Bobby Brown
Encyclopedia
Robert Barisford "Bobby" Brown (born February 5, 1969) is an American
R&B
singer-songwriter
, occasional rapper, and dance
r. After success in pop group New Edition
, Brown began his solo career in 1987 and had a string of Top 10 Billboard hits, culminating in a Grammy Award
. He was a pioneer of New Jack Swing
music, a fusion of hip hop and R&B. His second album, Don't Be Cruel
, included popular songs such as "My Prerogative
". Brown is the ex-husband of pop
singer Whitney Houston
and starred in the reality show Being Bobby Brown
.
New Edition
which he founded along with childhood friend Michael Bivins
. He is the youngest member of the group since the inception. The group's hits with Brown included "Candy Girl
", "Cool It Now
", and "Mr. Telephone Man
". Brown was voted out of New Edition in 1986 when the other four members felt that their careers would be jeopardized by Bobby's lewd, line-crossing on-stage antics. Throughout the All for Love tour, he feuded with Ralph Tresvant
and cut in on Tresvant's lead vocals. In 1996, Brown rejoined the group for New Edition's comeback album, Home Again
. In the middle of the tour, he engaged in further racy on-stage antics. He extended his solo set and cut into Bell Biv Devoe
's time. Once again, he left New Edition. In the fall of 2005, New Edition performed at BET's 25th Anniversary Special. The group performed a medley of its greatest hits, and even brought Bobby Brown on stage for a rendition of "Mr. Telephone Man". It was later announced on BET
and Inside Hollywood that Bobby had rejoined the group and would be on the next group album. In January 2006, New Edition announced that the group would launch a new album and tour in 2008. Bobby also appeared at a concert in Columbia, South Carolina
that New Edition
had filmed for a future DVD release.
in 1985, Brown stayed with the group manager Steven Machat and Machat secured from MCA, the groups record label, a record deal guaranteed for Browns solo career if Brown agreed to leave the New Edition. MCA released his first solo album, King of Stage
, in 1986. This album included "Girlfriend", a minor hit which went to #1 on the Billboard R&B charts and #57 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other than that, King of Stage did not garner much attention. However, Brown's next album, 1988's Don't Be Cruel
with Machat overseeing the entire production and styling of Brown with Louil Silas, MCA's rep, rocketed him to super stardom. Working with the writing/producing team of L.A. Reid and Babyface, as well as Teddy Riley, Don't Be Cruel spawned five Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 singles: "Don't Be Cruel" (#8), "Every Little Step
" (#3), "Rock Wit' Cha" (#7), "My Prerogative
" (#1), and "Roni
" (#3). The album would eventually be certified 8x platinum (8,000,000 units sold).
In 1989, he contributed two songs (including "On Our Own
", which reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100) to the Ghostbusters II
soundtrack, in addition to making a cameo in the film. Brown has subsequently dabbled in acting.
In between the "On Our Own" single and the release of Brown's next album, a remix
album, Dance! Ya Know It! was released to capitalise on Brown's huge success at the time. A non-album "megamix
" single was released to promote the project. The European dance-oriented version (sampling beats by Snap!
) was titled "The Freestyle Megamix" and was a hit in the UK, reaching #14 on the Gallup charts. A more R'n'B oriented version called "Every Little Hit Mix" (b/w "Roni) was released in Australia.
Brown's third album, Bobby
, did not arrive until 1992. It reached #2 on the Billboard album charts and produced the hit singles "Humpin' Around
" (#3 on the Billboard Hot 100) and "Good Enough" (#7) as well as a smaller hit in "Get Away" (#14). The album was eventually certified 1x platinum (1,000,000 units sold). However, it did not come close to matching the album sales or singles chart success of its predecessor.
Brown waited until late 1997 to release his next (and to date, last) album of original material, Forever. The album was originally titled Bobby II and was supposed to be produced by such luminaries as R.Kelly, Teddy Riley, Sean Combs
and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
. However, Brown negotiated 100% creative control of the album and decided to write all the songs himself. It only managed to climb to #61 on the Billboard Hot 200 album charts and produced no charting singles.
In 2006 Brown appeared on "Beautiful", the third single from Damian Marley
's album Welcome to Jamrock
.
