Toto to be Inducted into Musicians Hall of Fame June 10, 2009 – The sun is shining on Toto. The band that formed in the late seventies, mainly with top-notch session musicians, is finally getting their due. Toto will be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville on October 12, 2009.
Though they were sometimes hated by critics, Toto sold over 30 million albums and released 17 albums. The core of the band in 1977 consisted of Jeff Porcaro, Steve Porcaro, David Hungate, David Paich, Steve Lukather, and Bobby Kimball. Lukather is regarded as one of the best guitarists in Pop music with many A-list admirers including Eddie Van Halen, George Benson and Larry Carlton.
Other inductees include guitar legends Chet Atkins who worked with Perry Como, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves, Jerry Reed, Skeeter Davis, Connie Smith, Waylon Jennings and also had success on his own. Billy Coz who played with Jimi Hendrix, Guitar innovator and stylist, Dick Dale, singer, fiddler, guitarist, songwriter, and country musician, Charlie Daniels and producer Fred Foster. Award honors will also go out to Victor Feldman who worked with everyone from Miles Davis to Steely Dan and arranger Paul Riser known for his work during the Motown golden years.
Inductees are nominated nationally by the Musicians Union who has a membership of over 90,000 as well as a stellar list of other music industry professionals. Past inductees include: Booker T. & The MG's, The Crickers, Duane Eddy, Al Kooper, The Memphis Horns, The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, Billy Sherrill, The Nashville A-Team, The Blue Moon Boys, The Funk Brothers, The Memphis Boys, The Tennessee Two, and The Wrecking Crew. - by John Beaudin
Steve Lukather Could be the Coolest Teacher at Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp Feb. 19, 2009 - If you’ve ever chatted with Toto’s Steve Lukather you know the guy is a clown – in the coolest sense. His sharp wit is matched only by his insane talent as a guitarist. Lukather will hopefully combine both as he tries his hand as teacher at this years Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp. The chance-of-a-lifetime class will be held from April 29-May 3 in Hollywood.
Lukather said, "It'll be a riot, first I'll win 'em over with my stand-up comedy, then I'll hit 'em with some chops. As long as we have fun, that's all that matters."
He has been the driving force behind Toto since the late seventies and says the main thing as a player is always the passion, not who you have played with.
The guitarist said, "Those who can do can try to teach, By hook or by crook, I'll have the people jammin'!"
Also at the camp this year will be Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver), Bruce Kulick (KISS), Mark Farner (formerly of Grand Funk Railroad), Slim Jim Phantom (Stray Cats), Mark Hudson, Alan White (Yes), Elliot Easton (The Cars), Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge) and Earl Slick (David Bowie's band).
Lukather announced a few months ago that Toto’s days were over. Eddie Van Halen once called him the most underrated guitarist in Rock. – by John Beaudin Story Courtesy of Rock History Book.com
Toto Reunion on New Joseph Williams Album Nov. 10, 2008 – When Joseph Williams was kicked out as lead singer of Toto in 1989, many fans were horrified, sending angry letters to the group and record company. I was one of them. I don’t remember what I wrote in my hate mail but I’m sure it was dismissed as the rantings of a future postal-nut-job. I always called Williams’ dismissal the biggest mistake the band ever made but not far behind has to be their terrible relationship with Sony Records. Since then, Williams has made peace with Toto, even appearing as a guest vocalist on some of their projects.
This summer Toto leader Steve Lukather (pictured bottom left with Williams) announced the group was finished, again leaving fans out in the cold. Well, maybe not, Williams has just announced his new album will be released on Nov. 19 and it will be sort of a reunion for Toto. The album ‘This Fall’ will feature original Toto lead singer Bobby Kimball (pictured at left with Williams) , Steve Lukather and keyboardists Steve Porcaro and David Paich. Paich will sing lead vocals on a track along with Williams.
Joseph Williams is the son of film composer John Williams. He appeared on just two Toto albums ‘Fahrenheit’ and ‘The Seventh One.’ The latter is considered one of the best Toto albums and was supposed to bring the band back on top. In spite of having the hit single “Pamela’ it stalled on the charts because Sony bailed on promoting the project. I consider it one of my all time favourite albums.
There have been many stories as to why he was kicked out of Toto but the most popular seems to circle around Williams heavy partying during the ‘Seventh One’ tour including rumours of heavy drug use. He even lost his voice during the tour.
It’s a Sad Day – Toto Calls it Quits June 11, 2008 – Of all the bands that got a bad shake by the music industry and radio Toto has to be one of the tops. Here was a band formed by some of the best musicians in the world including legendary drummer Jeff Porcaro and powerhouse vocalists like Joseph Williams and Bobby Kimball and of course leader and guitar crazy-man Steve Lukather. It was Lukather who this week posted on his website that the band was no more. After 31 years the guitarist said the band had lost its form with so many personnel changes. He even blamed record exec Donnie Ienner for hurting the band.
