Toto (band) - Definition and Overview

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

Toto was formed in Los Angeles in 1978 (see 1978 in music) with the following members:

• David Paich - vocals and keyboards
• Steve Lukather - guitar and vocals
• Bobby Kimball - vocals
• Steve Porcaro - keyboards
• David Hungate - bass
• Jeff Porcaro - drums

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. 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 Album of the Year.

Current TOTO members:

• David Paich - vocals and keyboards
• Steve Lukather - guitar and vocals
• Bobby Kimball - vocals
• Mike Porcaro - bass
• Simon Philips - drums

Discography

• 1978 Toto
• 1979 Hydra
• 1981 Turn Back
• 1982 Toto IV
• 1984 Isolation
• 1984 Dune - OST
• 1986 Fahrenheit
• 1988 The Seventh One
• 1990 Past to Present 1977-1990 (compilation)
• 1992 Kingdom of Desire
• 1995 Tambu
• 1998 Toto XX
• 1999 Mindfields
• 2002 Through the Looking Glass
• 2003 Live in Amsterdam

External links

• Toto biography (http://ubl.artistdirect.com/music/artist/bio/0,,502635,00.html?artist=Toto)
• Toto official website (http://www.toto99.com)