Happy birthday to singer and New Edition member Bobby Brown, born on February 5, 1969. Few artists of our time have lived a life so full of ups and downs as Brown, who has been part of our lives since he was just a kid.
Brown burst onto the scene with a swaggering, street-smart approach that made him both compelling and volatile as an entertainer. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Brown first found fame as a member of the teen sensation group New Edition. Alongside Ralph Tresvant, Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, and Ronnie DeVoe, Brown helped define ‘80s R&B with hits like “Cool It Now” and “Mr. Telephone Man.” But even as New Edition soared, Brown’s rebellious streak led to clashes with the group, ultimately resulting in his departure in 1986.
Going solo proved to be quite a career move for Brown. 1988’s Don’t Be Cruel album thrust him to the front of the class in the R&B world. Produced by L.A. Reid, Babyface, and Teddy Riley, the album was a smash, spawning five Top 10 hits, including the chart-topping “My Prerogative,” “Every Little Step,” and “Roni.” Brown’s mix of smooth ballads and high-energy jams made him a crossover star, and his electrifying stage presence—complete with signature dance moves—solidified his status as a showman.
His follow-up, Bobby (1992), featured hits like “Humpin’ Around” and “Good Enough,” keeping him at the top of the charts. He also found success in film, appearing in Ghostbusters II and contributing “On Our Own” to the soundtrack.
But as his career soared, Brown’s personal life spiraled. A high-profile marriage to Whitney Houston became tabloid fodder, with substance abuse and legal troubles often overshadowing his music.
Despite his struggles, Brown remained a respected name in R&B. He reunited with New Edition for Home Again (1996) and has continued performing as both a solo artist and with the group ever since. Through it all, Bobby Brown is revered as one of the defining voices of R&B of the last fifty years.