On a personnel note I was 18 when I bought that famous self titled debut album featuring ‘Hold the Line,’ it changed the way I looked at music. It created a need to search our musicians with true studio and live chops. By the time the group won that pile of Grammys for ‘Toto 4’ they were my favourite band. As much as I loved Bobby Kimball’s belting voice I quickly became a convert of Joseph Williams on ‘Fahrenheit’ and possibly their best album ‘The Seventh One.’
Lukather pointed out that the band lost its soul when Porcaro died in 1992.
Here is what he posted this week. – by John Beaudin
"I would like to make a formal announcement as I have been barraged by e-mails and speculations on various websites.
The fact is yes I have left Toto. There is no more Toto. I told the guys before the last leg of our tour.
We had some differences in how business was being done. The other fact is that I have been the only guy who was at the first rehearsal till the last gig a month or so ago. When Jeff died part of us all died with him. We pursued it and had some great times. Simon was a champ replacing Jeff at a most difficult time. Bobby was out of the band for 16 years and then came back and you know the other singer stories. Other than Bobby, Joe was the only guy that really fit with us cause he was a high school buddy as well. No offence to Bobby at all.
When Dave retired that was REAL hard for me cause we started the band together. Hell its 35 years if you count High School where the core all met. When Mike fell ill and had to leave that was it for me. If there isn't a Paich or at least one Porcaro how can we even call it Toto? It was bittersweet cause I finally got to tour with my dear friend and musical legend Leland Sklar whom I have known since I was 19 years old. We had some laughs and great times
Honestly I have just had enough. This is NOT a break. It is over. I really can't go out and play Hold the Line with a straight face anymore. I was 19 when we cut the record. I am 50 now.
I have only the deepest respect for the guys that have been in and out of this band over the years. We had a great run and I owe an awful lot to the experience and the success we had. We hung in there hard despite being the most hated band in the world by most so called "rock critics". We took the punches and kept going. Our old label President Donnie Ienner ruined us in the USA by not releasing our records and not letting us out of our contract for over 10 YEARS! And that really set us back. Why? You have to ask the man himself cause we never knew why. He just didn't like our music or us personally I guess. We will never know.
The USA turned their backs on us and it was very hard for me to keep smiling thru it all. It just sort of festered inside me and I was hurting myself in the process and eventually I had to be honest with myself and I was not happy at all. The guys in the current line-up could not be more different individuals and the only real thing we had in common was music. This was NOT the high school band of brothers that we started in the 70's. We had a magic thing and the same sense of humor and the same views on life. Somehow that was lost. It's not the new guys fault. It is what it is.
I just can't do it anymore and at 50 years old I wanted to start over and give it one last try on my own. As the only original member that had NEVER ever left or missed even ONE gig or recording I figured I might as well do it myself now while I can still get out and do it and have a new record that just came out and a new band that is unreal and a tour booked that will take me thru the end of summer 2009 and beyond. The title of my record says it all. Ever-Changing Times.
Today I conferred with my soul brother and founding member David Paich on this matter. He wrote me back and he said, "We are FREE"! I laughed out loud. I don't think he thought this was Toto anymore either.
There are no bad feelings from me to the other guys at all. I wish them only the very very best and all the good things in life and I am sure we will run into each other here or there and it will be hugs and all, hope so anyway.
So, there you have it. I hope you will come out to one of my shows and thank you for 31 years of friendship." - Steve Lukather, 2008 Story Courtesy of Rock History Book.com
Toto's David Paich Mastermind Behind TV's "Movies Rock"
November 27, 2007 - David Paich was a driving force behind the Toto sound and now he's guiding the sound of a new TV project - "Movies Rock." CBS will air the special on December 7th featuring some of the biggest hits in movie history. Paich, whose official title is Musical Coordinator will have some heavy hitters sings on the special including Elton John, Carrie Underwood, Beyonce and John Legend. Paich is enjoying the experience but says the biggest challenge was giving each song a different spin. Paich is still a member of Toto but does not tour with the band. The keyboardist was recently in China preparing to write a theme for the 2008 Olympic Games. - by John Beaudin
Peter Friestedt Debuts With Help From Toto & Chicago Alumni
March 22, 2004 - You may not know the name Peter Friestedt (pictured middle) now but the Swedish guitarist is hoping that could change thanks to the help of a few popular music names. Friestedt has enlisted Chicago keyboardist/vocalist Bill Champlin (pictured right)and former Toto vocalist Joseph Williams (left) to add some vocals on his debut album which pays homage to the L.A./west coast sound. Read more.
No Sex Change For Toto's David Paich June 22, 2003 - The official headline on Much More Music's website last week read "Toto Member Loses Member" and many other media outlets also went with the story about Toto keyboardist David Paich (left) having a sex change operation. Turns out guitarist Steve Lukather just posted the story on their official website as a joke (www.toto99.com). The posting reported that Paich who wrote many of Toto's biggest hits and even sang a few was taking the summer off from touring to have the operation. Paich is taking the summer off but it's because of the serious illness of a family member. Lukather says he's very sorry for the confusion but goes on to say that he was very surprised so many media outlets took the story seriously, adding "one look at Dave and you would see it's an impossible story." Here's the original posting place on Toto's website by Lukather, "David will be missing the summer tour due to a sex change operation. His dreams of becoming, who he REALLY is, a woman, need to be realized. The lie he has been living has been difficult for his family and for us as a band. It will be our pleasure to introduce "Davida" in the fall. This has been a long time coming and we wish him a quick healthy recovery."
