Bio

There are layers to award-winning, soul singer/songwriter Teri Tobin.  Each layer reveals a lusher depth, a more meaningful experience, an expressive passion and an abiding generosity, in Tobin’s music and womanhood.  All of who Tobin is and what she’s lived through comes through her testimonial verses and agile instrument. A 2-time SoulTracks Reader’s Choice Awards-Female Vocalist of the Year nominee, Tobin is 4 Independent Soul projects deep and has various other collaborations in Jazz, Gospel, Hip Hop, House, EDM & Reggae. A fifth project in the works, Tobin’s artistry has continued to flourish over the years. 

As with her previous soulful offerings, the prospect of love happening just around the corner and healing messages of self-love and acceptance thread this empowering and elevating work of intimate honesty. Born in Mesa, Arizona and raised in Southern California, Tobin has been cooing in key since coming out of the womb. Like  many of the soul greats she admires, from Donny Hathaway to Marvin Gaye, Tobin’s training and early performances began standing flatfoot in front of the pews and belting past the church steeple.  A comfortable alto with lilting soprano notes, the young Tobin experienced her first studio session as a child with R&B legend Jeffery Osborne. A teenage Tobin was later recruited in high school to be a part of an R&B and hip-hop soul act, Simpli R.A.W., who despite getting signed, fell prey to unscrupulous industry practices.  Undaunted, after graduating from high school and a brief ATL move, Tobin had been promised a solo deal that never materialized, before finally landing at Howard University during a particularly charmed period in Washington, DC. Training in classical voice at the famed historically black college, Tobin was present for a storied time that boasted such artists as Shai, Sy Smith, and Eric Roberson as program peers and/or performing partners.  A member of HU’s famed Chorale, Tobin shared stages with Patti Labelle and the late Luther Vandross, and was part of history when the Chorale performed with icons like Diana Ross at President Clinton’s Inaugural Gala on the National Mall. Further getting her feet wet by gigging at landmark spots in the DMV. Moves to Atlanta and back to Cali followed, resulting in session and background work with Chico Debarge, Coolio, Joe, Chante Moore, and the UK's Soul Diva Mica Paris.  Young and gifted, Tobin was a working artist making an industry name while actively writing the early songs with Debbie Nelson, some cuts that would eventually find a home on Tobin’s debut, Love Infinity, but not for another decade.  Life had more writing material for Tobin. 

That signature sound of hybrid musical influences from soulful rock to jazzy R&B has proven as commercial as it is inspirational. Tobin’s writing prowess led to placement in the independent films, Fathers of the Sport (2008) and Cute with Bad Qualities (2017). She has also shared stages with such peers as Anthony David, Conya Doss, Frank Mc Comb, David P. Stevens and Rhonda Thomas, nationally toured her “Love & Soul LIVE” concert series, and was a staple performer for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and NBA’s Phoenix Suns, respectively.  Tobin’s work has earned her two Independent Music Awards and is a 2-time SoulTracks Reader’s Choice Awards-Female Vocalist of the Year nominee. 

With a sack full of honesty and empowering songs in tow, Teri Tobin’s mission is to encourage listeners to allow love and support to happen in their lives, and to stand just as boldly and proudly in their truth as they have allowed Teri Tobin, with dignity and grace. Love Infinity (2011) and its hit single, “Free,” a tribute to Donny Hathaway, was a #1 smash in the UK and the Netherlands for several weeks. Tobin also independently released So Good To Me (2012) and Truth Is (2014). Recent offerings “The One”,   “Four Letter Word” and “Goodmorning, Love” are setting the pace and intention for her fifth album to be her best collection of art yet. “Forever “ scheduled for a 2024 release.