2010 Bobby Brown surprised his fans by dueting with American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress Macy Gray
on her new album titled The Sellout
. Together they did a song "Real Love". Macy Gray
divulged the pleasure of working with Bobby Brown to Essence Magazine on the project, saying that "actually he came to the studio, since he doesn't live far, and knocked out his recording in two hours. We're friends and his one-year-old son is my godson. His fiance is one of my best friends in the whole world. I met Bobby a long time ago, but we really got to know each other through her."
members Ralph Tresvant
and Johnny Gill
in a new group named Heads of State. The group continues to tour worldwide. They are currently recording an album.
, along with Martin Lawrence
and Lynn Whitfield
. and in more recent years he has appeared in the films Two Can Play That Game
, along with Vivica A. Fox
and Morris Chestnut
; Go for Broke; and Gang of Roses
starring Lil' Kim
, Lisa Raye, Stacey Dash
, and Marie Matiko
. After those he was in Nora's Hair Salon
.
Bobby Brown has had cameo guest appearances in many movies. Panther
(1995) starring Courtney B. Vance
and Chris Rock
. Earlier, he played all three characters of Three Blind Mice in Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme
(1990). In 1989 was Brown's first solo guest cameo appearance in Ghostbusters II
playing the Mayor's Doorman.
In June 2007, Brown took part in the ITV television series "24 hours with...", a chat show format as celebrity and interviewer spend an intense 24 hours locked in a room together. The show's host, Jamie Campbell, asked Brown questions about his career and private life, and infamously joked about making "sexual moves" towards the singer. Brown was furious and threatened to beat Campbell up live on air.
He has been appearing on cable-televised reality T.V. shows such as Celebrity Fit Club
, Gone Country
, and his own show entitled Being Bobby Brown
.
, La'princia, Robert Jr. "Bobby", Bobbi Kristina, and Cassius. In July 1992, Brown married singer Whitney Houston
, with whom he had daughter Bobbi Kristina the following year. Brown and Houston separated in September 2006 and divorced on April 24, 2007, with Houston receiving custody of their then-14-year-old daughter. On May 30, 2009, Brown had son Cassius with his partner of two years, manager Alicia Etheridge. Brown and Etheridge became engaged in May 2010, when Brown proposed during a performance at the Funk Fest in Jacksonville, Florida.
In late 2003, Brown was arrested for misdemeanor battery, allegedly for striking Houston while shouting epithets. In February 2004, Brown was arrested and jailed in Georgia
on a parole violation related to a previous drunk driving
conviction. In June 2004, Brown was sentenced to 90 days in prison for missing three months of child support payments. That sentence was immediately suspended after Brown made back payments totaling about $15,000.
Bobby Brown made a guest appearance on The Monique Show with fellow group mates Johnny Gill
and Ralph Tresvant
to promote their ongoing tour across the globe to sold out shows. Bobby also discussed how he overcame his struggles. The trio Heads of State performed medleys of their classic legendary hits to an audience full of die hard New Edition fans.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
R&B
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
, occasional rapper, and dance
Dance
Dance is an art form that generally refers to movement of the body, usually rhythmic and to music, used as a form of expression, social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting....
r. After success in pop group New Edition
New Edition
New Edition is an R&B group formed in Boston in 1978. The group reached its height of popularity during the 1980s. They were the progenitors of the boy band movement of the 1980s and 1990s and led the way for groups like New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync...
, Brown began his solo career in 1987 and had a string of Top 10 Billboard hits, culminating in a Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
. He was a pioneer of New Jack Swing
New jack swing
New jack swing or swingbeat is a fusion genre spearheaded by Teddy Riley and Bernard Belle which became extremely popular from the late-1980s into the mid-1990s. Its influence, along with hip-hop, seeped into pop culture and was the definitive sound of the inventive Black New York club scene...
music, a fusion of hip hop and R&B. His second album, Don't Be Cruel
Don't Be Cruel (album)
Don't Be Cruel is the second album by American R&B singer Bobby Brown, released in 1988 on MCA Records. It includes four hit singles "Don't Be Cruel", "My Prerogative", "Roni" and "Every Little Step." All were #1 R&B singles except "Roni," which peaked at #2, while "My Prerogative" became Brown's...