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Sacramento Loses Their Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 March 5, 2010 – Smooth Jazz has gone dark in Sacramento. Entercom Communications, owners of Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 FM pulled the plug on the station this week. More
Now 3 Chances to Win “Classic Smooth Jazz 6 Packs” February 27, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now wants to thank you for listening. Starting Monday March 1st listen for your name andyou could win some of the biggest albums in Smooth Jazz history. More
In Conversation with U-NAM on his latest CD ‘Unanimity’ February 23, 2010 - French Smooth Jazz guitar sensation Emmanuel Abitebol, more known as U-NAM, came to fame with his widely acclaimed somophore album ‘Back from the 80’s’ released in 2007. More
Sade Is Queen Again February 23, 2010 – The new Sade album is kicking some serious butt on the charts. After a 10 year break the sultry singer is back on top of the Billboard Album Charts with “Soldier of Love.” It sold over 500 thousand in its first week of release. More
Record Numbers of Votes Registered for the 6th Annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards February 22, 2010 – The annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards ballot count ending last Friday (Feb. 19) reflects a dramatic increase in voter interest. Awards co-chair, Mary Kirk, of Wave 94.7FM says, “Thank you to the huge number of fans from all over the world who took time to send in their ballots.” More
In Conversation with Paula Atherton February 19 - 2010 - Smooth Jazz female sax players are not numerous, but there is a collection of talented performers such as Candy Dulfer, Jessy J and Paula Atherton among others. Mrs. Atherton does not only perform sax and other horn instruments, she is also a consummate singer. Read the interview
June 10, 2009 – The sun is shining on Toto. The band that formed in the late seventies, mainly with top-notch session musicians, is finally getting their due. Toto will be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville on October 12, 2009.
Feb. 19, 2009 - If you’ve ever chatted with Toto’s Steve Lukather you know the guy is a clown – in the coolest sense. His sharp wit is matched only by his insane talent as a guitarist. Lukather will hopefully combine both as he tries his hand as teacher at this years Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp. The chance-of-a-lifetime class will be held from April 29-May 3 in Hollywood.
Nov. 10, 2008 – When Joseph Williams was kicked out as lead singer of Toto in 1989, many fans were horrified, sending angry letters to the group and record company. I was one of them. I don’t remember what I wrote in my hate mail but I’m sure it was dismissed as the rantings of a future postal-nut-job. I always called Williams’ dismissal the biggest mistake the band ever made but not far behind has to be their terrible relationship with Sony Records. Since then, Williams has made peace with Toto, even appearing as a guest vocalist on some of their projects. 
Joseph Williams is the son of film composer John Williams. He appeared on just two Toto albums ‘Fahrenheit’ and ‘The Seventh One.’ The latter is considered one of the best Toto albums and was supposed to bring the band back on top. In spite of having the hit single “Pamela’ it stalled on the charts because Sony bailed on promoting the project. I consider it one of my all time favourite albums.
June 11, 2008 – Of all the bands that got a bad shake by the music industry and radio Toto has to be one of the tops. Here was a band formed by some of the best musicians in the world including legendary drummer Jeff Porcaro and powerhouse vocalists like Joseph Williams and Bobby Kimball and of course leader and guitar crazy-man Steve Lukather. It was Lukather who this week posted on his website that the band was no more. After 31 years the guitarist said the band had lost its form with so many personnel changes. He even blamed record exec Donnie Ienner for hurting the band.
March 5, 2010 – Smooth Jazz has gone dark in Sacramento. Entercom Communications, owners of Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 FM pulled the plug on the station this week. 
February 27, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now wants to thank you for listening. Starting Monday March 1st listen for your name andyou could win some of the biggest albums in Smooth Jazz history
February 23, 2010 - French Smooth Jazz guitar sensation Emmanuel Abitebol, more known as U-NAM, came to fame with his widely acclaimed somophore album ‘Back from the 80’s’ released in 2007. 
February 23, 2010 – The new Sade album is kicking some serious butt on the charts. After a 10 year break the sultry singer is back on top of the Billboard Album Charts with “Soldier of Love.” It sold over 500 thousand in its first week of release. 
February 22, 2010 – The annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards ballot count ending last Friday (Feb. 19) reflects a dramatic increase in voter interest. Awards co-chair, Mary Kirk, of Wave 94.7FM says, “Thank you to the huge number of fans from all over the world who took time to send in their ballots.” 
February 19 - 2010 - Smooth Jazz female sax players are not numerous, but there is a collection of talented performers such as Candy Dulfer, Jessy J and Paula Atherton among others. Mrs. Atherton does not only perform sax and other horn instruments, she is also a consummate singer.