Toto, the penultimate Yacht Rock stadium band of the 1980’s was formed in 1976 in Los Angeles. Toto quickly became known for their unique blend of rock, pop, and jazz. Their debut album in 1978 featured the hit "Hold the Line” but it was their 1982 album "Toto IV" that catapulted them to stardom with hits like "Rosanna" and "Africa”. The band's lineup has seen significant changes over the years, but core members like David Paich and Steve Lukather have kept Toto's music alive. They have won multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for "Toto IV”. Despite facing personal tragedies and legal issues, Toto's music remains influential, and their songs continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Toto Career Highlights
1976
Toto was formed in Los Angeles by David Paich (keyboards, vocals), Jeff Porcaro (drums), Steve Lukather (guitar, vocals), Steve Porcaro (keyboards), David Hungate (bass), and Bobby Kimball (vocals).
1978
Released their self-titled debut album, which included the hit single "Hold the Line."
1982
Released the critically acclaimed and commercially successful album "Toto IV” featuring the hits "Rosanna" and "Africa”. This album earned them several Grammy Awards.
1984
Released the album "Isolation” which featured the hit single "Stranger in Town."
1986
Released the album "Fahrenheit” featuring the hit single "I'll Be Over You."
1988
Released the album "The Seventh One” featuring the hits "Pamela" and "Stop Loving You."
1990
Transition - The band saw a transition with new members joining and others leaving. Jean-Michel Byron was brought in briefly as a vocalist.
1992
Released the album "Kingdom of Desire” marking a return to a more rock-oriented sound.
1995
Released the album "Tambu” featuring the single "I Will Remember."
2006
Released the album "Falling in Between” marking a significant moment as it was their first studio album in nearly seven years.
2018
Celebrated their 40th anniversary with the release of "40 Trips Around the Sun” a compilation album featuring new songs.
Toto Members
- David Paich: Keyboards, vocals (1976–present)
- Steve Lukather: Guitar, vocals (1976–present)
- Jeff Porcaro: Drums (1976–1992, passed away)
- Steve Porcaro: Keyboards (1976–1987, 2010–present)
- David Hungate: Bass (1976–1982, 2014–2015)
- Bobby Kimball: Vocals (1976–1984, 1998–2008)
- Mike Porcaro: Bass (1982–2007, passed away)
- Simon Phillips: Drums (1992–2014)
- Joseph Williams: Vocals (1986–1989, 2010–present)
- Lenny Castro: Percussion (various periods)
- Shannon Forrest: Drums (2014–2019)
Toto Grammy Awards
1983
Album of the Year "Toto IV"
Record of the Year "Rosanna"
Best Engineered Recording, Non-Classical "Toto IV"
Producer of the Year (Non-Classical) Toto
Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s) "Rosanna"
3 Most Famous Toto Songs
1. "Africa" (1982)
- This song from "Toto IV" became a global hit
2. "Hold the Line" (1978)
- Their debut single
3. "Rosanna" (1982)
- Another hit from "Toto IV” this song won multiple Grammy Awards
Quotes by Toto band members
Steve Lukather
We made the kind of music that we loved and that we believed in. That's always been the secret to our success.
David Paich
The success of 'Africa' is beyond anything we could have imagined. It’s incredible how it continues to resonate with new generations.
Toto Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
- In 1992, the band faced a major tragedy when drummer Jeff Porcaro passed away suddenly, which deeply affected the band and its direction.
- Lineup Changes: Over the years, Toto has seen numerous lineup changes, with members leaving and rejoining, which has led to various musical directions.
- "Africa" Resurgence: The song "Africa" saw a resurgence in popularity in the 2010s, being covered by various artists and becoming a viral internet sensation.
- Legal Issues: There have been various legal battles, particularly related to the rights and usage of their music.
Toto ratings