, included popular songs such as "My Prerogative
My Prerogative
"My Prerogative" is a song by American recording artist Bobby Brown from his second solo studio album, Don't Be Cruel. It was released on October 11, 1988 as the second single from the album. After recording sessions for the album were completed, Brown and producer Gene Griffin travelled to New...
". Brown is the ex-husband of pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
singer Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston
Whitney Elizabeth Houston is an American singer, actress, producer and a former model. Houston is the most awarded female act of all time, according to Guinness World Records, and her list of awards include 1 Emmy Award, 6 Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards, among...
and starred in the reality show Being Bobby Brown
Being Bobby Brown
Being Bobby Brown is a reality series that depicted the life of R&B singer Bobby Brown and his then-wife, singer Whitney Houston, and their family. The series debuted on the Bravo channel on June 30, 2005, and became very highly rated, and restored a degree of celebrity to Bobby Brown...
.
New Edition
Bobby Brown began his music career as a member of the R&B boy bandBoy band
A boy band is loosely defined as a popular music act consisting of only male singers. The members are expected to dance as well as sing, usually giving highly choreographed performances. More often than not, boy band members do not play musical instruments, either in recording sessions or on...
New Edition
New Edition
New Edition is an R&B group formed in Boston in 1978. The group reached its height of popularity during the 1980s. They were the progenitors of the boy band movement of the 1980s and 1990s and led the way for groups like New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync...
which he founded along with childhood friend Michael Bivins
Michael Bivins
Michael Lamont Bivins, a.k.a. Biv , is the founder and member of the R&B group New Edition and the hip hop group Bell Biv DeVoe...
. He is the youngest member of the group since the inception. The group's hits with Brown included "Candy Girl
Candy Girl (New Edition song)
"Candy Girl" is an R&B song by boy band New Edition. Released in 1983, it was the first single from their debut album of the same name. It hit number one in the United Kingdom in May 1983, becoming the 31st best selling single of the year there.-History:...
", "Cool It Now
Cool It Now
"Cool It Now" is a 1984 hit single by R&B/Pop group New Edition, and is the first single from their eponymous second album, New Edition. The song peaked at #4 in January, 1985 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.-Overview:...
", and "Mr. Telephone Man
Mr. Telephone Man
"Mr. Telephone Man" is a 1984 song by R&B/pop group, New Edition, and the second single from their eponymous second album, New Edition.-Overview:"Mr...
". Brown was voted out of New Edition in 1986 when the other four members felt that their careers would be jeopardized by Bobby's lewd, line-crossing on-stage antics. Throughout the All for Love tour, he feuded with Ralph Tresvant
Ralph Tresvant
Ralph Tresvant , aka Rizz, is an American tenor singer, best known as one of the lead singers in New Edition.-New Edition:Tresvant sang lead on many of the New Edition lead singles including "Candy Girl", "Cool It Now" and "If It Isn't Love"...
and cut in on Tresvant's lead vocals. In 1996, Brown rejoined the group for New Edition's comeback album, Home Again
Home Again (New Edition album)
Home Again is the sixth studio album by American R&B group New Edition. Released on September 15, 1996, it is the group's only album as a sextet, and was their final recording for MCA Records...
. In the middle of the tour, he engaged in further racy on-stage antics. He extended his solo set and cut into Bell Biv Devoe
Bell Biv DeVoe
Bell Biv DeVoe is an American R&B musical group which branched off from New Edition. It consists of three of New Edition's previous members, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe...
's time. Once again, he left New Edition. In the fall of 2005, New Edition performed at BET's 25th Anniversary Special. The group performed a medley of its greatest hits, and even brought Bobby Brown on stage for a rendition of "Mr. Telephone Man". It was later announced on BET
Black Entertainment Television
Black Entertainment Television is an American, Viacom-owned cable network based in Washington, D.C.. Currently viewed in more than 90 million homes worldwide, it is the most prominent television network targeting young Black-American audiences. The network was launched on January 25, 1980, by its...
and Inside Hollywood that Bobby had rejoined the group and would be on the next group album. In January 2006, New Edition announced that the group would launch a new album and tour in 2008. Bobby also appeared at a concert in Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan...
that New Edition
New Edition
New Edition is an R&B group formed in Boston in 1978. The group reached its height of popularity during the 1980s. They were the progenitors of the boy band movement of the 1980s and 1990s and led the way for groups like New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync...
had filmed for a future DVD release.
