Ryan Toby Biography: Wife, Age, Kids, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Songs, Albums, City High
Maurice Ryan Toby, professionally known as Ryan Toby, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor.
He first gained major attention as Ahmal in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit before becoming a member of the Grammy-nominated R&B trio City High.
Trending Now!!:
He has also written and produced songs for artists including Will Smith, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Tyrese, Chris Brown, and Glenn Lewis.
| Ryan Toby | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Maurice Ryan Toby |
| Stage Name: | Ryan Toby |
| Born: | November 26, 1976 (age 49 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Willingboro, New Jersey, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | African American |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Norman Toby, Benzie Toby |
| Spouse: | Claudette Ortiz |
| Relationship: | Divorced |
| Children: | Daunte Goncalves Toby, Joel Toby |
| Occupation: | Singer, songwriter, record producer, actor |
| Net Worth: | $1 million–$5 million |
Early Life and Education
Ryan Toby was born on November 26, 1976, in Willingboro, New Jersey, to Norman Toby and Benzie Toby. He grew up in Willingboro and developed his musical abilities in school and church choirs, becoming interested in singing during his teenage years.
Ryan Toby is African American and has a Christian religious background. Information about additional siblings is not established. He attended Willingboro High School and later studied at Grambling State University.
His musical talent eventually led him from local school and church performances into professional entertainment while he was still a teenager.
Career
Ryan Toby’s entertainment career began in his teens when he was cast as Wesley Glen “Ahmal” James in the 1993 musical comedy Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.
His performance of “Oh Happy Day” became one of the film’s memorable musical moments, and the role introduced him to a wider audience alongside Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill. He also contributed vocals to the film’s soundtrack.
After the film, Toby developed into a songwriter and producer. He joined DJ Jazzy Jeff’s A Touch of Jazz production company and began writing for other performers.
His early songwriting credits included Will Smith’s Big Willie Style, including the hit “Miami.”
He subsequently worked on material for artists such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Glenn Lewis, Floetry, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Tyrese, Chris Brown, and Lionel Richie.
In the late 1990s, Toby joined Robby Pardlo and Claudette Ortiz to form City High, under the guidance of Wyclef Jean.
The group’s self-titled 2001 album produced the major hit “What Would You Do?”, which reached the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10 and earned the trio a Grammy Award nomination. City High also released “Caramel,” featuring Eve on the remix, before disbanding in 2003.
Following City High, Toby continued songwriting, production, and solo work. He co-wrote several songs on Usher’s Confessions and later released his own music, including Soul of a Songwriter.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he released a large collection of independent material under the Songs for the Lockdown series, followed by Songs for the Season. In 2024, City High’s music received renewed attention through an expanded edition of their debut album.
Social Media
- Instagram: @ryantobyryan
- Facebook: Ryan Toby
- X/Twitter: @ryantobyryan
Personal Life
Ryan Toby is 49 years old and was previously married to fellow City High member Claudette Ortiz. The couple married in 2004 and divorced in 2007. They have two sons, Daunte Goncalves Toby and Joel Toby.
Toby has also spoken publicly about his teenage experiences during the filming of Sister Act 2, including developing a crush on his co-star Lauryn Hill. In adulthood, he has concentrated heavily on songwriting, music production, artist development, and independent recording projects.
Net Worth
Ryan Toby’s net worth is placed in the $1 million to $5 million range. His income has come from several areas of the music and entertainment business, including recording, songwriting, music production, acting, publishing, and independent releases.
His songwriting credits for major artists, alongside City High’s commercial success and his solo projects, have provided multiple long-term sources of income.
Filmography
- Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993) — Ahmal
- Big Willie Style (1997) — Songwriter, producer, vocalist
- Life (1999) — Soundtrack contributor
- City High (2001) — Member of City High
- Prison Song (2001) — Teacher’s Assistant
- Confessions (2004) — Songwriter
- Soul of a Songwriter (2007) — Solo album
- Songs for the Lockdown, Vol. 1–10 (2020) — Solo albums
- Songs for the Season (2020) — Solo album
- Girls Trip (2017) — Soundtrack contributor
- Zola (2020) — Soundtrack contributor
- Another Christmas (2021) — Soundtrack contributor
- City High: Expanded Edition (2024) — City High
- En direct du jour de l’an (2025) — Music/television appearance
What People Ask
NOTICE!! NOTICE!! NOTICE!!
At TheCityCeleb, we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date biographies and entertainment news, focusing on celebrities. Our editorial team researches information from reputable sources, including interviews, official statements, and verified media.If you spot an error or have additional details, please contact us at editor@thecityceleb.com. We value your feedback and are committed to maintaining trustworthy content.
