Toto

USA, 1977–now

Los Angeles band formed in 1977 by session musicians including the Porcaro brothers, David Paich and Steve Lukather. 'Rosanna' and 'Africa' apply studio-session standards to radio rock.

MusicRoots documents 5 artists who influenced Toto and 0 artists Toto influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Toto?

• Steely Dan — Toto's members played on Steely Dan's records; the band's jazz-inflected studio perfection is Steely Dan's craft made into their own act.
• The Beatles — The Beatles' melodic and studio ambition was the pop foundation beneath Toto's songwriting.
• The Beach Boys — The Beach Boys' layered harmonies and studio detail were a documented model for Toto's vocal and production polish.
• Jimi Hendrix — Steve Lukather has named Jimi Hendrix his first and greatest guitar hero — the rock-guitar fire beneath Toto's studio polish.
• Led Zeppelin — Lukather has cited Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin among his formative rock influences — the hard-rock muscle in Toto's heavier tracks.