Solo career
After leaving New EditionNew Edition
New Edition is an R&B group formed in Boston in 1978. The group reached its height of popularity during the 1980s. They were the progenitors of the boy band movement of the 1980s and 1990s and led the way for groups like New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync...
in 1985, Brown stayed with the group manager Steven Machat and Machat secured from MCA, the groups record label, a record deal guaranteed for Browns solo career if Brown agreed to leave the New Edition. MCA released his first solo album, King of Stage
King of Stage
King of Stage is the debut album by American R&B singer Bobby Brown.-Reception:Released in December 11, 1986 on MCA Records. It spawned the singles "Girlfriend" and "Girl Next Door".-Track listing:#"Girlfriend" – 6:16...
, in 1986. This album included "Girlfriend", a minor hit which went to #1 on the Billboard R&B charts and #57 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other than that, King of Stage did not garner much attention. However, Brown's next album, 1988's Don't Be Cruel
Don't Be Cruel (album)
Don't Be Cruel is the second album by American R&B singer Bobby Brown, released in 1988 on MCA Records. It includes four hit singles "Don't Be Cruel", "My Prerogative", "Roni" and "Every Little Step." All were #1 R&B singles except "Roni," which peaked at #2, while "My Prerogative" became Brown's...
with Machat overseeing the entire production and styling of Brown with Louil Silas, MCA's rep, rocketed him to super stardom. Working with the writing/producing team of L.A. Reid and Babyface, as well as Teddy Riley, Don't Be Cruel spawned five Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 singles: "Don't Be Cruel" (#8), "Every Little Step
Every Little Step
"Every Little Step" is a 1989 single by R&B singer Bobby Brown, released by the MCA Records label. Released as the fourth single on his second album Don't Be Cruel, it reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, #1 on the Hot Black Singles chart, and #6 on the UK Singles Chart...
" (#3), "Rock Wit' Cha" (#7), "My Prerogative
My Prerogative
"My Prerogative" is a song by American recording artist Bobby Brown from his second solo studio album, Don't Be Cruel. It was released on October 11, 1988 as the second single from the album. After recording sessions for the album were completed, Brown and producer Gene Griffin travelled to New...
" (#1), and "Roni
Roni
"Roni" is a single released by R&B singer Bobby Brown, written by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, in 1988 on the MCA label. It was released as the third single from Brown's second album Don't Be Cruel. It reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at number two on the Hot Black...
" (#3). The album would eventually be certified 8x platinum (8,000,000 units sold).
In 1989, he contributed two songs (including "On Our Own
On Our Own (Bobby Brown song)
"On Our Own" is a song by Bobby Brown recorded in April 1989 and released the following month as a single from the Ghostbusters II soundtrack. It peaked at number one on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart and number two on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart. It reached number four on the UK Singles Chart.-...
", which reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100) to the Ghostbusters II
Ghostbusters II
Ghostbusters II is a 1989 science fiction comedy film produced and directed by Ivan Reitman. It is the sequel to the 1984 film Ghostbusters and follows the further adventures of a group of parapsychologists and their organization which combats paranormal activities...
soundtrack, in addition to making a cameo in the film. Brown has subsequently dabbled in acting.
In between the "On Our Own" single and the release of Brown's next album, a remix
Remix
A remix is an alternative version of a recorded song, made from an original version. This term is also used for any alterations of media other than song ....
album, Dance! Ya Know It! was released to capitalise on Brown's huge success at the time. A non-album "megamix
Megamix
A megamix is a medley remix containing multiple songs in rapid succession. There may be only one verse or even just a brief chorus of each song used, sometimes in addition to samples of the same or other songs. There may also be some elements of bastard pop in some, though not as much as a mashup...
" single was released to promote the project. The European dance-oriented version (sampling beats by Snap!
Snap!
Snap! is a German Eurodance project formed in 1989 by Frankfurt-based producers Michael Münzing and Luca Anzilotti. The act has been through a number of line-up changes over the years, but was most successful when fronted by rapper Turbo B, who performed on the UK number 1 singles "The Power" and...
) was titled "The Freestyle Megamix" and was a hit in the UK, reaching #14 on the Gallup charts. A more R'n'B oriented version called "Every Little Hit Mix" (b/w "Roni) was released in Australia.
