Bobby Brown is a multifaceted entertainer known for his roles as a singer, songwriter, rapper, and dancer.
He is a former member of the R&B group New Edition and collaborated with notable artists like Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, and three others, contributing to the group’s success.
He is also known for his solo second album ‘Don’t Be Cruel’ (1988), which spawned five Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles, including the number one hit ‘My Prerogative,’ and the Grammy-award–winning ‘Every Little Step.’
Profile Summary
| Net Worth | $2 million |
| Name | Robert Barisford Brown Sr., |
| Age | 55 years old |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Songwriter Singer Dancer Rapper |
| Parents | Father: Herbert James Brown Mother: Carole Elisabeth |
| Siblings | Leolah Brown Tommy Brown and 5 others |
| Ex-wife | Whitney Houston |
| Wife | Alicia Etheredge |
| Children | Bobbi Kristina Brown Landon La’Princia Bobby Brown, Jr. Hendrix Cassius Bodhi |
| Height | 5’10” 1.78m 178cm |
| Weight | 79kg 175lbs |
| Socials |
Bobby Brown Net worth
Bobby Brown is a successful entertainer who has mastered delivering the best R&B music for listeners’ enjoyment. Over the years, he has gained fame as a member of the R&B group New Edition and through his successful solo career.
Bobby has amassed significant wealth through his music career, notably selling 12 million copies during his second album, ‘Don’t Be Cruel,’ earning multiple nominations and a Grammy Award.
In addition to his music-related wealth, he also owns a food company called Bobby Brown Foods, which provides sauces, spices, and more.
His estimated net worth is $2 million.
Bobby Brown Biography
Born on February 5, 1969, in Boston, Massachusetts, Bobby, whose full name is Robert Barisford Brown Sr., emerged into a family of eight siblings. His mother, Carole Elizabeth (formerly Williams), took on a role as a substitute teacher, while his father, Herbert James Brown, worked in construction.
Living in Roxbury’s Orchard Park Projects, Brown had his earliest encounter with the stage at the age of three when he witnessed James Brown perform in Boston—an experience that fueled his aspiration to become a singer.
His journey commenced within the church choir, where he refined and developed his singing abilities. Alongside James Brown, his musical influences encompassed artists such as Rick James, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and Prince.
In 1995, Bobby Brown was present with Steven Sealy, his sister’s boyfriend, during a tragic drive-by shooting where Sealy was targeted.
Sadly, Sealy lost his life in the shooting, while Brown escaped unharmed. John Tibbs, the shooter, eventually entered into a plea agreement in 2001 related to the incident.
Following this traumatic event, further hardships struck Brown as both of his parents, Carole and Herbert “Pops” Brown, passed away within a short period. Carole passed away in 2011, followed by Herbert in January 2012, just a month before the untimely death of Brown’s former wife, Whitney Houston.
Professional Career
New Edition was founded in 1981 when Bobby was 12 years old. Brown teamed up with two childhood friends to form the R&B ensemble. Within a year, the group expanded to include their manager’s nephew, solidifying its quintet status.
Their debut album, “Candy Girl,” released in 1983, secured a spot at #20 on the Billboard R&B singles chart. Despite the band’s success in tours, albums, and chart-topping singles, Brown revealed that during his tenure, he received meager compensation of around “$500 and a VCR.” Consequently, he left New Edition in 1986 to pursue his solo career.
Solo Career
Following his departure from New Edition, Brown secured a solo deal with MCA, the label associated with his former group. Simultaneously, he teamed up with manager Steven Machat, who had previous experience working with New Edition.
In 1986, Brown’s initial solo effort, “King of Stage,” achieved moderate sales. However, his collaboration with R&B songwriters/producers Teddy Riley, L.A. Reid, and Babyface propelled his second album, “Don’t Be Cruel” (1988), to immense success, selling over 12 million copies.
He earned the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in February 1990 for the album’s fourth single, “Every Little Step.” Furthermore, “Don’t Be Cruel” brought Brown two American Music Awards, a Soul Train Music Award, and a People’s Choice Award.
