Toto ( band ) - wikipedia Toto ( band ) Toto Toto live in Copenhagen, Denmark, at K.B. Hallen July 20, 2010. 2010 lineup, left to right, Simon Phillips ( drums ), David Paich ( keyboards, vocals ), Mabvuto Carpenter ( vocals ), Jory Steinberg ( vocals ), Steve Lukather ( guitar, vocals ), Nathan East ( bass, vocals ), Steve Porcaro ( keyboards ), Joseph Williams ( lead vocals ) Background information Origin Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Genres Rock, pop, jazz fusion Years active 1976 -- 2008, 2010 -- present Labels Columbia, Frontiers, Toto Associated acts Boz Scaggs, LeRoux, Steely Dan, Seals and Crofts, Michael McDonald, Yoso Website www.totoofficial.com Members Steve Lukather David Paich Steve Porcaro Joseph Williams Past members Bobby Kimball David Hungate Jeff Porcaro Mike Porcaro Fergie Frederiksen Jean - Michel Byron Simon Phillips Greg Phillinganes Keith Carlock Toto is an American rock band formed in 1976 in Los Angeles. The band 's current lineup consists of Joseph Williams ( lead vocals ), David Paich ( keyboards, vocals ), Steve Porcaro ( keyboards ), Steve Lukather ( guitars, vocals ), plus touring members Lenny Castro ( percussion ), Warren Ham ( saxophone ), Shem von Schroeck ( bass ) and Shannon Forrest ( drums ). Toto is known for a musical style that combines elements of pop, rock, soul, funk, progressive rock, hard rock, R&B, blues, and jazz. Paich and Jeff Porcaro had played together as session musicians on several albums and decided to form a band. David Hungate, Lukather, Steve Porcaro and Bobby Kimball were recruited before the first album release. The band enjoyed great commercial success in the late 1970s and 1980s, beginning with the band 's eponymous debut released in 1978. With the release of the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Toto IV ( 1982 ), Toto became one of the best - selling music groups of their era. Widely known for the Top 5 hits `` Hold the Line '', `` Rosanna '', and `` Africa '', the makeup of the group continues to evolve. Hungate left in 1982, followed by Kimball in 1984, but who rejoined the band in 1998 until 2008. Jeff Porcaro died in 1992 of a heart attack. Hungate rejoined Toto as a touring musician and later a band member. In 2008, Lukather announced his departure from the band, and the remaining band members later went their separate ways. In the summer of 2010, Toto reformed and went on a short European tour, with a new lineup, to benefit Mike Porcaro, who had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS ) and was no longer an active member of the band. He died in 2015. The band has released 17 studio albums, and has sold over 40 million records worldwide. The group was honored with several Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2009. Contents 1 History 1.1 Formation ( 1976 ) 1.2 Band name and debut album ( 1976 -- 1979 ) 1.3 Hydra and Turn Back ( 1980 -- 1981 ) 1.4 Toto IV ( 1982 ) 1.5 Isolation ( 1982 -- 1985 ) 1.6 Fahrenheit and The Seventh One with Joseph Williams ( 1985 -- 1988 ) 1.7 Past To Present and Jean - Michel Byron ( 1988 -- 1990 ) 1.8 Kingdom of Desire and Jeff Porcaro 's death ( 1991 -- 1992 ) 1.9 Addition of Simon Phillips and Tambu ( 1995 -- 1997 ) 1.10 Toto XX, Bobby Kimball 's return and Mindfields ( 1997 -- 2001 ) 1.11 Through the Looking Glass and Toto 's 25th anniversary ( 2002 -- 2003 ) 1.12 Greg Phillinganes and David Paich 's semi-retirement ( 2003 -- 2005 ) 1.13 Falling In Between and Falling In Between Live ( 2006 -- 2008 ) 1.14 Hiatus ( 2008 ) 1.15 Reformation ( 2010 ) 1.16 Toto 's 35th anniversary, death of Fergie Frederiksen, Simon Phillips ' departure, and Keith Carlock ( 2013 -- 2014 ) 1.17 David Hungate 's return and North American tour with Michael McDonald ( 2014 ) 1.18 Toto XIV, Mike Porcaro 's death & 40 Trips Around The Sun ( 2015 -- present ) 2 Band members 2.1 Current members 2.2 Timeline 3 Discography 3.1 Studio albums 4 Awards and nominations 5 Tours 6 References 7 External links History Formation ( 1976 ) Toto in 1982 in London at the Hammersmith Odeon. ( Steve Porcaro, Jon Smith, Bobby Kimball, Steve Lukather, Lenny Castro, Jeff Porcaro ) The members of Toto were regulars on albums by Steely Dan, Seals and Crofts, Boz Scaggs, Sonny and Cher, and many others, contributing to many of the most popular records of the 1970s. Keyboardist David Paich, son of musician and session player / arranger Marty Paich, rose to fame after having co-written much of Scaggs 's Silk Degrees album. Having played on many sessions with drummer Jeff Porcaro ( the son of noted session percussionist Joe Porcaro ), whom he met while attending Grant High School in Van Nuys, California, where they formed the band Rural Still Life, Paich began to discuss seriously with Porcaro the possibility of them forming their own band. They brought in bassist and fellow session vet David Hungate, having played with him in the backing band for Scaggs. In addition, the duo asked fellow Grant High School students, guitarist Steve Lukather ( who also played in Scaggs 's band as a replacement for Les Dudek ) and Jeff Porcaro 's brother Steve Porcaro ( keyboards ) to join the team. Lukather and Steve Porcaro were in the same year at Grant and continued the band Rural Still Life ( the name shortened to Still Life ) after Paich and Jeff graduated. With the addition of former S.S. Fools singer Bobby Kimball, the group began to work on their first album in 1976 after signing with Columbia Records. Band