Biography: Tonya Mitchell

Tonya Jean Mitchell (born August 21, 1982) American pop singer as well as an aspiring model and actress. She came to fame in 2001 with the release of her debut single, "Broken Promises" from her debut album I Represent, which became a minor hit.

Biography

Early life

Mitchell was born in Madisionville, Kentucky to "Cowboy" Louie, who had quite a bit of fame as a performer, and Paulette Mitchell. Her father died in July 2001, her mother is now re-married.

Mitchell grew up in Huron, Tennessee, a small town just north east of Memphis. In 1998, Tonya was performing at a regional benefit for St. Jude's Hospital when Justin Timberlake's grandfather, Bill Bomar, was in the audience and heard the young teen sing. Excited by her voice, the man approached Tonya and introduced himself. He told Tonya that Justin was his grandson and that maybe he could help her break into the music industry.

Tonya didn't think much about this. Later, it led to her signing with Justin Timberlake's management company, JustinTime Entertainment and being managed by Justin's mother, Lynn Harless. Tonya was later signed to Universal Records and entered the studio to record her twelve-song debut album.

"I Represent"

On February 27, 2001, a few weeks after recording her album, Mitchell's first single, Broken Promises, an up-beat track produced by Brian Kieruff and Josh Schwartz, hit the radio stations. The song reached #36 on Radio & Records' CHR/Pop tracks chart and peaked at #17 on the ARC Weekly Top 40 in late April. Following the successful release of the single, Mitchell released her debut solo album, I Represent, on April 10, 2001.

In 2001, Tonya was asked to be one of the opening acts for the NSYNC Pop Odyssey Tour. This helped Tonya's career skyrocket and she began making appearances at venues and performing in front of audiences of fifty thousand plus. Mitchell shared the stage with some of the world's biggest acts today which included: Nelly, Boys II Men, Lil Romeo, Dreamand Tyrese.

After the tour ended, Mitchell performed at various radio shows throughout the United States, including a performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The End Of An Era

On November 12, 2001, Tonya was dropped from Universal Records. In early 2002, the record companies stopped returning calls and emails from Mitchell's management. Tonya's father, Cowboy Louie Mitchell, decided to take it upon himself to help his daughter get back into the public eye once more and he tried to get her signed again. He died in July 2001.

Following the heartache of losing her father, Tonya found her career in decline. In early 2003, she was released from the contract with JustinTime Entertainment. Mitchell then decided to take a much needed break from recording industry. She decided to take time by herself to work out life issues and to spend some time with her family.

Life Back In The Spotlight: 2006-2008

In August 2005, Tonya signed with her new management company, Brand-On Entertainment. She started recording a month later. Along with BAD GIRL, Mitchell has also released Shy Role, Sometimey Friend, Miss It, Blah Blah Blah and "Yes I Will" as well as recording a jingle for Monster Energy drink. By late 2007, Tonya was no longer signed to any management company.

In Fall of 2008 Tonya announced that she is no longer actively pursuing a music career.

Personal life

Tonya married Jason Essary in 2002. In March 2004, Tonya gave birth to their daughter, Scarlett. They currently reside in Tennessee.

Discography

Albums

• April 10, 2001 I Represent

Track Listing

• 1 I Represent (Brian Kierulf; Josh Schwartz; Nate Butler) - 3:07
• 2 Broken Promises (Dino Esposito; Scot Rammer) - 3:36
• 3 Stay (Cheryl Yie; Gen Rubin) - 5:16
• 4 You're The One I Want (Chris Liggio; Kimberly Leadbetter) - 3:03
• 5 Place Like This (Greg Charley; Mark Mueller) - 4:35
• 6 Wasted Breath (Dino Esposito) - 4:08
• 7. Little Too Late (Brian Kierulf; Josh Schwartz) - 4:02
• 8 I Don't Wanna Fall In Love (Denise Rich; Gen Rubin) - 4:47
• 9 Only One (Denise Rich; Gen Rubin) - 3:32
• 10 Turn Around (Denise Rich; Gen Rubin) - 4:39
• 11 I Cry Real Tears (Linda Thompson-Jenner; Reed Vertelney) - 4:03
• 12 Should I Stay (Dave Katz; Steven Wolf) - 4:02

Singles

• Release Date: February 27, 2001 Broken Promises

peaked at #17 on the ARC Weekly Top 40 on April 28, 2001 (1)

Filmography

External links

• Tonya Mitchell Fan Club
• Tonya Mitchell Fan Club Myspace Page
• Official Tonya Mitchell Myspace Page -No Longer Updated

Tonya Mitchell main page.