Toto

Toto are an American band formed in Los Angeles in 1977. Renowned for blending rock and pop with jazz, soul and funk influences, they stood out for the virtuosity of their members, many of whom were high-profile session musicians.

The band was founded by David Paich (keyboardist and composer) and Jeff Porcaro (drummer), both successful session musicians who had worked with artists such as Steely Dan and Boz Scaggs. The initial lineup included Steve Lukather (guitar and vocals), Bobby Kimball (vocals), Steve Porcaro (keyboards) and David Hungate (bass).

The debut album “Toto” (1978) achieved considerable success, helped by an effective single like “Hold The Line”, which reached the top of international charts. The record already showed the eclectic blend of styles that would become the band's trademark.

With “Hydra” (1979) and “Turn Back” (1981), Toto experimented with more complex sounds, but it was with “Toto IV” (1982) that they reached the peak of commercial success. The album contained songs that would go on to achieve enormous popularity over the years, becoming radio staples, such as “Rosanna”, which won a Grammy, and “Africa”, one of their most iconic tracks. The album won six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

Throughout the 1980s, the band underwent several lineup changes, with Bobby Kimball departing and Fergie Frederiksen, and later Joseph Williams, taking over on vocals. Albums like “Isolation” (1984) and “Fahrenheit” (1986) maintained decent success, although they failed to match the impact of “Toto IV”.

The 1990s, on the other hand, were marked by tragedy, such as the death of Jeff Porcaro in 1992 from a heart attack. Jeff's brother, Mike Porcaro, took over on bass, while Simon Phillips stepped in on drums. During this period, the band released works such as “Kingdom Of Desire” (1992) and “Tambu” (1995), which reflected a less commercial but equally sophisticated sound.

In 2006, Toto released “Falling In Between”, one of their strongest recent works, and embarked on a world tour. In 2015, with the release of “Toto XIV”, they attempted to recapture the success of “Toto IV”, reaffirming themselves as a now-historic band of pop-rock and Adult Oriented Rock.

Over the years, the American band has continued to perform on celebratory tours, such as the 40th Anniversary Tour, and to release compilations and live albums.

With a career spanning over four decades, Toto have sold more than 40 million records and influenced numerous artists with their technical, versatile style. Songs like “Africa”, “Rosanna”, “Hold the Line” and “I’ll Be Over You” continue to be heard by generation after generation. A rare balance between technical skill and commercial success that has satisfied the taste of both the public and the more attentive, less snobbish critics, though it never quite managed to win over the more hardline purists.