Bobby Brown Biography
Childhood
Bobby Brown was born Robert Barisford Brown on February 5, 1969, in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up as one of eight children in the Roxbury neighborhood's Orchard Park Projects. His mother was a teacher, and his father worked in construction. From a very young age, Brown was inspired by music. A pivotal moment for him was seeing his idol James Brown perform in Boston when he was only three years old, which sparked his dream of becoming a professional singer. He developed his singing skills in his church choir, influenced by artists like Rick James, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and Prince. Despite talent and passion, his childhood was marked by hardship, including trauma and exposure to violence in his community, factors that later influenced both his personal struggles and artistic expression.
Career
Bobby Brown began his professional career as a founding member of the R&B/pop group New Edition in the late 1970s. The group quickly rose to fame with hits such as "Candy Girl" and "Cool It Now." Brown left New Edition in 1986 to pursue a solo career, which proved highly successful. His second album, "Don't Be Cruel," released in 1988, solidified his status with five Billboard top 10 singles including the number-one hit "My Prerogative" and the Grammy-winning "Every Little Step." He became a pioneer of the new jack swing genre, a blend of hip-hop and R&B, working closely with producer Teddy Riley. Brown also contributed to soundtracks and acted in films during the 1990s. His career included reunions with New Edition, notably the 1996 album "Home Again," which topped the Billboard charts.
Current Family Life
Bobby Brown was married to pop superstar Whitney Houston from 1992 until their divorce in 2007. Together, they had a daughter named Bobbi Kristina Brown. Following a highly publicized and often troubled marriage marked by substance abuse and personal challenges, Brown remarried Alicia Etheredge-Brown in 2012. He has seven children in total. Brown balances his ongoing involvement in music and entertainment with his family responsibilities. His life story has also been documented in reality TV, offering insight into both his professional legacy and personal life.
Bobby Brown Summary
Bobby Brown’s life and career reflect both remarkable success and significant adversity. From a challenging upbringing in Boston to becoming a key figure in the evolution of R&B through his work with New Edition and his solo career, Brown made a lasting impact on music history. Despite personal struggles that have often attracted public attention, his contributions to new jack swing and pop culture remain influential. Brown’s family life, including his marriage to Whitney Houston and his subsequent life with his wife Alicia and children, continues to be an important part of his journey as he remains active in music and public life.