name and debut album ( 1976 -- 1979 ) Once the band came together, David Paich began composing what would become the eponymous debut album, Toto. According to popular myth, at the first recording sessions, in order to distinguish their own demo tapes from other bands ' in the studio, Jeff Porcaro wrote the word `` Toto '' on them. In the early 1980s, band members told the press that the band was named after the dog in The Wizard of Oz. One popular rumor is that the name came from Bobby Kimball 's `` true '' last name, Toteaux. This rumor was in fact only a joke popularized by former bassist David Hungate. After the completion of the first album, the band and record were still unnamed. David Hungate, after viewing the name on the demo tapes, explained to the group that the words `` In Toto '' in Latin translated to `` all - encompassing. '' Because the band members played on so many records and so many musical genres, they adopted the name `` Toto '' as their own. After its release, Toto climbed the charts quickly, earning popularity with the hit single `` Hold the Line '', as well as the charting `` I 'll Supply the Love '' and `` Georgy Porgy '', featuring Cheryl Lynn. The band garnered international acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Shortly thereafter, in early 1979, Toto embarked on their first American tour in support of the debut album. For the tour, Toto brought along two additional musicians, Tom Kelly ( guitar, backup vocals ) and Lenny Castro ( percussion ), to increase the depth of the sound, and continued to bring additional touring musicians for all subsequent tours. ( See the `` Tour Musicians '' section below ). Hydra and Turn back ( 1980 -- 1981 ) Kimball and Lukather live in 2007 At the close of the first tour, the band began work on their next album, entitled Hydra, which was released later that year and featured the single `` 99 '', inspired by George Lucas ' cult film THX 1138. Nearly 30 years later, Steve Lukather confessed that, despite the song 's popularity, he hated `` 99 '' and that it 's one of his least favorite Toto songs, which is why it was rarely performed after Hydra 's tour. The band also released four promotional music videos for the album, including the title track. The other two were `` St George and The Dragon '' and `` All Us Boys ''. They were directed by Bruce Gowers and produced by Paul Flattery for Jon Roseman Productions International. Although the album Hydra failed to achieve the commercial success of Toto 's first release, it still went gold. Following the album 's release, the band set out on the `` Hydra Tour '', which featured both American and international dates. The tour lasted from February until June 1980. In early 1981, Toto released their third album, Turn Back. The album was a venture into arena rock and featured heavier guitar and fewer keyboards than on the previous two records. On December 15, 1981, Bobby Kimball was arrested for allegedly selling cocaine to an undercover police officer. Toto IV ( 1982 ) Mike Porcaro in 2005 in Germany Africa Problems playing this file ? See media help. 1982 marked the beginning of Toto 's most successful era. After the disappointing sales of Turn Back, the band was under a great deal of pressure from the record company to produce a new smash record. With the Triple Platinum - certified Toto IV, the band delivered one of the most commercially successful records of the 1980s. The album featured three singles that reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart : `` Rosanna '', `` Africa '' and `` I Wo n't Hold You Back ''. The album also appeared on several worldwide charts, introducing the band to new audiences around the globe. `` Africa '' topped the charts in February 1983 and was a constant presence on radios around the world, but it was `` Rosanna '' that earned the band multiple Grammy nominations. Toto IV earned seven Grammy Awards, including `` Record of the Year '' for `` Rosanna '', `` Album of the Year '' for Toto IV and `` Producer of the Year ''. At the time Steve Porcaro was dating actress Rosanna Arquette, but the song is not about her, according to writer David Paich. In the music video for the song, Cynthia Rhodes plays the title character. In addition to `` Africa '' and `` Rosanna '', Toto IV continued its successful run with the release of another single, `` Make Believe ''. Toto toured throughout 1982 in support of Toto IV. Also, during this time, Steve Porcaro co-wrote and co-composed `` Human Nature, '' which Michael Jackson recorded for his best - selling album Thriller ( 1982 ), turning the song into a smash hit. Isolation ( 1982 -- 1985 ) Subsequent to the Toto IV release, bassist David Hungate left the band. Hungate, who had relocated to Nashville in 1980 to pursue a session / production career, felt that the fame surrounding Toto IV would prevent him from spending time with his family. A third Porcaro brother, Mike Porcaro, who had performed cello on a track from Toto IV, replaced Hungate on bass. Lead singer Bobby Kimball spent the early part of 1983 facing prosecution for drug - related charges. Kimball was ordered to stand trial, but pleaded not guilty. The charges were dismissed on May 28 of that year. However, Kimball was fired from the band in 1984. Later that year, Toto composed most of the music for the soundtrack to the film Dune. At one point, Richard Page of the band Mr. Mister was offered the lead singer spot, but turned it down to