Brown's third album, Bobby
Bobby (album)
Bobby is the third studio album by American singer Bobby Brown, released in 1992 on MCA Records. It spawed five singles, including "Humpin' Around", "Get Away", and "Good Enough" . It was certified 5x Platinum. Remixed House versions of several singles, produced by English dance outfit K-Klass,...
, did not arrive until 1992. It reached #2 on the Billboard album charts and produced the hit singles "Humpin' Around
Humpin' Around
"Humpin' Around" is the title of a number-one R&B single by singer Bobby Brown. The hit song spent two weeks at number one on the U.S. R&B chart and reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100.-Music video:...
" (#3 on the Billboard Hot 100) and "Good Enough" (#7) as well as a smaller hit in "Get Away" (#14). The album was eventually certified 1x platinum (1,000,000 units sold). However, it did not come close to matching the album sales or singles chart success of its predecessor.
Brown waited until late 1997 to release his next (and to date, last) album of original material, Forever. The album was originally titled Bobby II and was supposed to be produced by such luminaries as R.Kelly, Teddy Riley, Sean Combs
Sean Combs
Sean John Combs , also known by his stage names Diddy and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He has won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards, and his clothing line earned a Council of Fashion Designers of America award. He was originally...
and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
James Samuel "Jimmy Jam" Harris III and Terry Steven Lewis are an American R&B and pop-music songwriting and record production team...
. However, Brown negotiated 100% creative control of the album and decided to write all the songs himself. It only managed to climb to #61 on the Billboard Hot 200 album charts and produced no charting singles.
In 2006 Brown appeared on "Beautiful", the third single from Damian Marley
Damian Marley
Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley is a Jamaican reggae artist who has won three Grammy awards. Damian is the youngest son of Bob Marley....
's album Welcome to Jamrock
Welcome to Jamrock
Welcome to Jamrock is a Grammy winning reggae album by Damian Marley. The album was released on September 12, 2005 in the United States and September 13, 2005 in the United Kingdom....
.
2010 Bobby Brown surprised his fans by dueting with American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress Macy Gray
Macy Gray
Macy Gray is a Grammy Award-winning American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress, famed for her distinctive raspy voice, and a singing style heavily influenced by Billie Holiday and Betty Davis.Gray has released five studio albums, with her fifth studio album, The Sellout,...
on her new album titled The Sellout
The Sellout
The Sellout is the fifth studio album by American R&B-soul singer–songwriter Macy Gray, released on June 22, 2010 in the United States. The album's lead single, "Beauty in the World" was released in April 2010...
. Together they did a song "Real Love". Macy Gray
Macy Gray
Macy Gray is a Grammy Award-winning American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress, famed for her distinctive raspy voice, and a singing style heavily influenced by Billie Holiday and Betty Davis.Gray has released five studio albums, with her fifth studio album, The Sellout,...
divulged the pleasure of working with Bobby Brown to Essence Magazine on the project, saying that "actually he came to the studio, since he doesn't live far, and knocked out his recording in two hours. We're friends and his one-year-old son is my godson. His fiance is one of my best friends in the whole world. I met Bobby a long time ago, but we really got to know each other through her."
Heads of State
As of September 27, 2008, Brown began touring with fellow New EditionNew Edition
New Edition is an R&B group formed in Boston in 1978. The group reached its height of popularity during the 1980s. They were the progenitors of the boy band movement of the 1980s and 1990s and led the way for groups like New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync...
members Ralph Tresvant
Ralph Tresvant
Ralph Tresvant , aka Rizz, is an American tenor singer, best known as one of the lead singers in New Edition.-New Edition:Tresvant sang lead on many of the New Edition lead singles including "Candy Girl", "Cool It Now" and "If It Isn't Love"...
and Johnny Gill
Johnny Gill
Johnny Gill is an American R&B singer-songwriter. He is the sixth and final member of the R&B supergroup New Edition, and was also a member of another supergroup called LSG; with Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat. His signature song "My, My, My" has been included on numerous romantic...
in a new group named Heads of State. The group continues to tour worldwide. They are currently recording an album.
