texas
Palacios, Texas
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 5,153 people, 1,661 households, and 1,244 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,021.4 people per square mile . There were 1,976 housing units at an average density of 391.7 per square mile...
, a small town on the shores of Matagorda Bay
Matagorda Bay
Matagorda Bay is a large estuary bay on the Texas coast, lying in Calhoun and Matagorda counties and located approximately northeast of Corpus Christi, southeast of San Antonio, southwest of Houston, and southeast of Austin. It is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by Matagorda Peninsula and...
with a populationof 4,000 and one traffic light. Raised in a religious Christian family, as a kid he wanted to be a professional baseball player, after that a lawyer and he eventually got into computer work.
Gabe enlisted in the Air Force
Air force
An air force, also known in some countries as an air army, is in the broadest sense, the national military organization that primarily conducts aerial warfare. More specifically, it is the branch of a nation's armed services that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from an army, navy or...
at age 19 because he didn't want to stay in a small town and work at a local plant. He admits that in the military he had the cushy job of counseling people on how to prepare to move. Gabe was honorably discharged then started working for a cell phone company in customer service for the next five years. After meeting a girl (and thinking she was the "one"), they moved to Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
. There, Gave went to Georgia State University
Georgia State University
Georgia State University is a research university in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Founded in 1913, it serves about 30,000 students and is one of the University System of Georgia's four research universities...
on the HOPE scholarship, got his degree in computer information systems and eventually realized she wasn't "the one."
Gabe met Trina at a bar called American Pie in Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
on a night when he admits he wanted to "get lucky." He saw Trina, dancing on the stage wearing very little clothing, and spent all night watching her as he drank Coronas. When the bar closed, Trina approached him and asked why he was staring at her all night. He suggest they go outside to talk, asking her if she thought he could take his beer out. Trina's response: "No, you alcholic." They later went to IHOP
IHOP
IHOP may refer to:* IHOP, a restaurant chain, formerly known as The International House of Pancakes* International House of Prayer, a Christian 24/7 prayer center in Kansas City, Missouri...
then he took her back to his place and once they started kissing in bed, Trina asked, "Has another woman been on these sheets?" Gabe got up and changed the sheets because Trina said she "didn't want to sleep in another woman's juices." So Trina slept over, but Gabe admits that he didn't get lucky.
On their first real date they both claimed that they didn't want to get into a serious relationship with each other and just wanted to have fun - and the opposite happened. After a year and a half, Gabe took Trina to see "Dreamgirls
Dreamgirls
Dreamgirls is a Broadway musical, with music by Henry Krieger and lyrics and book by Tom Eyen. Based upon the show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others, the musical follows the story of a young female singing trio...
" at the Fox Theater, and on the rooftop of the Georgian Terrace Hotel after, he proposed. Trina said 'yes' but didn't like the ring so they later exchanged it.
A gym fanatic, Gabe practices Krav Maga and still likes playing baseball. His goals for the future are to keep his family together and stay married to Trina. He knows he has to work on issues and is willing to go to therapyfor them. When asked what the best of being married to Trina is, Gabe answers: "getting to wake up to her every morning."
Michael Braxton, Sr.
(Braxton sisters' father and Evelyn's ex-husband)Michael Conrad Braxton, Sr. grew up in Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
and loves the home of the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. Like his daughter Traci, he prefers the four seasons to the constant summer in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
. He spent his life working at Baltimore Gas & Electric and as Methodist clergyman. When his job ended, four years from retired, Michael decided to go back to college to get his degree. He talks to his son, Michael Jr., who lives in Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
, every day. Since he's been working since age 17, Michael Sr. is now enjoying retirement and wants to travel and reestablish relationships with his daughters and visit his grandchildren as much as possible. Michael and Evelyn, or "Miss E" as he calls her, divorced 12 years ago and Michael Sr. now lives with his second wife in Baltimore.
When Michael was a pracher, his daughters were his choir and sang together. Although he's retired, he has been substitute teaching and is on the board of directors for Anne Arundel County. Michael enjoys giving back to the community and sharing his vast life experience. Since he was from a bad neighborhood, he wants to show today's kid that it's possible can get past all of that and have a better life.
