Ryan Toby
| Ryan Toby | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Maurice Ryan Toby November 26, 1978 Willingboro, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Singer, Actor, Artist, Songwriter, Musician |
| Years active | 1992–present |
Ryan Toby (born November 26, 1978) is an American soul singer, songwriter, producer, and actor known as the baritenor in the group City High. He is also best known for playing Wesley Glen Ahmal James in the 1993 film Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.
Toby grew up in Willingboro Township, New Jersey and attended Willingboro High School.
Manager Marvin Thompson introduced Toby to then RCA Records A&R Director Kenny Ortiz, which eventually lead to a meeting with Disney & Buena Vista/Touchstone Pictures Executives. The company was looking for young actors/singers for their upcoming project titled Sister Act II: Back In The Habit (starring Whoopi Goldberg). Landing a principal role at 16 years old, the talented singer/actor was featured on the accompanying soundtrack. He wrote the rap part to the much loved single “Joyful, Joyful” which also featured newcomer Lauryn Hill and was a featured soloist on the single “Oh Happy Day”. After filming, Toby was put in touch with Jazzy Jeff (of The Fresh Prince and Jazzy Jeff fame) and was invited to Philadelphia. Jeff and Ryan bonded and he was asked to sign to his Touch of Jazz Production Company. It was during that time that Will Smith visited with Jeff. Smith was working on his upcoming album titled Big Willie Style. Smith heard Ryan and wanted him to work on his album. The music/rap turned into Smith’s hit single “Miami”. Ryan received writing credits for “Miami”, “Don’t Say Nothing”, “I Loved Her” and “Candy”. The album sold over 20 million copies.
While enjoying the success of working on the Will Smith project, Ryan ran into his old manager Marvin Thompson again. Thompson was working with an artist signed to Wyclef Jean’s Booga Basement/Interscope Records label. Jean invited Ryan to sign with his label when his deal with Jazzy Jeff expired. Ryan was partnered with Robby Pardlo by Thompson. Nevertheless, Wyclef heard a female voice on some of their demos, Claudette Ortiz. Wyclef decided that he wanted Ortiz to join the group so he could create another Fugees. Ryan, Robby & Claudette named the group City High. The self-titled debut album released in 2001 garnered a Grammy Nomination. The albums sold millions worldwide and the threesome toured for approximately two years.
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