
New Edition are: (from left) Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill. The
legendary Boston-born R&B group New Edition is synonymous with its
hometown, and this weekend Mayor Michelle Wu will make it official by
declaring August 30 as “New Edition Day” in the City of Boston and
celebrating accordingly.
The
weekend will include a community block party in Roxbury, where it all
began, and a ceremony renaming Dearborn Street as “New Edition Way.”
Dearborn Street is near the site of the former Orchard Park public
housing development where the band members grew up.
“It
is an honor to welcome home Roxbury natives New Edition to celebrate
their global impact, from our communities here in Boston to the music
industry worldwide,” said Wu. “This is a unique opportunity to bring
Boston’s neighborhoods together in a celebration of culture, pride and
community.”
New
Edition was founded in Roxbury in 1978 by local talents Ronnie DeVoe,
Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill.
Little did they know what success would come from their harmonies. The
group went on to release
national hits like “Candy Girl” and “Mr. Telephone Man” and their second
album, “New Edition,” went double platinum. In 2017 New Edition was
awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The group was inducted
into the Black Music Hall of Fame in 2022 and the National Rhythm &
Blues Hall of Fame in 2023.
Four
decades, seven albums, 11 tours and a BET miniseries later, the group
is coming home to Boston. The band will be in town for the celebrations
and will make a special appearance at the Roxbury block party at the
Orchard Gardens Boys and Girls Club on Aug. 30.
“Boston is where it all began for us,” said vocalist Bobby Brown. This honor means the world to me.”
Excitement
is already building for the group’s return to Boston. The dedicated fan
group #NE4LIFERS is abuzz about the weekend, and long-time Bostonians
are taking this time to reflect on their personal memories with New
Edition’s music.
“As
someone from Roxbury, it’s an honor to celebrate New Edition’s
accomplishments and legacy right where it all started,” said Frank
Farrow, executive director at the Office of Black Male Advancement. “New
Edition is the greatest music group of all time. The legendary group’s
cultural influence is still felt today in the Boston community and
throughout the entertainment industry worldwide.”
On the web
Learn more about New Edition’s next steps at neweditionofficial.com
New Edition Day Events
- Street-Naming Ceremony
Saturday Aug. 30, 10 a.m. At the corner of Ambrose and Albany streets, Roxbury
- Community Block Party
Saturday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m. At Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, 2 Dearborn St., Roxbury