How Bobby Brown Went From New Edition to the King of New Jack Swing

#NOLAZINE - Bobby Brown began his career as a member of New Edition alongside Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe. The Boston group found success during the 1980s with songs such as “Candy Girl,” “Cool It Now” and “Mr. Telephone Man.”

Brown’s energetic personality made him stand out, but his desire for more creative freedom caused tension within the group. In 1985, he was voted out of New Edition and later signed a solo deal with MCA Records.

His 1986 debut album, King of Stage, produced the R&B hit “Girlfriend,” but his real breakthrough came with Don’t Be Cruel in 1988. Working with producers including L.A. Reid, Babyface and Teddy Riley, Brown combined R&B with hip-hop, funk and pop to help popularize New Jack Swing.

The album produced five Top 10 hits: “Don’t Be Cruel,” “My Prerogative,” “Roni,” “Every Little Step” and “Rock Wit’cha.” It reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold millions of copies worldwide. “Every Little Step” also earned Brown a Grammy Award.

With his powerful dancing, rebellious image and confident performances, Brown became one of the biggest R&B stars of his generation. He later reunited with New Edition, but his solo success proved that being removed from the group did not end his career—it helped create the superstar he believed he could become.