continue with his band. Fergie Frederiksen ( formerly of Angel, Trillion and Le Roux ) was brought in as the new vocalist and the band recorded Isolation, released in November 1984. While Isolation did not achieve the acclaim or sales of Toto IV, it did achieve Gold status, largely on the strength of the single `` Stranger in Town ''. `` Isolation '' 's tour began in February 1985 and concluded three months later. Fahrenheit and the Seventh one with Joseph Williams ( 1985 -- 1988 ) David Paich during a live concert At the close of the Isolation tour in 1985, Fergie Frederiksen was let go. Lukather claimed that the band was not meshing well with Frederiksen because he had a difficult time recording with them in the studio. The band held an audition and Joseph Williams, son of film composer John Williams and 1950s singer / actress Barbara Ruick, was chosen to take over lead vocals in early 1986. With Joseph Williams now onboard officially, Toto wrote and recorded Fahrenheit, released in October 1986. While Williams is credited as lead vocalist, Frederiksen had begun recording a few tracks and is featured as a background vocalist on the track `` Could This Be Love ''. Fahrenheit brought the band back from the heavier sound of Isolation to their pop / rock roots. `` I 'll Be Over You '' and `` Without Your Love '', which were both ballads sung by Lukather, were the two hit singles. The band recruited several guest musicians for the album. They recorded an instrumental piece entitled `` Do n't Stop Me Now '' with legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis. In addition, a then - unknown Paula Abdul appeared as a dancer in their `` Till the End '' music video. Michael McDonald provided backup vocals on the song `` I 'll Be Over You '' ( and appeared in the accompanying music video ), while Eagles founder and songwriting giant Don Henley appeared on the Steve Porcaro penned track `` Lea ''. After its release, the band embarked on another world tour. Upon its conclusion in 1987, Steve Porcaro left the band to pursue a career in film and television scoring. Fahrenheit eventually went Gold on October 3, 1994. Steve Porcaro was never replaced and Toto decided to continue with only five members. Although Porcaro occasionally assisted the band on synthesizers for their subsequent studio albums ( and appeared on their 1988 tour ), David Paich handled most of the live keyboard work ( with keyboard technician John Jessel assisting on certain dates ) post 1988. In 1988 Toto released their next album The Seventh One, featuring Jon Anderson of Yes on backup vocals on the single `` Stop Loving You ''. The album 's other single, `` Pamela '', became very popular and would be the band 's last to hit the US Top 40. The Seventh One became the band 's most successful release since Toto IV. The band toured from February through July 1988. Past to Present and Jean - Michel Byron ( 1988 -- 1990 ) Steve Lukather on Varus Open Air in Osnabrück, Germany, 2004 Although `` The Seventh One Tour '' was very successful, after it was finished the band decided to replace lead singer Joseph Williams. Originally, the band wanted to reunite with original vocalist Bobby Kimball to record new songs for a greatest hits record, but the record company instead insisted they hire South African singer Jean - Michel Byron. Before Byron was brought in, the band recorded `` Goin ' Home '' with Kimball. This song was later featured on the Toto XX album as an ' unreleased song. ' When Byron was brought in ( in 1989 ) he and Toto recorded four new songs which were included on their greatest hits album Past to Present 1977 -- 1990, released in 1990. Toto then embarked upon the `` Planet Earth '' tour that lasted from September until December 1990. The band did n't get along with Byron, whose diva - like behavior and flamboyant stage presence caused friction during the tour. He was demoted to background vocals before ultimately being fired at the conclusion of the tour. During this time - frame, the band also found that former singer, Bobby Kimball, was booking shows and billing himself and his backing band as `` Toto ''. In April, mirroring the situation that had happened with Kimball seven years previously, former singer Joseph Williams was arrested on drug - related charges. Kingdom of Desire and Jeff Porcaro 's death ( 1991 -- 1992 ) Once again without a lead vocalist, guitarist Steve Lukather sang lead vocals and became the new front man. Toto played at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1991 and the band recorded Kingdom of Desire, which was released on Columbia Records in most parts of the world and on Clive Davis ' label Relativity Records in the United States. Jeff Porcaro died in an accident on August 5, 1992, at the age of 38 while working in his garden. According to the LA Times Report, the Los Angeles County Coroner 's office lists the cause of death to be a heart attack from the hardening of the arteries caused by cocaine use. Facing the prospect of a tour without Jeff, Toto almost broke up. However, Jeff Porcaro 's family insisted the band continue. Englishman Simon Phillips was the only drummer ever contacted to replace Jeff Porcaro since the band knew that Porcaro liked Phillips and because Lukather worked with Phillips on a previous tour with Santana and Jeff Beck in Japan in 1986. Phillips joined the band and they went on the tour, which they dedicated to Jeff 's memory. In 1993 they released a live album