Artist Detailed Info: Bobby Brown

Robert Barisford Brown Sr. (born February 5, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actor and dancer. Along with frequent collaborator Teddy Riley, he is considered a pioneer of new jack swing, a fusion of hip-hop and R&B. Brown first gained recognition as a founding member of the R&B and pop group New Edition, contributing to songs such as "Candy Girl", "Cool It Now" and "Mr. Telephone Man". He left the group in 1985 to pursue a solo career and later reunited with them for their album "Home Again" (1996), which reached number one on the Billboard 200.

Brown released his debut solo album "King of Stage" (1986), which included the R&B number-one single "Girlfriend". His second album, "Don't Be Cruel" (1988), became his most commercially successful release. It produced five top-ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including the number-one hit "My Prerogative" and the Grammy Award-winning "Every Little Step". In 1989, he contributed two songs to the "Ghostbusters II" soundtrack and appeared in a cameo role in the film. His third album, "Bobby" (1992), was certified 3× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and included the singles "Humpin' Around", "Get Away" and "Good Enough". He has also appeared in films such as "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate" (1996) and "Two Can Play That Game" (2001).

In 1992, Brown married singer Whitney Houston, with whom he had a daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown. Their relationship received extensive media coverage due to reports of substance abuse and domestic conflict. They appeared together in the reality television series "Being Bobby Brown" (2005). Houston filed for divorce in 2006, and it was finalised in 2007.

Brown was born in Boston, Massachusetts, as one of eight children. His mother, Carole Elizabeth (née Williams), was a teacher, and his father, Herbert James Brown, was a construction worker. He grew up in the Orchard Park housing projects in Roxbury.

As a child, Brown was sexually abused by a Catholic priest while in temporary state custody, an experience he later said contributed to his struggles with substance abuse. He also cited early musical influences including James Brown, Rick James, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye and Prince. He sang in a church choir during childhood and has been described as a distant relative of disco singer Donna Summer.

New Edition was formed in 1980 under the name The Bricks by Brown, Michael Bivins and Ricky Bell. Ralph Tresvant joined the group shortly afterwards, and Ronnie DeVoe completed the lineup in 1982. The group signed with Streetwise Records and released their debut album "Candy Girl". The title track became a number-one R&B single in 1983 and also charted internationally. Brown sang lead and co-lead vocals on several early recordings, including "Jealous Girl" and "Mr. Telephone Man". Despite commercial success, Brown later expressed dissatisfaction with the group’s financial arrangements and management. He left New Edition in 1986.

Following his departure, Brown signed a solo recording contract with MCA Records. His debut solo album "King of Stage" produced the single "Girlfriend", which reached number one on the R&B chart but achieved limited mainstream success. He achieved major international success with "Don't Be Cruel", released in 1988 and produced with several producers including Babyface, Antonio "L.A." Reid and Teddy Riley. The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 in January 1989. At the time, Brown became one of the youngest male solo artists to achieve a number-one album on the chart with a studio release. The album sold millions of copies worldwide and produced several successful singles, including "My Prerogative" and "Every Little Step", the latter earning a Grammy Award.

Brown later contributed to the "Ghostbusters II" soundtrack with the single "On Our Own", which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100. He also released the remix compilation "Dance!...Ya Know It!" and toured extensively in support of "Don't Be Cruel". During this period, he collaborated with artists including Glenn Medeiros, Babyface and Ralph Tresvant.

His third album "Bobby" was released in 1992 and continued his commercial success, producing several hit singles. A duet with Whitney Houston titled "Something in Common" appeared on the album and charted in the United Kingdom. Brown later worked on Houston’s 2002 album "Just Whitney", contributing to production and vocals. He also collaborated with artists including Ja Rule on "Thug Lovin'" (2002) and Damian Marley on "Beautiful" (2006).

After leaving MCA Records following the album "Forever" (1997), Brown’s recording activity became less frequent, though he continued to appear as a featured artist on various releases. In 2012, he released the album "The Masterpiece".

Brown has periodically reunited with New Edition, including a full reunion for the album "Home Again" (1996). The group later performed together at events such as the BET Awards and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and continued touring into the 2020s. The group has received several honours, including lifetime achievement awards and induction into halls of fame recognising contributions to R&B music.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Brown

Studio albums
King of Stage (1986)
Don't Be Cruel (1988)
Bobby (1992)
Forever (1997)
The Masterpiece (2012)

Bobby Brown Karaoke (MP3 Playback) files:

♫ Humpin Around
♫ Two Can Play That Game
♫ My Prerogative
♫ Good Enough
♫ Get Away

→ Show all Bobby Brown Karaoke Files

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