February 5, 1969 – Bobby Brown, American singer, ex-member of New Edition is 51. Happy Birthday Sir

Bobby Brown: The Rise and Struggles of an R&B Icon

Bobby Brown is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who rises to fame as a member of the band New Edition and later achieves success as a solo artist.

His career and personal life are marked by significant achievements and considerable turmoil, including struggles with substance abuse and legal issues.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Robert Barisford Brown on February 5, 1969, in Boston, Massachusetts.

He grows up in a modest household as the seventh of eight children.

His father works in construction and his mother is a school teacher.

Brown’s singing talent is recognized in his church choir, where he develops his abilities.

At the age of 12, he forms the group New Edition with friends.

New Edition

New Edition gains popularity with a mainstream audience, achieving top 20 pop hits and number one R&B singles.

The group’s second self-titled album is a success, despite the departure of their manager.

Brown leaves New Edition in 1986 to pursue a solo career, feeling he is not compensated fairly.

He claims he only receives $500 and a VCR for his work with the group.

He later rejoins New Edition for a comeback album called *Home Again*, which enters the charts at number one.

There is tension between Brown and other members of New Edition.

They are once perceived as rivals in the music industry.

Solo Career

Brown’s solo career takes off with his 1988 album *Don’t Be Cruel*, which sells 7 million copies and becomes the bestselling album of the year.

His music and live performances are described as sexually charged and energetic, earning comparisons to Michael Jackson.

The album produces five top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including the number one single “My Prerogative”.

Brown seeks to reinvent himself as an adult artist, working with acclaimed R&B producers and songwriters.

He is known for his “bad boy” image.

Personal Life and Relationships

Brown’s personal life is turbulent, marked by substance abuse, legal issues, and relationship challenges.

He marries singer Whitney Houston in 1992.

Their marriage is highly publicized and considered tumultuous.

Reports of domestic violence, drug use, and jealousy surround their relationship.

Houston states that Brown is abusive and once spits on her.

She tries to make him feel comfortable by saying, “Don’t call me Whitney Houston, I’m Mrs. Brown”.

The couple has a daughter named Bobbi Kristina.

Houston files for divorce from Brown in 2006.

There are rumors that Houston marries Brown to combat lesbian rumors.

Brown has multiple children with different women.

He struggles with jealousy of Houston’s fame, referring to himself as “Mr. Houston”.

He is arrested multiple times.

He is kidnapped over a drug debt, which Houston pays.

He spends time at the Betty Ford Clinic.

Brown’s family is very involved in his career.

Reality Television and Later Career

Brown and Houston appear in a reality television show called *Being Bobby Brown* in 2004.

The show is not well-received and is considered a poor decision for Houston.

The show depicts a deteriorating Houston.

In later years, Brown keeps a relatively low profile, making occasional musical appearances.

Substance Abuse and Its Impact

Both Brown and Houston struggle with substance abuse.

Houston’s drug use contributes to the decline of her vocal abilities.

Houston’s religious upbringing conflicts with her substance abuse and other behaviors.

Their daughter, Bobbi Kristina, also struggles with substance abuse, mirroring her mother’s life.

Bobbi Kristina is found unconscious in a bathtub and dies at 22 years old.

Key Themes

Brown’s story is one of both talent and self-destruction.

He is said to have a “tough guy” image but is not actually a tough person.

His struggles with fame, jealousy, and addiction contribute to his tumultuous life.

He is perceived as someone who is always “putting on a front”.