How New York City Got Its Juicy Nickname “The Big Apple” — And What It Means To The World

By Stephen Madu

(L-R) Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill of NewEdition pose in the Press Room at the 2021 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on Nov. 21, 2021 in Los Angeles. 

Matt Winkelmeyer/GI

In the early 1980s, a group of young boys from Boston's Roxbury neighborhood came together to form what would become one of the most influential R&B groups of all time: New Edition.

The group comprised of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ronnie DeVoe, and Ralph Tresvant, the group was formed in 1978 by childhood friends with a shared passion for music. Johnny Gill would later join them in 1987, adding a new layer to their sound. No one could have guessed these kids would become New Edition, the blueprint for every boy band that followed.

But talent wasn’t enough. They needed a miracle.

The story starts with a lie. Brooke Payne, a local music coach, told the boys they were auditioning for Maurice Starr of the funk group Jonz. Truth? Starr wasn’t even there that day. But when he finally heard their raw harmonies weeks later, he saw dollar signs. Starr scraped together $500, barely enough for studio time, and recorded "Candy Girl."

The song was bubblegum soul perfection. Ricky Bell’s buttery leads. Bobby Brown’s precocious swagger. Those harmonies so tight they sounded like one voice. Released in 1983 on the tiny Streetwise label, "Candy Girl" exploded, selling 100,000 copies in one week in New York alone.

New Edition’s debut album Candy Girl introduced them as a fresh-faced boy band with infectious pop and R&B tunes. Their youthful energy and tight harmonies quickly garnered attention, leading to a string of hits like Cool It Now and Mr. Telephone Man. These songs not only showcased their vocal talents but also set the stage for the boy band phenomenon that would dominate the music scene in the following decades.

But here’s the thing about New Edition: their story isn’t just one of fame and fortune. It’s a tale of grit, brotherhood, betrayal, triumph, and reinvention, a rollercoaster ride as unforgettable as their hits. These weren’t just kids singing love songs; these were six boys from Boston who turned $500 into a legacy that reshaped modern R&B.

Ever wondered how something as simple as a talent show could spark a revolution? Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the journey of Ralph, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ronnie, and Johnny, the voices behind classics like Candy Girl, Mr. Telephone Man, and If It Isn’t Love. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand why New Edition isn’t just a band, they’re a cultural phenomenon.

Boston Beginnings: The Dream Takes Shape

Let’s rewind to Roxbury, Massachusetts, in the late 1970s. Picture a neighbourhood buzzing with life, kids playing stickball on cracked sidewalks, families leaning out of apartment windows calling each other by name, and somewhere in the mix, a group of friends dreaming bigger than their surroundings would suggest.

This is where it all began for New Edition, a name inspired by Maurice Starr, the man who saw raw potential in five young boys and decided to mold them into stars.

Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe were barely teenagers when Starr discovered them performing at local talent shows. They weren’t polished, but they had something special: chemistry. Their voices blended effortlessly, their energy was infectious, and most importantly, they had heart.

Starr handed them a challenge: win first place at a citywide talent competition, and he’d give them $500 plus a recording contract. Spoiler alert, they crushed it. With a cover of The Jackson 5’s I Want You Back, they blew the roof off that auditorium. Little did they know, this victory marked the beginning of an odyssey that would change their lives, and the sound of pop music, forever.

The Soundtrack of a Generation: Hits That Hit Different

What made New Edition stand out wasn’t just their vocal prowess, it was their ability to connect. Take Cool It Now, for instance. That bassline? Those harmonies? Pure gold. Or how about Can You Stand the Rain? If that song doesn’t tug at your heartstrings, I don’t know what will.

Each track felt like it was written specifically for you, whether you were nursing a broken heart or celebrating young love.

Let’s talk about style while we’re at it. Remember those matching outfits? The synchronized dance routines? Everything about New Edition screamed precision and polish. Yet beneath the glitz and glamour, there was authenticity. When they sang about love, you believed them. When they danced, you couldn’t help but move along. In short, they didn’t just entertain, they transported you.

Growing Pains: Fame, Friction, and Finding Themselves

As New Edition rose to stardom, tensions within the group began to surface. Bobby Brown left in 1986 to pursue a solo career, which skyrocketed him to icon status but also created friction among the remaining members. Meanwhile, financial disputes with their label left the group feeling exploited and undervalued.

Yet somehow, against all odds, they persevered. They regrouped, redefined their sound, and came back stronger than ever. Albums like Heart Break (1988) proved they still had plenty of gas in the tank. Tracks like If It Isn’t Love showcased their growth, not just as artists, but as individuals navigating adulthood under the spotlight.