called Absolutely Live. From 1991 on, Steve Lukather would handle a majority of the vocals ( until Bobby Kimball 's return in 1998 ), but some older songs originally sung by Kimball, Fergie Frederiksen, and Joseph Williams were put in the set list and sung by new backup singers Fred White ( who was replaced by John James in 1992 ), Jackie McGee ( who 'd joined for the 1990 tour and was replaced by Donna McDaniel in 1992 ) and Jenny Douglas - McRae ( who 'd also come aboard in 1990. ) John sang `` Stop Loving You '' and Bobby 's part on `` Rosanna '', Donna sang `` Home of the Brave '' and `` Angel Do n't Cry '', and Jenny sang `` Hold the Line ''. On December 14, 1992, the Tribute to Jeff Porcaro Concert was held at Universal City 's Universal Amphitheatre. Performers, including Don Henley, Eddie Van Halen, Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, Boz Scaggs, James Newton Howard, Michael McDonald, Richard Marx and special guest George Harrison, performed various Toto songs along with the four remaining Toto members. At the close of the tour, the band then took a break to pursue individual projects as well as to keep up their session schedules. Addition of Simon Phillips and Tambu ( 1995 -- 1997 ) In 1995 Toto recorded Tambu, their first album with Simon Phillips, which saw the band back with CBS ( now Sony ). A departure from Toto 's sound of the late 1970s and 1980s, Tambu was a very organic release and featured the single `` I Will Remember '', which received moderate radio play. Other singles released were `` Drag Him To The Roof '' and `` The Turning Point ''. Tambu also featured John James and Jenny Douglas - McRae as backup singers on some of the tracks. Douglas - McRae even sang lead on the album 's bonus track, `` Blackeye '', and also in a duet with Steve Lukather on `` Baby He 's Your Man ''. Tambu sold 600,000 copies worldwide. The `` Tambu Tour '' proved to be another success, although there were no North American dates. Simon Phillips suffered from a back problem, so Gregg Bissonette had to fill in for him during the first leg of the tour in late 1995. The tour concluded in 1996. The rest of the tour personnel remained the same, with the exception of Donna McDaniel who 'd left in 1994 shortly after the `` Night of the Proms '' performances ( which Douglas - McRae had missed since she was out touring with Joe Cocker ). The song `` Hold the Line '' was now sung as a duet between James and Douglas - McRae. Both James and Douglas - McRae were dropped from the band at the conclusion of the 1997 tour. Toto XX, Bobby Kimball 's return and Mindfields ( 1997 -- 2001 ) 1997 marked the band 's 20th anniversary, and in order to commemorate it, David Paich and Steve Lukather started to go through several old tapes and demos for a special record of unreleased songs. In 1998 they released Toto XX with the single `` Goin Home ''. Toto went on a small promotional tour with former members Bobby Kimball, Steve Porcaro and Joseph Williams. After the `` Toto XX '' tour, Bobby Kimball rejoined the band as lead singer after 14 years. The band released Mindfields in early 1999 and embarked on the `` Reunion '' tour, touring worldwide and returning to the United States for the first time in six years. The new album featured three singles, `` Melanie '', `` Cruel '' and `` Mad About You '', a song co-written by David Paich and former Toto vocalist Joseph Williams. Later that year, a live album titled Livefields was released. The tour officially concluded in 2000, but the band played a few shows throughout 2001. David Paich briefly took a break from touring in 2000, so Jeff Babko filled in on keyboards. Paich then resumed touring with Toto in 2001. Through the Looking Glass and Toto 's 25th anniversary ( 2002 -- 2003 ) In 2002, in celebration of Toto 's 25th anniversary, the band released Through the Looking Glass, a covers album that paid tribute to the band 's musical influences, such as Bob Marley, Steely Dan, George Harrison and Elton John. Two singles were released, `` Could You Be Loved '', a Bob Marley cover, and `` While My Guitar Gently Weeps '', a Beatles cover. The album was not a commercial success and many fans were upset about the release, thinking that the band should have written new material instead. However, the record gave the band material to promote their `` 25th Anniversary Tour '', which started in 2002 and concluded in 2003. After the tour, Toto released a live album and DVD of the show titled Live in Amsterdam. Both the live album and the DVD were released in late 2003. Greg Phillinganes and David Paich 's semi-retirement ( 2003 -- 2005 ) Toto on stage at the Summer Tour 2004 in Modena, Italy, July 11th 2004. From the left : Tony Spinner, David Paich, Bobby Kimball, Steve Lukather, Simon Phillips, Mike Porcaro Beginning in June 2003, near the end of their `` 25th Anniversary Tour '', keyboardist David Paich took a leave of absence from touring to spend time with a sick family member. Veteran keyboardist Greg Phillinganes filled in for Paich for the rest of the tour. In late 2003, Toto headlined Night of the Proms for two months straight. Paich returned but was only able to play for a few weeks before he had to leave again, so Phillinganes once again filled in for the remainder of the shows. In early 2004, the band embarked on a world tour that went throughout 2004 and 2005. Paich only occasionally appeared, with Phillinganes playing at most of the shows. In 2005, Phillinganes