By: Elowen Gray
What happens when a police officer-turned-attorney follows his lifelong love for music into the world of writing? You get a heartfelt tribute to one of rock’s most iconic bands—Toto. Preston Frazier, a man who has lived a dual life in law and music, has turned his decades of admiration into a book that not only pays homage to the band but also educates, excites, and connects with fans, both old and new. His book Toto: The Band, Not the Dog is more than just a biography; it’s a journey through sound, memory, and artistic evolution. His journey into authorship wasn’t one he initially planned. His professional path began in law enforcement, serving as a police officer in Baltimore, Maryland, and later transitioning into a successful legal career. But even amidst these demanding roles, one thing remained constant—his deep passion for music. “I’ve been surrounded by music all my life,” Frazier shared in a recent interview. “My father was into jazz, and that really shaped how I listened to and appreciated music.”
This passion led him to start a blog over 15 years ago, where he reviewed albums and wrote about his ever-growing music library. He eventually launched a podcast, “Slang of Ages,” where he discussed both mainstream and lesser-known artists across genres—rock, jazz, R&B, and more. Through all these creative outlets, one band continued to pull on his heartstrings: Toto. Why Toto? Frazier’s love for Toto began in the early 1980s during his college years. His roommate, a drummer, introduced him to Jeff Porcaro, Toto’s legendary founding drummer. That spark grew into a flame, and over the years, Frazier followed the band religiously, attending every U.S. tour since 1999 and even getting the chance to meet the band members backstage. “I always loved their musicianship,” he said. “They’re great players, great composers, and their music is so diverse from one album to the next.” It’s this diversity that inspired Frazier to write Toto: The Band, Not the Dog. His goal? To capture the soul of the band and give fans an inside look at how Toto evolved over the years—not just the popular hits, but the deep cuts, the hidden gems, and the unreleased ideas that still live in their archives.
When people hear “Toto,” their minds often go straight to the band’s most mainstream hit—Africa. And while Frazier acknowledges the song’s popularity, his book dives far deeper. He explores albums like The Seventh One (1988), which he believes best captures Toto’s essence. According to Frazier, this album blends progressive rock with the familiar Toto sound, offering a rich, emotionally resonant experience. “The songs on that album are incredible. The production is tight. It’s the epitome of Toto to me,” he explained. Frazier also praises the band’s 2006 album Falling in Between, a work that saw the group come together more collaboratively than ever before. The music was created as a group, rather than individuals bringing in pre-written songs. It reflects not just the band’s evolution, but their willingness to adapt and remain relevant. Another fascinating knowledge from the book is how Toto revisited old, unreleased fragments from the late ’70s and early ’80s to produce Old Is New in 2018. Frazier calls this process remarkable, showing how even decades-old ideas can become something fresh and inspiring.
Frazier doesn’t consider himself a music critic in the traditional sense. Instead, he calls himself a music enthusiast who writes about what he loves. “If I don’t like it, I’m not going to write about it,” he said. “Life’s too short to listen to music you don’t like.” This approach is what makes his writing relatable and enjoyable. He avoids diving too deep into technical jargon but still includes just enough detail to keep serious fans engaged. Striking that balance between being informative and accessible is what sets his book apart.
In a world dominated by digital music, Frazier believes books like his serve an essential purpose. “They not only preserve music history but also introduce readers to songs and albums they might have missed,” he said. “Legacy bands like Toto still have a lot to say. Their music today is just as good, if not better, than what they released during their peak years.” He also emphasizes how digital platforms have helped younger generations discover bands like Toto. Viral videos, television appearances, and streaming services have brought new life to older songs—but books provide the context, the story, and the depth that digital snippets often lack.
Frazier has a simple yet powerful piece of advice for those who want to write about music: “Start. Don’t keep saying, ‘One of these days.’ Make today the day. Outline your ideas, talk to people you trust, and just begin.” He believes writing should come from a place of passion. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, if something moves you, it’s worth writing about.
The success of Toto: The Band, Not the Dog isn’t the end of Frazier’s writing journey. In fact, he’s already working on his second book, which will explore another band close to his heart, featuring new interviews and fresh insights. He aims to have it published by the second quarter of 2025. And while he’s not yet part of any local author communities, he’s open to the idea. “That’s a great suggestion,” he noted with a smile. “I’ll write that down.”
Preston Frazier’s book is more than a fan’s tribute. It’s a labor of love, backed by years of listening, learning, and connecting with the band he admires. Toto: The Band, Not the Dog offers readers an intimate, well-researched, and deeply respectful look at a group that helped shape modern rock.