During this period, side projects flourished. Bell Biv DeVoe (Ricky, Michael, and Ronnie) gave us Poison, a genre-blending masterpiece that remains a staple at parties worldwide. Ralph pursued a successful solo career. Even Bobby found redemption with chart-topping hits like My Prerogative. Despite the splits and spats, the spirit of New Edition endured.

Brotherhood Tested: The Realities of Fame

Let me pause here and ask you something: Have you ever been part of a tight-knit group? Maybe a sports team, a band, or even a close circle of friends? Now imagine being thrust into the global spotlight together. Sounds fun, right? Until egos clash, money gets involved, and expectations spiral out of control.

That’s exactly what happened with New Edition. For years, rumors swirled about infighting, jealousy, and unresolved grievances. Some fans worried the group might never reunite.

But here’s the beautiful irony: the very bonds that caused tension are also what kept them tethered. Despite their differences, these men shared a connection forged in childhood, a bond stronger than any disagreement.

In interviews, they’ve spoken candidly about forgiveness and moving forward. “We’re brothers,” Michael once said. “And brothers fight, but they also forgive.” It’s a testament to their resilience, and a reminder that true unity often requires compromise.

Reunion Tours and Reinvention: Proving Legends Never Fade

New Edition proved that legends never truly fade. Their 2017 BET biopic The New Edition Story reignited interest in their music, introducing their story to a new generation. Fans old and new tuned in, captivated by the highs and lows of their journey. Social media lit up with praise, memes, and nostalgia-fueled playlists.

The biopic wasn’t just entertaining, it was educational. Many viewers had no idea how much the group struggled behind the scenes. Learning about their battles with management, internal conflicts, and personal demons added depth to their already impressive legacy.

Following the biopic’s success, New Edition embarked on a reunion tour. Watching them perform live felt like stepping into a time machine. Sure, they were older now, but their voices? Still flawless. Their chemistry? Still undeniable. Seeing thousands of fans sing along to every word was a powerful reminder of their impact, not just on R&B, but on popular culture as a whole.

Legacy Beyond Music: Why New Edition Matters

So why does New Edition matter? Beyond the hits and harmonies, they represent something bigger: the power of perseverance.

They showed us that success isn’t linear, it’s messy, complicated, and often painful. But if you stay true to yourself and your craft, greatness is possible.

They also paved the way for future generations. Artists like Boyz II Men, NSYNC, and BTS owe a debt to New Edition’s trailblazing approach to boy bands. By blending R&B, pop, and hip-hop, they expanded the boundaries of what a “boy band” could be.

Let’s not forget their influence on fashion, choreography, and stage presence. Simply put, they set the blueprint.

More importantly, New Edition’s story is about family, both chosen and biological. They remind us that relationships aren’t perfect, but they’re worth fighting for. Through thick and thin, they stuck together, proving that loyalty can overcome almost anything.

What We Can Learn From Their Journey

As I reflect on New Edition’s legacy, one thought keeps coming back to me: dreams really do come true, but rarely in the way you expect.

Life threw curveballs at these guys left and right, yet they kept swinging. They adapted, evolved, and ultimately thrived.

To anyone chasing their own dreams, take note. Success isn’t about avoiding failure, it’s about learning from it. It’s about finding strength in vulnerability and beauty in imperfection. Most importantly, it’s about staying connected to the people who matter most.

So the next time you hear Candy Girl or Can You Stand the Rain, don’t just listen, feel it. Feel the joy, the pain, the triumph. Because that’s what makes New Edition timeless. They didn’t just create music; they created memories. And isn’t that what art is all about?

Reflections on Legacy: What Makes an Apple So Special?

Let’s end with this: Imagine being given $500 and told, “Here’s your shot. Make it count.” Would you rise to the occasion?

New Edition did. Not only did they deliver, but they transformed that modest investment into a multi-decade legacy that continues to inspire millions around the world.

At its core, New Edition’s story teaches us that greatness isn’t about perfection, it’s about passion. It’s about showing up, even when the odds are stacked against you. It’s about creating something that resonates deeply with others, leaving a mark that lasts far beyond your wildest dreams.

And maybe, just maybe, it’s about reminding us all that sometimes, the sweetest fruit grows from the toughest soil.

So go ahead, take a bite out of life, chase your dreams, and remember: you don’t need to be perfect to be extraordinary. After all, New Edition proved that decades ago.