was asked to become a regular member of the band and Paich retired from touring. Paich was still a member of Toto, however, as he continued to record and produce on all of Toto 's releases. Falling in Between and Falling in Between live ( 2006 -- 2008 ) Steve Lukather and Greg Phillinganes, in Trondheim, Norway, August 4, 2007 In early 2006, Toto released Falling in Between on the Italian label Frontiers, their first album of new material since 1999. The release featured extensive keyboard work from Steve Porcaro and a duet with Joseph Williams on the first single, `` Bottom of Your Soul ''. Following the record 's release, Toto embarked on an extensive worldwide tour in 2006, which continued into 2007 for a second leg. The 2007 leg featured Leland Sklar filling in on bass for Mike Porcaro due to an ( at the time ) undisclosed illness. 2007 featured extensive dates in both Europe and the United States, including an appearance at Moondance Jam in Walker, Minnesota. Former lead singer Fergie Frederiksen made a guest appearance at the Minneapolis date on May 5, 2007 and Joseph Williams also made a few guest appearances with the band in June 2007. Toto released a two - CD set Falling in Between Live on Eagle Records to commemorate the tour. This live set marks the fourth for the band, following 1993 's Absolutely Live, 1999 's Livefields and 2003 's Live In Amsterdam. In 2008, a companion DVD of the show which was recorded in Paris in March 2007 was released. Hiatus ( 2008 ) After a period of rumors and some allusions, on June 5, 2008, Lukather posted a message on his official website, stating, `` The fact is yes I have left Toto. There is no more Toto. I just ca n'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 main motivation for his decision, Lukather said : When Dave ( Paich ) retired that was REAL hard for me ' cause we started the band together. Hell, it 's 35 years if you count High School where the core all met. When Mike ( Porcaro ) fell ill and had to leave that was it for me. If there is n't Paich or at least one Porcaro how can we even call it Toto ?... Honestly, I have just had enough. This is NOT a break. It is over. I really ca n't go out and play Hold The Line with a straight face anymore. Reformation ( 2010 ) On February 26, 2010, the band reformed and reunited for a brief tour of Europe in the summer to benefit Mike Porcaro, who had been diagnosed with ALS. The lineup featured David Paich, Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro, Simon Phillips, Joseph Williams and special guest Nathan East. Steve Lukather stated that the band still exists : `` Edit to 2010... well with Mike not being well and some of us missing each other the REAL high school friends ( yes that includes Joe ! ! ) got back together for the RIGHT reason. People want to hear the hits played the way they were recorded, Joe has his voice back 100 % and I loved having that power in front again and all REAL, BIG vocals again strong and seeing Paich AND Steve Porcaro with THOSE real keyboard sounds, Simon back and as Lee was busy having old pal Nate East step in... it was so much fun and so successful we thought `` Hmm, maybe a few gigs once in awhile would be fun '' and we can make some money etc... please some of the hard core fans. We ALL have outside careers that keep us all busy, not to mention families etc... no one really wants to make new music, not a full record anyway. MAYBE a track someday but not in the near future. I am on tour for a year anyway and enjoying a very successful sold out solo tour and my record sales are better than they have ever been so I dont wan na mess THAT up and everyone has their own very busy successful lives and once in awhile... why not right ? There is no covert BS goin on here. '' Another tour in the summer of 2011 took place with former backup singer Jenny Douglas once again joining. Their show on July 17, 2011 in Verona, Italy was recorded for a live DVD but has yet to be released because of a contractual issue with their former label. They once again toured Europe in 2012. Toto 's 35th anniversary, death of Fergie Frederiksen, Simon Phillips ' departure, and Keith Carlock ( 2013 -- 2014 ) In 2013, celebrating their 35th anniversary, the band embarked on tour across Europe and North America, along with Japanese dates to follow in 2014. Their show on June 25, 2013 in Łódź, Poland was recorded for a live release and was released on April 29, 2014. On November 5, it was confirmed both on Toto 's and David Paich 's official Facebook pages that a new studio album was in the works and that the band planned to go into the studio early 2014. On January 18, 2014, former vocalist Fergie Frederiksen died after a long battle with liver cancer. After the 2013 leg of the 35th anniversary tour, it was revealed via the band 's official website on January 23, 2014 that Simon Phillips had departed the band to pursue a solo career. Phillips was then replaced by Steely Dan drummer Keith Carlock. David Hungate 's return and North American tour with Michael McDonald ( 2014 ) While Keith Carlock was now part of the band, he did not join them for at least the North American tour and was filled in by Shannon Forrest. Bass player Nathan East, who has been touring with them since 2010, left after the Japanese tour to pursue his own projects. Instead, original bass player David Hungate rejoined the band. They once again toured the United States in spring 2014 as co-headliners with singer