Toshi Reagon
Biography
Toshi Reagon, the daughter of Freedom Singers Bernice Johnson and Cordell Reagon, once described herself as a "postmodern rhythm & blues woman who's got something special." Given her long-standing political awareness, that definition isn't that far off the mark. Her mom has gone on to widespread mainstream success with Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Toshi appeared poised to follow in her footsteps. She possesses a big, booming, earthy voice and isn't bashful about speaking her mind or showing off her ability to bend strings on her guitar.
Born in Atlanta, Reagon was raised in Washington, D.C., the daughter of socially conscious, musically hip parents who had a vast record collection that included blues, old Negro work songs, and other forms of traditional folk music. She began leading her own bands in high school, and her 1990s live shows went all over the musical map to include reggae, folk, blues, and rock & roll songs.
Interestingly, her influences -- aside from her parents -- include Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Kiss, a combination of the most memorable 1970s rock & roll bands, and, thanks to her mother, the classic blues of people like Big Mama Thornton, Howlin' Wolf, and Big Bill Broonzy.
Selected Discography
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