Jean-Michel Byron

Jean-Michel Byron
Born
Jean-Michel Byron DuPlessis

(1957-10-13) 13 October 1957
OriginEast London, South Africa
GenresFunk, rock
OccupationsVocalist, songwriter
Years active1983–present
Formerly ofToto

Jean-Michel Byron (born 13 October 1957 as Jean-Michel Byron DuPlessis) is a South African-born funk and rock vocalist. The singer-songwriter is best known for serving for a time as the lead vocalist for the rock band Toto for new material on their first greatest hits album, Past to Present, as well as the band's Greatest Hits Live...and More project. Byron was the fourth frontman in the band's history, replacing Joseph Williams after Williams had suffered from voice issues due to intense touring as well as drug abuse. The South African singer was pushed heavily by the group's record label. The line-up change divided Toto's band-members, yet key group member Jeff Porcaro expressed support at first. His tenure with the band ended up being both brief and highly controversial with fans. In more recent years, Byron has collaborated with the jazz fusion group Michael Sanders & the One Tribe Nation.