Michael McDonald. It was their most comprehensive tour on the continent in years. Toto XIV, Mike Porcaro 's death & 40 Trips around the Sun ( 2015 -- Present ) Toto released their fourteenth studio album and their first in nine years titled Toto XIV on March 20 ( Europe ), March 23 ( UK and Oceania ), and March 24, 2015 ( North America ). To promote the newly finished project, the band started a world tour running with an extensive European headline arena tour including appearances at key festivals, along with a North American tour to follow in the summer of 2015 and Asia later that year. On March 15, 2015, former bassist Mike Porcaro died, due to complications from his battle with ALS, in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles. On 6 April 2015, Toto announced that they would embark on 7 August 2015 in Mashantucket, Connecticut with veteran progressive band Yes on a joint summer tour of North America due to end on 12 September 2015 in Coquitlam, British Columbia. Shannon Forrest has continued to perform as the band 's drummer. On 29 September 2015, Toto announced the first leg of their 2016 Tour in support of Toto XIV consisting of European and Japanese dates. Leland Sklar, who joined them on their 2007 and 2008 tours, replaced founding member Hungate. Sklar left Toto in early 2017 and was replaced by Shem von Schroeck. Toto released their anniversary album `` 40 Trips Around The Sun '' on February 9, 2018. They 'll embark on their world tour promoting their album and celebrating 40 years of music. Band members For more details on this topic, see List of Toto band members. Current members Steve Lukather -- guitars, backing and lead vocals, occasional bass, occasional keyboards ( 1976 -- 2008, 2010 -- present ) David Paich -- keyboards, backing and lead vocals ( 1976 -- 2008, 2010 -- present ) Steve Porcaro -- keyboards, backing and lead vocals ( 1976 -- 1987, 1998, 2010 -- present ) Joseph Williams -- lead and backing vocals, occasional keyboards ( 1986 -- 1989, 1998, 2010 -- present ) Timeline Discography Main article : Toto discography Studio albums Toto ( 1978 ) Hydra ( 1979 ) Turn Back ( 1981 ) Toto IV ( 1982 ) Isolation ( 1984 ) Dune ( 1984 ) Fahrenheit ( 1986 ) The Seventh One ( 1988 ) Kingdom of Desire ( 1992 ) Tambu ( 1995 ) Mindfields ( 1999 ) Through the Looking Glass ( 2002 ) Falling in Between ( 2006 ) Toto XIV ( 2015 ) Awards and nominations Grammy Awards Year Nominee / work Award Result 1979 Toto Best New Artist Nominated Producer of the Year Won `` Rosanna '' Record of the Year Won Song of the Year Nominated Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices Won Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal ( s ) Won Toto IV Album of the Year Won Best Engineered Recording, Non-Classical Won Tambu Nominated 2000 Mindfields Nominated Tours 1979 -- Toto Tour 1980 -- Hydra Tour 1982 -- Toto IV Tour 1985 -- 1986 -- Isolation Tour 1986 -- 1987 -- Fahrenheit Tour 1988 -- The Seventh One Tour 1990 -- Planet Earth Tour ( Past to Present Tour ) 1991 -- Summer Tour 1992 -- 1993 -- Kingdom of Desire Tour 1993 -- Summer Tour 1995 -- 1996 -- Tambu Tour 1997 -- South African Tour 1998 -- Toto XX tour 1999 -- 2000 -- Mindfields Tour 2001 -- 2002 -- Summer Tour 2002 -- 2004 -- 25th Anniversary Tour ( Through the Looking Glass Tour ) 2004 -- 2005 -- Summer Tour 2006 -- 2008 -- Falling in Between Tour 2010 -- Mike Porcaro Honor Tour 2011 -- In the Blink of an Eye Tour 2012 -- Summer Tour 2013 -- 2014 -- 35th Anniversary Tour 2015 -- 2016 -- Toto XIV Tour ( Yes & Toto Co-Headlining North American Summer Tour 2015 ) 2017 - An Evening With Toto Tour 2018 -- 40 Trips Around the Sun Tour ( 40th Anniversary tour ) References Jump up ^ `` Official TOTO Website -- Hot News ''. toto99.com. 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We were going to put it on the demonstration records and change it later. We just never found another name. ' Jump up ^ `` Robert 's Toto Homepage ''. Hem.passagen.se. August 5, 1992. Retrieved July 20, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Ibid ''. Hem.passagen.se. August 5, 1992. Retrieved July 20, 2011. ^ Jump up to : `` Toto Tourdate Information ''. Toto_rocks.tripod.com. Retrieved July 20, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Toto Encyclopedia ''. Toto99.com. April 28, 2007. Archived from the original on June 18, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2011. Jump up ^ Steve Lukather Interview 2007 Archived October 7, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ `` Steve Lukather Official Site ''. Stevelukather.net. Retrieved July 20, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Toto singer pleads ''. Williamson Daily News. Feb 4, 1983. Jump up ^ Tegnér, Anders. `` Toto Interview 1988 ''. Retrieved June 15, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Rock singer off the hook in drug case ''. Gainesville Sun. Associated Press. May 28, 1983. Jump up ^ `` TOTO flies high on tour ''. 7 May 2004. Retrieved 1 March 2015. Jump up ^ `` Steve Lukather interview 1998 ''. Melodicrock.com. Retrieved July 20, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Gold & Platinum -- August 9, 2008 ''. RIAA. Retrieved July 20, 2011. Jump up ^ Insidemusiccast.com Archived February 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ `` Former Toto singer upsets fans by using band 's name at club ''. Eugene Register - Guard. Associated Press. August 29, 1990. Jump up ^ `` Program OK 'd ''. The Press - Courier. Dec 13, 1990. Jump up ^ Julie Tamaki ( September 4, 1992 ). `` Drummer 's Death Linked to Cocaine, Coroner Says : Autopsy : Report finds no evidence to support earlier belief that Toto 's Jeff Porcaro died of an allergic reaction to a pesticide ''. