The R&B group behind hits such as “Candy Girl,” “Count Me Out” and “Mr. Telephone Man” are returning to their roots in Boston as the city honors their decades-long “profound impact on both the community and music industry” with a two-day celebration.
New Edition, the Grammy-nominated music group that helped pave the way for the modern boy band, will be honored by the city of Boston on Friday, Sept. 6 and Saturday, Sept. 7, the mayor’s office announced Tuesday.
The R&B group — originally comprising Bobby Brown, Michael Bivins, Ricky Bel, Ralph Tresvant and Ronnie DeVoe — grew their talents in Roxbury’s Orchard Park Projects in 1978, according to Boston Magazine. The group played their songs at school auditoriums and talent shows in local theaters.
Johnny Gill later joined the group in the late ’80s, after Brown left to launch a solo career, Boston Magazine reported.
“Being from the city of champions is an honor and we are truly appreciative of the foundation that was laid for us in Boston,” DeVoe said in a statement. “We cannot express what it means to travel the world, doing what we love to do at the highest of levels and accomplishing so many great things while never forgetting where we came from. Continuing to make sure that we are positive role models for Boston’s new generations is what life is all about. Lastly, and most importantly, being able to give back to our community by helping others is how we turn our gifts and talents into purpose!”
A mural dedicated to the Roxbury R&B group will be unveiled on Sept. 6, Wu’s office stated. The mural, which will be at the corner of Ambrose and Albany streets in Roxbury, was designed and painted by Roxbury artist Lee “Square” Beard.
Beard — also known as SEOMS — went to the Boston Arts Academy and started his art career as a graffiti artist in the early 2000s, Wu’s office said. Since then, he’s continuously worked in Boston’s mural landscape, including a Black Lives Matter mural in Roxbury, according to the Boston Globe.
“It is truly an honor to be the artist to point out some of the many impactful moments, emotions, and classic vibes that New Edition accomplished,” he said in a statement. “They have done the work to the point of sheer brilliance, and I am truly humbled to be as accurate as I can in showcasing this. With the ups and downs that come with being in the entertainment industry, it’s beautiful that all members can come together.”
As the mural is being unveiled, Wu will unofficially designate Ambrose Street as New Edition Way and declare Sept. 9 New Edition Day, the mayor’s office said.
On Sept. 7, New Edition and the city of Boston will host a breakfast for seniors and participate in a community backpack giveaway at the Orchard Garden Boys & Girls Club of Boston, the site of one of New Edition’s first practice spaces.
Later, the city of Boston will host “HOMEMADE”, a free concert on City Hall Plaza featuring performances from several local artists and guest performances from New Edition.