The American singer Bobby Kimball (78) was part of Toto from 1977 to 1984 and then from 1998 to 2008, being the singer of some of their biggest hits like “Africa”, “Hold the Line” and “Rosanna”. Over the years there were rumors of a feud between him and the guitarist Steve Lukather, who denied this in an interview with Rockonteurs podcast.
Steve Lukather talks about his friendship with ex-Toto singer Bobby Kimball
“Listen, I love Bobby, and we’ve been in touch. I love him, and there’s a third party involved that sends love. There was all this bullshit in the early ‘90s about how we were mortal enemies and all this crap. That was just a lie. He’s one of the greatest singers I’ve ever been around, one of a kind. When the voice was on, he was untouchable. And you have that much power, man. It takes a lot to make that power come alive. (He is) starting to lose touch with who he is now because of the dementia. It’s very sad, and I have no right to talk about it. I love Bobby Kimball,” Steve Lukather said.
Since 2010 Toto’s vocalist is Joseph Williams, son of legendary film score composer John Williams and actress Barbara Ruick, who passed away too soon at the age of 41 in 1974. Joseph had already fronted the band from 1986 to 1988.
Joseph briefly rejoined the band in 1998 for a small promotional tour with former members Kimball and Steve Porcaro. However, after the Toto XX tour, only Kimball officially rejoined the band, remaining a member until 2008. During those years, Williams occasionally performed with Toto, contributing to recordings and live shows.
Besides being a singer, Williams also plays keyboards and tambourine. Like most Toto members, he is also a highly regarded session musician. One of his most famous contributions outside of Toto was providing the singing voice for adult Simba in Disney’s 1994 animated film The Lion King.