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 3, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Official TOTO Website -- Band History ''. Toto99.com. August 5, 1992. Retrieved October 24, 2011. Jump up ^ Heckman, Don ( December 16, 1992 ). `` A Rip - Roaring Tribute to Toto 's Jeff Porcaro ''. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 3, 2011. Jump up ^ Toto99.com Archived December 30, 2006, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ Toto99.com Archived March 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ `` Steve Lukather interview 2004 ''. Melodicrock.com. Retrieved July 20, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Band Member Page ''. Toto99.com. Retrieved July 20, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Toto Concert Reviews ''. Toto99.com. Retrieved July 20, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Joseph Williams Official Site ''. Josephwilliams.totoweb.org. Retrieved July 20, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Articles ''. stevelukather.net. June 6, 2008. Retrieved July 20, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Official TOTO Website -- Hot News ''. toto99.com. Retrieved July 20, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Does Toto exist or not ? ''. TotoNetwork. Retrieved July 20, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Official TOTO Website -- Tour Dates ''. www.toto99.com. Retrieved April 27, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Toto ''. Retrieved November 5, 2013. Jump up ^ `` David Paich ''. November 5, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2013. Jump up ^ `` TOTO RAMPS UP FOR BUSY 2014 WITH PLANNED STUDIO ALBUM, UPCOMING DVD / CD RELEASE, JAPANESE TOUR : Toto ''. Totoofficial.com. 2013 - 06 - 25. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved 2014 - 04 - 23. Jump up ^ Nick DeRiso. `` ' Never thought this was going to happen ' : Toto begins tour ahead of concert release, long - awaited new album ''. Somethingelsereviews.com. Retrieved 2014 - 06 - 25. Jump up ^ `` Steve Lukather Talks New Toto Album : ' I Think This Is Gonna Surprise People ' ''. Ultimateclassicrock.com. Retrieved 2014 - 06 - 25. Jump up ^ `` ' I can end with you guys ' : David Hungate pondering retirement after long - awaited Toto reunion ''. Somethingelsereviews.com. 2014 - 05 - 13. Retrieved 2014 - 06 - 25. Jump up ^ `` Toto XIV -- Lukather & CJ Vanston Comment Exclusively ''. MelodicRock. Retrieved 3 December 2014. Jump up ^ `` Toto 's First Album in 10 Years Given Release Date ''. TotoOfficial.com. January 8, 2015. Archived from the original on January 10, 2015. Retrieved January 8, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Toto bassist Mike Porcaro died ''. Jump up ^ `` Yes & Toto announce joint tour ''. 6 April 2015. Retrieved 6 April 2015. Jump up ^ `` YES & Toto 2015 North American Summer Tour ''. www.yesworld.com. April 2015. Retrieved 11 April 2015. Jump up ^ `` Yes & Toto 2015 Co-Headlining North American Summer Tour Schedule ''. April 6, 2015. Archived from the original on April 17, 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Toto announce European / Japan dates for 2016 ''. 29 September 2015. Retrieved 29 September 2015. Jump up ^ `` Yes & Toto 2015 Co-Headlining North American Summer Tour Schedule ''. April 6, 2015. Archived from the original on April 17, 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Yes & Toto announce joint tour ''. April 6, 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2015. Jump up ^ `` 40 trips around the sun ''. External links Book : Toto Find more aboutToto ( band ) at Wikipedia 's sister projects Definitions from Wiktionary Media from Wikimedia Commons News from Wikinews Quotations from Wikiquote Texts from Wikisource Textbooks from Wikibooks Learning resources from Wikiversity Official website Toto at WorldMusicDatabase Toto Steve Lukather David Paich Steve Porcaro Joseph Williams David Hungate Bobby Kimball Jeff Porcaro Mike Porcaro Fergie Frederiksen Jean - Michel Byron Simon Phillips Greg Phillinganes Keith Carlock Studio albums Toto Hydra Turn Back Toto IV Isolation Fahrenheit The Seventh One Kingdom of Desire Tambu Toto XX Mindfields Through the Looking Glass Falling in Between Toto XIV Live albums Toto Live Absolutely Live Livefields Live in Amsterdam Falling in Between Live Compilation albums Past to Present 1977 -- 1990 Best Ballads The Essential Toto 40 Trips Around the Sun Soundtracks Dune Notable songs `` Hold the Line '' `` I 'll Supply the Love '' `` Georgy Porgy '' `` 99 '' `` Rosanna '' `` Make Believe '' `` Africa '' `` I Wo n't Hold You Back '' `` Stranger in Town '' `` I 'll Be Over You '' `` Stop Loving You '' `` Pamela '' `` 2 Hearts '' `` I Will Remember '' `` Bottom of Your Soul '' Related people Lenny Castro Nathan East Boz Scaggs Tony Spinner Leland Sklar Shannon Forrest Related articles Discography Members Book : Toto Grammy Award for Record of the Year ( 1980s ) `` What a Fool Believes '' * by The Doobie Brothers ( Jeffrey Baxter, John Hartman, Keith Knudsen, Michael McDonald, Tiran Porter, Patrick Simmons ) produced by Ted Templeman ( 1980 ) `` Sailing '' * by Christopher Cross produced by Michael Omartian ( 