Toto (band)

Toto is an American pop/rock/prog band which had their greatest commercial success in the 1980s.

Biography

Toto was formed in Los Angeles in 1978 (see 1978 in music) by David Paich, Steve Lukather, Bobby Kimball, brothers Steve and Jeff Porcaro, and David Hungate. The bandmembers had met in high school and at studio sessions in the 1970s, when they became some of the busiest session musicians in the music business.

Related Topics:
Los Angeles - 1978 - 1978 in music - David Paich - Steve Lukather - Bobby Kimball - Steve - Jeff Porcaro - David Hungate

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Composed entirely of seasoned studio musicians, Toto seemed to come out of nowhere. They did not get known first on the club circuit as nearly all bands do prior to being signed by a label. Their reputations in the studio were enough. Among other contributions, the core members of the band had played on Boz Scaggs' critically-acclaimed hit album Silk Degrees. Paich, Hungate and Jeff Porcaro wrote songs for and performed on Silk Degrees.

Related Topics:
Studio musicians - Studio - Boz Scaggs

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Toto released their self-titled debut album in October 1978, selling two million copies based on their top ten hit "Hold the Line". The next two albums Hydra and Turn Back had little success, but Toto IV (released in 1982) featured the number one hit "Africa" as well as the top ten single "Rosanna". Toto IV went multi-platinum and earned several Grammy Awards including 1983 Album of the Year and Record of the Year (for "Rosanna").

Related Topics:
1978 - 1982 - Africa - Grammy Award

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