Film and television career
While always maintaining his focus on music, Brown has also been venturing into the movie side of showbiz. In 1996, Brown co-starred in the hit movie, A Thin Line Between Love and HateA Thin Line Between Love and Hate
A Thin Line Between Love and Hate is a 1996 dark comedy-romance film that was directed and co-written by Martin Lawrence, who also stars in the film. Lawrence co-wrote the screenplay alongside Kenny Buford, who has also written for Lawrence's hit television sitcom, Martin...
, along with Martin Lawrence
Martin Lawrence
Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence is an American actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and stand up comedian. He came to fame during the 1990s, establishing a Hollywood career as a leading actor, most notably the films Bad Boys, Blue Streak, and Big Momma's House...
and Lynn Whitfield
Lynn Whitfield
Lynn Whitfield is an American actress.Whitfield began her acting career in television and theatre, before progressing to supporting roles in film. She won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special and a NAACP Image Award for her performance as Josephine Baker in the...
. and in more recent years he has appeared in the films Two Can Play That Game
Two Can Play That Game
Two Can Play That Game is a 2001 romantic comedy film written and directed by Mark Brown. The film stars Vivica A. Fox, Morris Chestnut, and Anthony Anderson.-Plot:...
, along with Vivica A. Fox
Vivica A. Fox
Vivica Anjanetta Fox is an American actress and television producer. She is best known for her roles in the films Independence Day, Set It Off, Soul Food, Why Do Fools Fall In Love,Kill Bill and Juwanna Mann....
and Morris Chestnut
Morris Chestnut
Morris L. Chestnut is an American film and television actor. He is known for his roles as teenage father Ricky Baker in the 1991 film Boyz n the Hood, groom-to-be Lance Sullivan in the 1999 film The Best Man, as Tracy Reynolds, NBA star in the 2002 film Like Mike, and as the Visitor Ryan in the...
; Go for Broke; and Gang of Roses
Gang of Roses
Gang of Roses is a 2003 Western action drama film written and directed by Jean-Claude La Marre. It starred Monica Calhoun, Lil' Kim, Lisa Raye, Charity Hill, Bobby Brown, Stacy Dash, and Marie Matiko.-Plot:...
starring Lil' Kim
Lil' Kim
Kimberly Denise Jones , better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and actress who was a member of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A.....
, Lisa Raye, Stacey Dash
Stacey Dash
Stacey Lauretta Dash is an American film and television actress.-Career:She made her first TV appearance in Farrell for the People starring Valerie Harper and a virtually unknown Ed O'Neill in 1982, which did not make it past its pilot episode...
, and Marie Matiko
Marie Matiko
-Early life:Marie Matiko is of Chinese, Japanese and Filipino heritage.She endured a stern cultural upbringing, which ultimately fostered discipline and an inherent passion for the arts as a child, where she could freely express herself. "When I was in grade school, I wanted to become a concert...
. After those he was in Nora's Hair Salon
Nora's Hair Salon
Nora's Hair Salon is a 2004 independent comedy-drama film, written by Chanel Capra and Jean-Claude La Marre, and directed by Jerry LaMothe. This film stars Jenifer Lewis, Tamala Jones, and Tatyana Ali.-Plot:...
.
Bobby Brown has had cameo guest appearances in many movies. Panther
Panther (film)
Panther is a 1995 film directed by Mario Van Peebles, from a screenplay adapted by his father, Melvin Van Peebles, based on his book. The film dramatizes the story of The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense...
(1995) starring Courtney B. Vance
Courtney B. Vance
Courtney Bernard Vance is an American actor. He was formerly a regular on the NBC/USA television series Law & Order: Criminal Intent as Assistant District Attorney Ron Carver. He was also a series regular on the ABC series FlashForward. As of 2011, he appears on the TNT series The Closer as Chief...
and Chris Rock
Chris Rock
Christopher Julius "Chris" Rock III is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer, film producer and director. He was voted in the US as the 5th greatest stand-up comedian of all time by Comedy Central...
. Earlier, he played all three characters of Three Blind Mice in Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme
Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme
Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme is a 1990 musical TV movie that aired on the Disney Channel starring Shelley Duvall as Little Bo Peep and Dan Gilroy as Gordon Goose, the son of Mother Goose along with a star-studded supporting cast of various other actors and...