1981 ) `` Bette Davis Eyes '' * by Kim Carnes produced by Val Garay ( 1982 ) `` Rosanna '' by Toto ( Bobby Kimball, Steve Lukather, David Paich, Jeff Porcaro, David Hungate, Steve Porcaro ) produced by Toto ( 1983 ) `` Beat It '' by Michael Jackson produced by Michael Jackson & Quincy Jones ( 1984 ) `` What 's Love Got to Do with It '' by Tina Turner produced by Terry Britten ( 1985 ) `` We Are the World '' * by USA for Africa produced by Quincy Jones ( 1986 ) `` Higher Love '' by Steve Winwood produced by Russ Titelman & Steve Winwood ( 1987 ) `` Graceland '' by Paul Simon produced by Paul Simon ( 1988 ) `` Do n't Worry, Be Happy '' * by Bobby McFerrin produced by Linda Goldstein ( 1989 ) Complete list ( 1960s ) ( 1970s ) ( 1980s ) ( 1990s ) ( 2000s ) ( 2010s ) Grammy Award for Album of the Year 1959 -- 1979 The Music from Peter Gunn -- Henry Mancini ( 1959 ) Come Dance with Me ! -- Frank Sinatra ( 1960 ) The Button - Down Mind of Bob Newhart -- Bob Newhart ( 1961 ) Judy at Carnegie Hall -- Judy Garland ( 1962 ) The First Family -- Vaughn Meader ( 1963 ) The Barbra Streisand Album -- Barbra Streisand ( 1964 ) Getz / Gilberto -- Stan Getz, João Gilberto ( 1965 ) September of My Years -- Frank Sinatra ( 1966 ) A Man and His Music -- Frank Sinatra ( 1967 ) Sgt. Pepper 's Lonely Hearts Club Band -- The Beatles ( 1968 ) By the Time I Get to Phoenix -- Glen Campbell ( 1969 ) Blood, Sweat & Tears -- Blood, Sweat & Tears ( 1970 ) Bridge over Troubled Water -- Simon & Garfunkel ( 1971 ) Tapestry -- Carole King ( 1972 ) The Concert for Bangladesh -- Various ( 1973 ) Innervisions -- Stevie Wonder ( 1974 ) Fulfillingness ' First Finale -- Stevie Wonder ( 1975 ) Still Crazy After All These Years -- Paul Simon ( 1976 ) Songs in the Key of Life -- Stevie Wonder ( 1977 ) Rumours -- Fleetwood Mac ( 1978 ) Saturday Night Fever -- Bee Gees / Various ( 1979 ) 1980 -- 2000 52nd Street -- Billy Joel ( 1980 ) Christopher Cross -- Christopher Cross ( 1981 ) Double Fantasy -- John Lennon and Yoko Ono ( 1982 ) Toto IV -- Toto ( 1983 ) Thriller -- Michael Jackson ( 1984 ) Ca n't Slow Down -- Lionel Richie ( 1985 ) No Jacket Required -- Phil Collins ( 1986 ) Graceland -- Paul Simon ( 1987 ) The Joshua Tree -- U2 ( 1988 ) Faith -- George Michael ( 1989 ) Nick of Time -- Bonnie Raitt ( 1990 ) Back on the Block -- Quincy Jones and various artists ( 1991 ) Unforgettable... with Love -- Natalie Cole ( 1992 ) Unplugged -- Eric Clapton ( 1993 ) The Bodyguard -- Whitney Houston ( 1994 ) MTV Unplugged -- Tony Bennett ( 1995 ) Jagged Little Pill -- Alanis Morissette ( 1996 ) Falling into You -- Celine Dion ( 1997 ) Time Out of Mind -- Bob Dylan ( 1998 ) The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill -- Lauryn Hill ( 1999 ) Supernatural -- Santana ( 2000 ) 2001 -- present Two Against Nature -- Steely Dan ( 2001 ) O Brother, Where Art Thou ? Soundtrack ( 2002 ) Come Away with Me -- Norah Jones ( 2003 ) Speakerboxxx / The Love Below -- Outkast ( 2004 ) Genius Loves Company -- Ray Charles and various artists ( 2005 ) How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb -- U2 ( 2006 ) Taking the Long Way -- Dixie Chicks ( 2007 ) River : The Joni Letters -- Herbie Hancock ( 2008 ) Raising Sand -- Robert Plant & Alison Krauss ( 2009 ) Fearless -- Taylor Swift ( 2010 ) The Suburbs -- Arcade Fire ( 2011 ) 21 -- Adele ( 2012 ) Babel -- Mumford & Sons ( 2013 ) Random Access Memories -- Daft Punk ( 2014 ) Morning Phase -- Beck ( 2015 ) 1989 -- Taylor Swift ( 2016 ) 25 -- Adele ( 2017 ) 24K Magic -- Bruno Mars ( 2018 ) VIAF : 132438139 LCCN : n88627891 ISNI : 0000 0001 2264 8623 GND : 5144090 - 8 SUDOC : 087888742 BNF : cb13907110d ( data ) MusicBrainz : aab5c954 - cabe - 432e - 899e - 1c4f99757327 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Toto_(band)&oldid=825274176 '' Categories : Toto ( band ) Musical groups established in 1977 Musical groups disestablished in 2008 Musical groups reestablished in 2010 American pop rock music groups American soft rock music groups Hard rock musical groups from California Musical groups from Los Angeles Progressive rock musical groups from California Supergroups ( music ) Grammy Award winners Hidden categories : Webarchive template wayback links Use mdy dates from December 2011 Articles with hCards Articles with hAudio microformats All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from September 2015 Articles with unsourced statements from November 2015 Pages using div col without cols and colwidth parameters Wikipedia articles with VIAF identifiers Wikipedia articles with LCCN identifiers Wikipedia articles with ISNI identifiers Wikipedia articles with GND identifiers Wikipedia articles with BNF identifiers Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz identifiers Talk Contents About Wikipedia Aragonés Български Čeština Cymraeg Dansk Deutsch Eesti Ελληνικά Español Esperanto Français Galego 한국어 Hrvatski Bahasa Indonesia Italiano עברית ქართული Magyar Bahasa Melayu Nederlands 日本 語 Norsk Norsk nynorsk Occitan Polski Português Română Русский Scots Shqip Simple English Slovenčina Slovenščina Српски / srpski Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски Suomi Svenska Türkçe Українська Edit links This page was last edited on 12 February 2018, at 13 : 27. 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Question: where did the band name toto come from
Answer: to distinguish their own demo tapes from other bands' in the studio, Jeff Porcaro wrote the word "Toto" on them