Brown gained widespread recognition for his hit songs spanning the 1980s and 1990s, including notable tracks like “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Humpin’ Around.”
New Edition Reunions
After their reunion performance at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards, Brown reconnected with New Edition, resulting in the release of their album “Home Again” in 1996.
The group reunited for special events, notably the 2005 BET 25th-anniversary special and the 2009 BET Awards, where they honored Michael Jackson by performing several Jackson 5 hits.
As of 2023, Brown and New Edition continue collaborating, engaging in “The Legacy Tour,” a showcase celebrating their collective musical journey.
Acting
In 1989, Brown ventured into acting with a brief role as the Mayor’s doorman in Ghostbusters II. He showcased his versatility by portraying all three characters of Three Blind Mice in the HBO kid’s show Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme in 1990.
Shifting gears to reality television, Brown signed a deal with Bravo in 2005 for the series “Being Bobby Brown.”
Despite scathing reviews and being labeled by The Hollywood Reporter as “undoubtedly the most disgusting and execrable series ever to ooze its way onto television,” it surprisingly drew Bravo’s highest ratings in its time slot.
However, the show concluded in 2006 after Whitney Houston declined to participate in a second season.
More recently, in 2021, Brown joined the fifth season of The Masked Singer. Subsequently, in 2022, A&E aired two productions centered around Brown’s life: “Biography: Bobby Brown” and “Bobby Brown: Every Little Step.”
Discography
Studio albums
- King of Stage (1986)
- Don’t Be Cruel (1988)
- Bobby (1992)
- Forever (1997)
- The Masterpiece (2012)
With New Edition
- Candy Girl (1983)
- New Edition (1984)
- All for Love (1985)
- Home Again (1996)
Business Ventures
Bobby Brown is the proprietor of Bobby Brown Foods, a company dedicated to promoting healthier eating habits by emphasizing real, all-natural ingredients while reducing sugar, sodium, and preservatives in their culinary offerings.
Controversy
Bobby Brown’s encounters with legal issues and arrests began in September 1990 when he faced disorderly conduct charges for refusing to leave a restaurant after his brother’s arrest. Subsequently, in April 1995, Brown and two friends were charged with assaulting a nightclub patron in Orlando.
Following this incident, he was accused of damaging a police patrol car, which resulted in dropped charges after the victim settled a civil lawsuit against him.
In August 1995, Brown was cited for battery after allegedly kicking a hotel security guard responding to noise complaints in his room.
In January 1998, he was convicted of driving under the influence and causing property damage, resulting in jail time and probation for crashing Whitney Houston’s car in 1996.
Further legal troubles arose in June 1998 when he was arrested on suspicion of sexual battery at the Beverly Hills Hotel, although the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence. Brown spent 26 days in jail from May to June 2000 due to a probation violation linked to his 1996 DUI, which involved cocaine found in his urine tests.
The cycle of legal issues continued with more arrests in November 2002 due to drug and traffic charges from an outstanding warrant.
In January 2003, Brown served an eight-day sentence for DUI and speeding charges in Georgia, followed by additional jail time in August 2003 for probation violations from the 1996 DUI, along with 60 days of house arrest.
His legal troubles extended to personal matters as well. In December 2003, he faced battery charges for allegedly striking Whitney Houston and received a 90-day jail sentence in March 2004 for owing child support to Kim Ward, though he was released after one night upon payment.
Additionally, in June 2004, he received a suspended sentence for missing child support payments.
This pattern persisted as he was sentenced to 30 days in jail for unpaid child support in February 2007, later released after three days when a radio station covered his fees.
In April 2012, he faced another arrest for drunken driving and entered a rehabilitation center as part of his plea deal.
Finally, in October 2012, he was arrested again for drunken driving, receiving a 55-day jail sentence but serving only nine hours due to overcrowding, and subsequently placed on electronic monitoring.
These incidents collectively underscore the significant legal challenges Bobby Brown encountered over the years.