(1990). In 1989 was Brown's first solo guest cameo appearance in Ghostbusters II
Ghostbusters II
Ghostbusters II is a 1989 science fiction comedy film produced and directed by Ivan Reitman. It is the sequel to the 1984 film Ghostbusters and follows the further adventures of a group of parapsychologists and their organization which combats paranormal activities...
playing the Mayor's Doorman.
In June 2007, Brown took part in the ITV television series "24 hours with...", a chat show format as celebrity and interviewer spend an intense 24 hours locked in a room together. The show's host, Jamie Campbell, asked Brown questions about his career and private life, and infamously joked about making "sexual moves" towards the singer. Brown was furious and threatened to beat Campbell up live on air.
He has been appearing on cable-televised reality T.V. shows such as Celebrity Fit Club
Celebrity Fit Club
Celebrity Fit Club is a reality television series that follows eight overweight celebrities as they try to lose weight for charity. Split into two competing teams of four, each week teams are given different physical challenges, and weighed to see if they reached their target weights...
, Gone Country
Gone Country (TV series)
Gone Country is an American celebrity reality television show in which contestants compete to become a country music singer. The winner gets a country single produced by John Rich. It aired on CMT, with reruns on TV Land, and VH1. On the first season finale, Julio Iglesias Jr...
, and his own show entitled Being Bobby Brown
Being Bobby Brown
Being Bobby Brown is a reality series that depicted the life of R&B singer Bobby Brown and his then-wife, singer Whitney Houston, and their family. The series debuted on the Bravo channel on June 30, 2005, and became very highly rated, and restored a degree of celebrity to Bobby Brown...
.
Family
Brown has five children—Landon, who appeared on the MTV show Rock the CradleRock the Cradle
Rock the Cradle was an MTV reality show in which the offspring of R&B, pop, and rock stars from the 1980s and 1990s vie in a six-week singing competition...
, La'princia, Robert Jr. "Bobby", Bobbi Kristina, and Cassius. In July 1992, Brown married singer Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston
Whitney Elizabeth Houston is an American singer, actress, producer and a former model. Houston is the most awarded female act of all time, according to Guinness World Records, and her list of awards include 1 Emmy Award, 6 Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards, among...
, with whom he had daughter Bobbi Kristina the following year. Brown and Houston separated in September 2006 and divorced on April 24, 2007, with Houston receiving custody of their then-14-year-old daughter. On May 30, 2009, Brown had son Cassius with his partner of two years, manager Alicia Etheridge. Brown and Etheridge became engaged in May 2010, when Brown proposed during a performance at the Funk Fest in Jacksonville, Florida.
Substance abuse and legal problems
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Brown's legal and substance abuse troubles threatened to overshadow his music. Whitney Houston publicly stated that Brown's choice of drug was marijuana laced with cocaine.In late 2003, Brown was arrested for misdemeanor battery, allegedly for striking Houston while shouting epithets. In February 2004, Brown was arrested and jailed in Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
on a parole violation related to a previous drunk driving
Driving under the influence
Driving under the influence is the act of driving a motor vehicle with blood levels of alcohol in excess of a legal limit...
conviction. In June 2004, Brown was sentenced to 90 days in prison for missing three months of child support payments. That sentence was immediately suspended after Brown made back payments totaling about $15,000.
Bobby Brown made a guest appearance on The Monique Show with fellow group mates Johnny Gill
Johnny Gill
Johnny Gill is an American R&B singer-songwriter. He is the sixth and final member of the R&B supergroup New Edition, and was also a member of another supergroup called LSG; with Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat. His signature song "My, My, My" has been included on numerous romantic...
and Ralph Tresvant
Ralph Tresvant
Ralph Tresvant , aka Rizz, is an American tenor singer, best known as one of the lead singers in New Edition.-New Edition:Tresvant sang lead on many of the New Edition lead singles including "Candy Girl", "Cool It Now" and "If It Isn't Love"...
to promote their ongoing tour across the globe to sold out shows. Bobby also discussed how he overcame his struggles. The trio Heads of State performed medleys of their classic legendary hits to an audience full of die hard New Edition fans.
Discography
- King of StageKing of StageKing of Stage is the debut album by American R&B singer Bobby Brown.-Reception:Released in December 11, 1986 on MCA Records. It spawned the singles "Girlfriend" and "Girl Next Door".-Track listing:#"Girlfriend" – 6:16...
