When Toto first popped onto the music scene, the iconic soft rock band was comprised of six original members: Steve Lukather (Guitar/Vocals),David Paich(Keyboards/Vocals), Steve Porcaro (Keyboards/Synthesizers), Bobby Kimball (Lead Vocals), Jeff Porcaro (Drums), and David Hungate (Bass). Today, Aug. 5, 2026, Hungate celebrates his 78th birthday.
Born on Aug. 5, 1948, the retired guitarist is now widely considered a legendary bassist for his extensive work on several well-known ’70s and ’80s albums. As a key original member of Toto, he “provided a rhythmic anchor to a band that delivered classic songs Rosanna and Africa to the world,” Inside Musicast noted. He played with the band from 1977 to 1982, contributing to the group’s first four albums through the massive success of Toto IV.
According to Rate Your Music, Hungate has over 300 credits to his name, and has worked with some of the biggest artists in the industry—Sonny & Cher, Bette Midler, Neil Diamond, Boz Scaggs, The Righteous Brothers, Paul Anka, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, the Pointer Sisters, Gladys Knight, Barbra Streisand, Seals & Crofts, and Alice Cooper among them (though the list goes on and on, if we’re being honest).
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“One of the most respected bassists in the industry,” the Troy, Missouri-native attended the College of Music at North Texas State University, moving to Los Angeles in the ’70s where he met his bandmates. In fact, he is credited with coming up with the band’s name, Toto.
Shortly after the Grammy award-winning Toto IV was released, Hungate exited the group, relocating with his family to Nashville, Tenn., where he continued to work with country music notables like Toby Keith, Reba, Linda Ronstadt, and Kenny Rogers. A true multi-hyphenate musician, in addition to the bass, he also is skilled at playing guitar, trombone, trumpet, drums, and piano.
In 1995, Hungate also played bass on all of the songs on Shania Twain‘s second album The Woman in Me.
Decades later in a full circle moment, the legend briefly reunited with Toto on a touring stint from 2014 to 2015, per Ultimate Classic Rock.
Next, ‘King of the Folk Singers’ Turns 95