Bobby Brown: Birthday Bad Boy
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Through the good and the bad (even the really bad) Bobby Brown has had a special place in the hearts of R&B fans. Let’s throw out one big collective Happy Birthday to the original bad boy of R&B.
On this day in soul, R&B icon Bobby Brown was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts in 1969. Brown famously began his music career as a member of the 80’s R&B group, New Edition. With a passionate voice and aggressive swagger Brown contributed to many of the groups early hits like Mr. Telephone Man. As the groups’ popularity reached another level, so did Bobby’s lewd on stage antics. A rift with NE’s lead singer Ralph Tresvant forced Brown out of the group in 1985.
While Brown’s 1986 debut album King of Stage didn’t receive the royal treatment from fans, his second album Don’t Be Cruel released in 1988 made him a mega-star. The classic album featured his timeless hits like “Every Little Step,” “Rock Wit’ Cha”, “My Prerogative,” and “Roni.” Brown’s provocative dance moves and sexy lyrics would prove to be a blueprint for R&B acts to follow.
In 1992 the bad boy married good girl Whitney Houston. To say their marriage was tumultuous is an understatement. Between his drug use, incarceration, and money troubles, Brown’s life in the 90s was fodder for the tabloids. It became even more of a side show when Bobby and Whitney filmed a reality show Being Bobby Brown with VH1. The couple’s marriage ended in 2007.
While we may never understand what being Bobby Brown is like, we’ve certainly enjoyed the journey he’s taken us on. Happy 41st Birthday!
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