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 in.