Biography All Music GuideWikipedia
All Music Guide:
Toby Lightman studied violin growing up in New Jersey, but it wasn't until college that she began to seriously consider a career in music. She studied radio and television at the University of Wisconsin, learning guitar in her spare time and singing with cover bands. After school Lightman moved to New York, where a fortuitous meeting with Wyclef Jean led to him producing her demo. The tape caught the attention of producer Peter Zizzo, who helped the young songwriter develop a light, marketable mix of subtle drum programs with plenty of acoustic guitar and Lightman's own expressive vocals. A round of 2003 label showcases led to a deal with Lava/Atlantic, and by late that year, the single "Devils and Angels" was making noise at Hot AC radio formats. Early 2004 found Lightman on the road, hitting radio stations and small clubs (including opening slots for Howie Day) in preparation for the March release of Little Things. A year later, Lightman released two singles, Connect Set and Real Love. In 2006, he released Bird on a Wire, an album far more noticeably mature than her 2004 LP. The gospel- and jazz-imbued Let Go arrived in 2008, followed by the all acoustic Know Where I'm From in 2010, and the Holding a Heart EP in 2013.
Wikipedia:
Bailey Noel Hanks (born February 6, 1988) is an American singer, actress, and dancer best known for winning MTV's Legally Blonde - The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods. She performed on Broadway as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical in 2008.
Life and career [edit]
Hanks was born on February 6, 1988 in Anderson, South Carolina, to Brad and Angie Hanks. She has one older sister, Brooke, and one younger sister, Bradlee. Her father is a pastor and youth minister in addition to being a highway patrolman, while her mother is a nurse. Hanks attended Westside High School (South Carolina) in Anderson. She transferred to and graduated from Pendleton High School in 2006. Growing up in the local theater, her notable appearances were as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz; Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical the Musical; Baby June in Gypsy; Hello, Dolly!; Music Man; A Year With Frog and Toad; Annie; Bye Bye Birdie; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; and High Steppin' Country. Bailey studied under Sarah Reese, an esteemed former opera singer. Bailey was also crowned Miss Liberty Teen 2005, and competed in the Miss SC Teen Pageant. Hanks also had the honor of performing the National Anthem for president Bill Clinton in 2000. Hanks is an alumna of Gamma Phi Beta (Coastal Carolina University) in real life. Hanks most recently starred as Sharpay Evans in a production of High School Musical which ran from November 5 to December 7, 2008 at the Paper Mill Playhouse.
Hanks appeared in the daytime television soap opera Guiding Light in April 2009.
Bailey played the part of the NYU Tour Guide in the third installment of Touchstone Pictures' "Step Up" franchise. The film, titled Step Up 3D, premiered in August 2010.
She caused controversy in the gay community after she posted online a laudatory photo of her meal at a Chick-fil-A restaurant on August 1, 2012, "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day."
Hanks currently resides in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Hanks got engaged to boyfriend Jason Weidman on November, 10th 2012.
