Dark Secrets About ‘New Edition’ Members That Shocked Fans
New Edition has long been celebrated as one of the most iconic R&B groups, but behind the glamour and success, the group’s journey was far from smooth.
From early struggles to internal conflicts, betrayals, and personal battles, the members of New Edition faced numerous obstacles that fans never knew about. Let’s uncover the truth behind the drama and challenges that shaped these music legends.
The Beginnings – A Humble Start
New Edition’s story began in the early 1980s when childhood friends Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, and Michael Bivins started singing together in Boston to make extra cash. What started as a fun hobby soon became something much bigger.
To complete the group, they added two more members – Ralph Tresvant and Ronnie DeVoe.
The boys worked hard, singing wherever they could, and their talent soon caught the attention of music producers. One of their big breaks came when they performed at the famous Hollywood Talent Night.
Although they didn’t win first place, their rendition of The Jackson 5’s “The Love You Save” left a lasting impression. Music producer Maurice Starr saw potential in the young group and invited them to his studio.
In 1983, New Edition released their first single, “Candy Girl,” which quickly rose to the top of the R&B charts and even broke into the Billboard Hot 100. Their debut album, Candy Girl, featured popular tracks like “Jealous Girl” and “Popcorn Love.” Critics praised the album, and it solidified New Edition’s place in the music industry.
Early Struggles and Financial Hardships
Despite their early success, the group soon realized the music business wasn’t as glamorous as it seemed. After completing their first major tour, the boys returned home expecting a substantial payout, only to receive a check for just $187 each.
Maurice Starr explained that tour expenses had consumed most of the profits. Frustrated and feeling cheated, the group parted ways with Starr in 1984.
In response, Starr created a new group, New Kids on the Block, which followed a similar formula but with white teenagers. Meanwhile, New Edition fought to break free from their contract with Starr and eventually signed a deal with MCA Records.
Although this new partnership helped boost their popularity, the group discovered they weren’t directly signed to MCA. Instead, they were under Jump and Shoot Productions, which limited their control over business decisions.
To gain full control, New Edition borrowed $100,000 each from MCA to buy out their contract. This move allowed them to sign directly with MCA but left them in significant debt, pushing them to tour and release music constantly to pay it off.
Bobby Brown’s Exit and Solo Career
As the group’s popularity grew, so did internal tensions. By 1986, Bobby Brown’s time with New Edition had come to an end. His desire to adopt a more mature, edgy style clashed with the group’s clean-cut image.
Brown began adding provocative dance moves during performances, skipped shows, and even engaged in on-stage altercations with other members.
One notable incident occurred when Brown threw a microphone at Michael Bivins during a performance. Reflecting on this period, Brown later admitted, “I was tired of the teeny bop thing. I wanted to grow as a performer and as a man.”
Brown’s increasingly erratic behavior led to his departure from the group. However, this wasn’t the end for him – his solo career soared, bringing hits like “My Prerogative” and cementing his place as a star in his own right.
New Members and Continued Success
After Brown’s exit, rumors swirled that lead singer Ralph Tresvant was considering going solo. To safeguard the group’s future, New Edition added Johnny Gill in 1987. Although Gill was the only member not from Boston, his powerful vocals added a new dimension to the group’s sound.
With this new lineup, New Edition released their fifth studio album, Heartbreak, in 1988. This marked a turning point for the group, as they adopted a more mature, emotional sound, thanks to producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Hits like “Can You Stand the Rain,” “If It Isn’t Love,” and “You’re Not My Kind of Girl” catapulted the album to double platinum status.
The success of Heartbreak led to a massive tour featuring Bobby Brown and Al B. Sure! as opening acts. The tour was one of the most memorable in the group’s history, drawing huge crowds and reaffirming New Edition’s place in R&B and pop music.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Despite the conflicts and financial struggles, New Edition’s resilience paid off. They became one of the most influential R&B groups of their generation, inspiring future boy bands like Boyz II Men and NSYNC. Their story, filled with highs and lows, was dramatized in the BET biopic The New Edition Story, shedding light on the personal battles and sacrifices they faced along the way.
The group’s bond resembled a family, with all the ups and downs that come with it. Though members pursued solo careers at different points, they frequently reunited, proving that their shared history and love for music could withstand the test of time.
New Edition’s journey is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the strength of brotherhood, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and the hearts of fans worldwide.