Michael drives a 2010 candy apple red Corvette
Corvette
A corvette is a small, maneuverable, lightly armed warship, originally smaller than a frigate and larger than a coastal patrol craft or fast attack craft , although many recent designs resemble frigates in size and role...
and admits to being old school and stuck in the 1960s. His daughters him "El Cheapo" for obvious reasons. He learned to dance when he was seven or eight years old and now loves it. He also claims that he didn't have gray hair until Tamar
Tamar Braxton
Tamar Braxton-Herbert is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and reality television personality. She rose to fame in the 1990s as a founding member of the R&B group, The Braxtons. Braxton is the youngest sister of prominent R&B singer Toni Braxton.In 2011, Tamar Braxton reunited with her sisters,...
came along.
Andre Carter
(Towanda's husband)Andre Montellus Carter was born in Long Island, New York and moved to Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
when he was "too young to remember" and now claims the city that is "too busy to hate" as home. He has one older brother who lives in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
. Both young men were reared in a strict home where education and spirituality were core values. A 1980 graduate of Woodward Accademy in College Park, Georgia
College Park, Georgia
College Park is a city located partly in Fulton County, Georgia and partially in Clayton County, Georgia, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,942...
, Andre later obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University, also referred to as KSU, Kennesaw, or Kennesaw State, is a public, coeducational, comprehensive university that is part of the University System of Georgia. The university's main campus is located in Kennesaw, Georgia, United States, approximately north of Atlanta...
in Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw is a city in Cobb County, Georgia, United States. It had a population of 29,783 according to the 2010 census. It is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Founded in 1887, Kennesaw has a past surrounded with railroad history...
. Andre's grandmother is a spiritual counselor and his mother taught French
French
French is the adjective form of France and usually refers to:* Something of, from, or related to the nation of France** French culture** French cuisine** French people, inhabitants of France or people having family origins in France...
, Spanish
Spanish
Spanish may refer to:* Of or related to Spain* Spanish language, the official language of Spain and most of Latin America* Spanish people * The Spanish Empire, the empire administrated by Spain from the 15th century* Spanish cuisine...
, English
English
English may refer to something of, from, or related to England, a country of the United Kingdom, especially:* The English language** The English language in England * The English people...
in the Atlanta public school district and received her Master's degree in all three.
Andre developed a passion for writing in a unique manner. At the age of five, his mother began asking him and his brother to tell her about their days during the home for school. They were far too many instances when the lulls in the conversation were just too unbearable for their mother. It was a life-changing moment in the author's childhood when his mother said to him and his borother, "Since you two act like it's too hard for you to say what's on your mind around me, then maybe it'll be easier for you to say it with pencil and paper." The two brothers were then required to spend an hour in their rooms after school each weekday in order to prepare a one page hand-written journal that was to be read aloud to their mother at the kitchen table. Andre, literally, fell in love with the routine. His very first communication, outside of the journals thaat he read to his mother, was a four-page, front and page, love letter that he gave to his eighth grade girlfriend.
"Writing is my therapy," Andre says. "It gives me a better understand of who I am and my intepretation of my life experiences." Andre has written and self-published five books since 2000. "Crazy for a Man", a fictional novel centering on the strong influence his mother had in his development. "Code Dan", a book about being trapped in the corporate world, which he was; "Who Wears the Pants"; "Fried Fish" and a new book that will be revealed in Season Two.
Andre and Towanda are currently legally seperated but still living together. They've been married for seven years and dated for seven years prior to that. They have two children together, Braxton, 5, and Brooke, 4. Andre met Towanda in his early 30s while she was promoting an album in a club in Atlanta. He says she was dancing on the floor then stood by him, rubbing his fingernails and asked, "Do you get manicures?" Andre responed, "Why, do you give 'em?"
Andre admits his relationship with the Braxton family is a shaky bridge and he never knows which way it will sway.
Season 1
| Ep # | Title | Airdate | US Viewers (million) |
|---|---|---|---|
Season 2
| Ep # | Title | Airdate | US Viewers (million) |
|---|---|---|---|
Reception
“Braxton Family Values” premiered along side new series Sinbad: It's Just Family averaging a 0.6 in the 18-49 demo. Toni BraxtonToni Braxton
Toni Michelle Braxton is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Braxton has won six Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and five Billboard Music Awards and has sold over 60 million records worldwide...
later tweeted that the show had the #1 reality show ratings in weTV's history.
On May 10th, 2011, after only four episodes having been aired, the show was renewed for a 19-episode second season. There will be 19 more one-hour episodes of “Braxton Family Values” on the WE channel starting on November 10, 2011. “We all hoped people could relate to our family dynamic and are thrilled with the positive response we have received," Braxton, who lives in Duluth, said in a statement. "We are all very much looking forward to bringing you another eventful season." It has recently been announced the second season will have 19 episodes.