New Edition is one of the most influential and successful R&B groups of all time. Formed in the late 1970s, this legendary boy band rose to prominence in the 1980s, captivating audiences with their smooth harmonies, energetic performances, and catchy hits. Known for blending pop, R&B, and soul, New Edition helped pave the way for future boy bands while maintaining a loyal fanbase for decades.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into who New Edition is, introduce each of the members, share their ages, and explore some fun trivia about the group.
Who is New Edition?
New Edition is an American R&B group formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1978. The group was originally created by Maurice Starr, a producer who wanted to create a group that could emulate the success of The Jackson 5. New Edition’s sound was heavily influenced by Motown and soul music, but they also brought a fresh, youthful energy to their performances. Their name, “New Edition,” was meant to signify a new version of the classic boy band.
The group’s early success came from their smooth harmonies, tight choreography, and catchy hits. They burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut album in 1983, and from there, their popularity skyrocketed. Some of their biggest hits include “Candy Girl,” “Cool It Now,” “Mr. Telephone Man,” and “If It Isn’t Love.”
While New Edition went through various lineup changes and members pursued solo careers, the group has remained iconic in the world of R&B and pop music. New Edition’s ability to evolve with the times and influence future generations of boy bands—such as Backstreet Boys, Boyz II Men, and New Kids on the Block—solidifies their place as one of the greatest groups in music history.
New Edition’s Members and Their Ages
Here are the members of New Edition, along with their ages:
- Ralph Tresvant
- Full Name: Ralph Edward Tresvant
- Born: May 16, 1968 (Age: 56)
- Role: Lead vocals
- Trivia: Ralph Tresvant is known for his smooth falsetto and romantic ballads. As the lead vocalist, Ralph helped define New Edition’s signature sound. He later pursued a successful solo career, with hits like “Sensitivity” (1990), and continued to remain a key figure in the group’s reunions.
- Bobby Brown
- Full Name: Robert Barisford Brown
- Born: February 5, 1969 (Age: 56)
- Role: Baritone vocals, lead vocalist on some tracks
- Trivia: Bobby Brown is arguably the most famous member of New Edition due to his career in the spotlight. He was known for his charisma, smooth dance moves, and stage presence. As a solo artist, Bobby achieved immense success with hits like “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step”. His personal life and marriage to Whitney Houston also kept him in the public eye, and he remains a highly influential figure in R&B and pop culture.
- Johnny Gill
- Full Name: Johnny Gill Jr.
- Born: May 22, 1966 (Age: 58)
- Role: Tenor vocals, baritone vocals
- Trivia: Johnny Gill is known for his powerful voice and range. He joined New Edition in 1987 after Bobby Brown left the group. Johnny’s smooth, soulful vocals helped redefine the group’s sound during his time with them. As a solo artist, Johnny Gill became known for hits like “My, My, My” and “Rub You the Right Way”.
- Ricky Bell
- Full Name: Richard “Ricky” Bell
- Born: September 18, 1967 (Age: 57)
- Role: Baritone vocals, harmonies
- Trivia: Ricky Bell’s smooth, soulful voice and his dancing skills made him a standout member of New Edition. He was one of the original members and has been an integral part of the group throughout its entire career. In addition to his work with New Edition, Ricky also had a successful career with the group Bell Biv DeVoe, which achieved significant success with the hit “Poison” in the early ‘90s.
- Michael Bivins
- Full Name: Michael Lawrence Bivins
- Born: August 10, 1968 (Age: 56)
- Role: Bass vocals, rapper, founding member
- Trivia: Michael Bivins is a key member of New Edition and also played a huge role in shaping the group’s sound and direction. In addition to being a member of New Edition, Michael Bivins was one of the founding members of Bell Biv DeVoe, which was known for its blend of R&B and hip hop. Michael is also recognized as a producer and businessman, having managed various artists throughout his career.
- Ronnie DeVoe
- Full Name: Ronald Boyd DeVoe Jr.
- Born: November 17, 1967 (Age: 57)
- Role: Tenor vocals, dancer, harmonies
- Trivia: Ronnie DeVoe is best known for his dynamic dancing and charismatic stage presence. He was one of the founding members of New Edition and later became part of the group Bell Biv DeVoe. Ronnie has continued to be a significant figure in the entertainment industry, both as a member of New Edition and through his work with Bell Biv DeVoe.
New Edition’s Legacy and Career
New Edition’s impact on the music industry is undeniable. Their innovative blend of soul, R&B, and pop influenced many artists and groups that came after them. In addition to their group success, the members of New Edition have had successful solo careers, further contributing to their legendary status.
Some of New Edition’s most famous albums include:
- “New Edition” (1983)
- “Candy Girl” (1983)
- “Heart Break” (1988)
- “Home Again” (1996)
The group’s “Heart Break” album, released in 1988, marked a turning point in their career, thanks to the inclusion of Johnny Gill. It featured hits like “Can You Stand the Rain”, one of their biggest songs.
Bell Biv DeVoe, the spin-off group formed by Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, and Ronnie DeVoe, found massive success with their 1990 album “Poison”, which was infused with new jack swing and hip-hop influences, making them a major force in the 1990s.
In addition to their music, New Edition is also known for their impact on pop culture, particularly through the success of their 2017 BET biopic, “The New Edition Story”. The miniseries, which chronicled the band’s rise to fame, personal struggles, and major milestones, received widespread praise and introduced the group to a new generation of fans.
Fun Trivia About New Edition
- The Breakup: New Edition famously split several times during their career, with members pursuing solo careers. Bobby Brown left the group in 1985, which led to the addition of Johnny Gill. They reunited in the early ‘90s, and after another hiatus, the group came back together in the late 1990s.
- The “Candy Girl” Legacy: Their debut single, “Candy Girl,” became an instant hit and was an early indication of their potential as superstars in the music world.
- The Power of Biopic: Their 2017 BET biopic, “The New Edition Story,” became a huge success, with millions tuning in to see the ups and downs of the group’s career. It was also praised for introducing their music to younger audiences.
- Influence on Boy Bands: New Edition is often credited with influencing the boy band era of the 1990s and 2000s, inspiring groups like Backstreet Boys, New Kids on the Block, and Boyz II Men.
New Edition’s legacy as one of the greatest R&B groups of all time is secure. From their smooth harmonies and dance moves to their lasting influence on pop culture, New Edition continues to stand as a true icon in the music industry. Despite the group’s challenges, lineup changes, and solo projects, their contributions to R&B and pop music have cemented their place in history.
Whether you grew up listening to “Cool It Now”, “If It Isn’t Love”, or their other timeless hits, New Edition’s music continues to bring joy to generations of fans.
