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The legendary Boston-born R&B group New Edition is synonymous with its hometown, and this weekend Mayor Michelle Wu will make it official by declaring August 30 as “New Edition Day” in the City of Boston and celebrating accordingly.
The weekend will include a community block party in Roxbury, where it all began, and a ceremony renaming Dearborn Street as “New Edition Way.” Dearborn Street is near the site of the former Orchard Park public housing development where the band members grew up.
“It is an honor to welcome home Roxbury natives New Edition to celebrate their global impact, from our communities here in Boston to the music industry worldwide,” said Wu. “This is a unique opportunity to bring Boston’s neighborhoods together in a celebration of culture, pride and community.”
New Edition was founded in Roxbury in 1978 by local talents Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill. Little did they know what success would come from their harmonies. The group went on to release national hits like “Candy Girl” and “Mr. Telephone Man” and their second album, “New Edition,” went double platinum. In 2017 New Edition was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The group was inducted into the Black Music Hall of Fame in 2022 and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2023.
The New Edition in 1985 PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA
Four decades, seven albums, 11 tours and a BET miniseries later, the group is coming home to Boston. The band will be in town for the celebrations and will make a special appearance at the Roxbury block party at the Orchard Gardens Boys and Girls Club on Aug. 30.
“Boston is where it all began for us,” said vocalist Bobby Brown. This honor means the world to me.”
Excitement is already building for the group’s return to Boston. The dedicated fan group #NE4LIFERS is abuzz about the weekend, and longtime Bostonians are taking this time to reflect on their personal memories with New Edition’s music.
“As someone from Roxbury, it’s an honor to celebrate New Edition’s accomplishments and legacy right where it all started,” said Frank Farrow, executive director at the Office of Black Male Advancement. “New Edition is the greatest music group of all time. The legendary group’s cultural influence is still felt today in the Boston community and throughout the entertainment industry worldwide.”
New Edition Day Events
Street-Naming Ceremony
Saturday Aug. 30, 10 a.m.
At the corner of Ambrose and Albany streets, Roxbury
Community Block Party
Saturday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m.
At Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, 2 Dearborn St., Roxbury
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