New Edition reinvent the boy band

# Hip-hop

# R&B

1978: Number 4 in our series of the 50 key events in the history of R&B and hip-hop music

Formed under the aegis of manager Maurice Starr, Boston's New Edition were more than a Jackson 5 for hip-hop kids. With Bobby Brown and all of Bell Biv DeVoe in the line-up, they would shape much of contemporary R&B. However, it did take a while for them to see the benefit: the royalty cheque from their debut album was just $1.87. Starr later repeated the formula with New Kids on the Block, and the boyband as we know it was born.

Contributor

Gareth Grundy

The GuardianTramp

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