Toni Braxton Returns Today With ‘PULSE’

Atlantic recording artist Toni Braxton has unveiled a wide range of promotional activity surrounding the release of her hugely anticipated label debut. “PULSE” arrives in stores and at all online retailers Today!

“PULSE” streamed last week exclusively at CentricTV.com. In addition, Braxton will be showcased in a special episode of Centric’s popular series, Soul Sessions, set to premiere on Monday, May 3rd (check local listings).

“PULSE” is highlighted by the new singles, “Hands Tied” and “Make My Heart.” “Hands Tied” is currently a top 15 smash at Urban AC radio outlets nationwide, while “Make My Heart” is quickly becoming one of the hottest club tracks in the country. Companion video clips for both tracks — directed by famed filmmaker Bille Woodruff, known for such classic Braxton clips as “Un-Break My Heart” and “He Wasn’t Man Enough” — premiered online earlier this month and can now be viewed at Toni’s official site, www.tonibraxton.com/video.

Toni’s first new album in almost five years, “PULSE” is Braxton’s most powerful and personal musical statement to date. The multiple-Grammy Award-winning singer personally chose to collaborate with a veritable who’s-who of red-hot producers and songwriters, including Frank E (Madonna, T.I., Plies, Flo Rida), Steve Mac (Leona Lewis, Il Divo), Lucas Secon (Britney Spears, The Pussycat Dolls), Harvey Mason & Oak (Chris Brown, Joe, Mario), Troy Taylor (Trey Songz, Kevin Lyttle), Dapo Torimiro (John Legend, David Archuletta, Brandy), and David Foster (Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion).

“PULSE” is available now for pre-order via www.tonibraxton.com. Among the options is an exclusive “Deluxe” pack, including the “PULSE” CD, an immediate MP3 download of “Hands Tied,” a limited edition autographed poster, a special “Portrait” t-shirt, the opportunity to attend upcoming appearances, and a digital download of the album 24 hours before its release.

Toni has also slated a number of high profile television appearances to herald the release of “PULSE.” The legendary singer performed last week on the nationally syndicated Ellen DeGeneres Show, with additional appearances scheduled for NBC’s The Today Show on Tuesday, May 4th; the nationally syndicated Wendy Williams Show on Wednesday, May 5th, and TBS’ Lopez Tonight on Tuesday, May 25th (check local listings). Also, Braxton will appear on BET’s The Mo’Nique Show.

Toni Braxton has been at the forefront of modern R&B and soul since her 1991 debut single, “Love Shoulda Brought You Home” (featured in the film, Boomerang). Her self-titled debut, which followed in 1993, proved a true pop phenomenon, earning 8x-platinum certification from the RIAA for sales in excess of 8 million. The album also saw Braxton receiving her first round of Grammy Awards, including “Best New Artist” and two “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female” trophies, honoring the singles, “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.”

“SECRETS” arrived in 1997 and indelibly confirmed Toni’s status as a true international superstar. The 8x-platinum certified collection spawned a string of major hit singles, including the #1 hits, “You’re Makin’ Me High” and “Un-Break My Heart.” The latter track became an instant pop classic, topping Billboard’s “Hot 100” for 11 consecutive weeks, while also dominating a variety of other charts around the world. “Un-Break My Heart” and “You’re Makin’ Me High” earned Braxton two more Grammy Awards, for “Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female” and “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female,” respectively.

Toni followed the stunning success of “SECRETS” by embarking on a further career as a stage actress. She drew rave reviews for her history-making turn as “Belle” in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast — the first African-American woman to star in a Disney musical production.

Braxton’s long-awaited third album, “THE HEAT,” was released to worldwide acclaim in 2000. At year’s end, Toni was named Billboard’s “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artist – Female,” “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album Artist – Female,” “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks Artist – Female,” while the gold-certified, chart-topping smash, “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” brought home still another Grammy Award for “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female.”

In 2001, Toni made her big-screen debut in 2001’s hit comedy, Kingdom Come, earning a BET Black Oscar for her performance. 2002’s “MORE THAN A WOMAN” and 2005’s “LIBRA” saw her continuing to expand her musical range of expression, while her 2006 collaboration with Il Divo, “The Time of Our Lives,” was named the official anthem of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. That same year saw Toni making history once again, this time with Toni Braxton: Revealed, her blockbuster stage show at Las Vegas’ Flamingo Hotel & Casino. Though initially slated for a brief three-month run, the show proved such a success that it was ultimately extended through mid-2008.

As if all that weren’t enough, Braxton was also among the top competitors on the 2008 season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. She followed the reality series’ success by appearing in the “Dancing with the Stars – The Tour 2008/2009” roadshow, which played to sold out arenas across the country.

For up-to-the-minute news and information, please visit www.tonibraxton.com.