(1986) - Don't Be CruelDon't Be Cruel (album)Don't Be Cruel is the second album by American R&B singer Bobby Brown, released in 1988 on MCA Records. It includes four hit singles "Don't Be Cruel", "My Prerogative", "Roni" and "Every Little Step." All were #1 R&B singles except "Roni," which peaked at #2, while "My Prerogative" became Brown's...
(1988) - BobbyBobby (album)Bobby is the third studio album by American singer Bobby Brown, released in 1992 on MCA Records. It spawed five singles, including "Humpin' Around", "Get Away", and "Good Enough" . It was certified 5x Platinum. Remixed House versions of several singles, produced by English dance outfit K-Klass,...
(1992) - ForeverForever (Bobby Brown album)Forever is the fourth studio album by American singer Bobby Brown. The album's only single, "Feelin' Inside", failed to impact the charts. The album was recorded after Brown left New Edition's Home Again tour in 1997...
(1997)
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Krush Groove Krush Groove Krush Groove is a 1985 Warner Bros. film, written by Ralph Farquhar and directed by Michael Schultz . This film is based on the early days of Def Jam Recordings and up-and-coming record producer Russell Simmons , portrayed by Blair Underwood in his feature film debut... |
Himself |
| 1989 | Ghostbusters II Ghostbusters II Ghostbusters II is a 1989 science fiction comedy film produced and directed by Ivan Reitman. It is the sequel to the 1984 film Ghostbusters and follows the further adventures of a group of parapsychologists and their organization which combats paranormal activities... |
Mayor's Doorman |
| 1990 | Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme is a 1990 musical TV movie that aired on the Disney Channel starring Shelley Duvall as Little Bo Peep and Dan Gilroy as Gordon Goose, the son of Mother Goose along with a star-studded supporting cast of various other actors and... |
Three Blind Mice |
| 1995 | Panther Panther (film) Panther is a 1995 film directed by Mario Van Peebles, from a screenplay adapted by his father, Melvin Van Peebles, based on his book. The film dramatizes the story of The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense... |
Rose |
| 1996 | A Thin Line Between Love and Hate A Thin Line Between Love and Hate A Thin Line Between Love and Hate is a 1996 dark comedy-romance film that was directed and co-written by Martin Lawrence, who also stars in the film. Lawrence co-wrote the screenplay alongside Kenny Buford, who has also written for Lawrence's hit television sitcom, Martin... |
Tee |
| 2001 | Two Can Play That Game Two Can Play That Game Two Can Play That Game is a 2001 romantic comedy film written and directed by Mark Brown. The film stars Vivica A. Fox, Morris Chestnut, and Anthony Anderson.-Plot:... |
Michael |
| 2002 | Go for Broke Go for Broke (2002 film) Go for Broke is a 2002 urban comedy film, written by Jean-Claude La Marre, who also directed and co-produced the film, which stars Pras, Michael A. Goorjian, LisaRaye, Kira Madallo Sesay, and Bobby Brown. The movie was made in 3 different languages: English, French, & German... |
Jive |
| 2003 | Gang of Roses Gang of Roses Gang of Roses is a 2003 Western action drama film written and directed by Jean-Claude La Marre. It starred Monica Calhoun, Lil' Kim, Lisa Raye, Charity Hill, Bobby Brown, Stacy Dash, and Marie Matiko.-Plot:... |
Left Eye Watkins |
| 2004 | Nora's Hair Salon Nora's Hair Salon Nora's Hair Salon is a 2004 independent comedy-drama film, written by Chanel Capra and Jean-Claude La Marre, and directed by Jerry LaMothe. This film stars Jenifer Lewis, Tamala Jones, and Tatyana Ali.-Plot:... |
Bennie |
| 2008 | Nora's Hair Salon 2: A Cut Above Nora's Hair Salon 2: A Cut Above Nora's Hair Salon 2: A Cut Above is a 2008 comedy-drama film written by Chanel Capra and Jill Maxcy, who also directed. The film stars Tatyana Ali, Stacey Dash, and Bobby Brown, and is the sequel to 2004's Nora's Hair Salon.-Cast:... |
Old Man Butter |