Who is Ronnie DeVoe?
Ronald Boyd DeVoe Jr., better known as Ronnie DeVoe, is an American R&B sensation who’s made an indelible mark on the music industry. Born on 17th November 1967 in Roxbury, Massachusetts, this talented artist rose to fame as a core member of two iconic groups: New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe. From boy band heartthrob to new jack swing pioneer, DeVoe’s journey through the entertainment world has been nothing short of remarkable.
Quick Profile Overview
| Full Name | Ronald Boyd DeVoe Jr. |
| Date of Birth | 17th November 1967 |
| Age | 57 years old |
| Birthplace | Roxbury, Massachusetts |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Singer, Rapper, Real Estate Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $15 million |
| Height | 6’0″ (1.83m) |
| Weight | 77kg (170 lbs) |
| Wife | Shamari DeVoe (married 2006) |
| Children | Twin sons – Ronald III & Roman Elijah |
Biography
Growing up in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Ronnie was the son of Roland DeVoe and Flo DeVoe. He shared his childhood with siblings Robert DeVoe, Regina Moss, and Tonya Moss. During his formative years, DeVoe attended Newton North High School, though details about his higher education remain private.
Interestingly, DeVoe’s path to stardom began through family connections. His uncle, Brooke Payne, who worked as a choreographer, would later play a crucial role in launching his music career. What’s fascinating is that initially, DeVoe’s mother was quite surprised when he joined New Edition because she believed he couldn’t dance – little did she know he’d become one of the group’s most talented performers!
Career
DeVoe’s musical journey kicked off in 1981 when he became the second-to-last member to join New Edition, brought in by his uncle, Brooke Payne. The group’s big break came when they placed second at a talent show at Boston’s Strand Theatre, catching the attention of record producer Maurice Starr.
New Edition’s Major Achievements:
- Debut album “Candy Girl” (1983) – featured the chart-topping title track
- “New Edition” (1984) – launched hits like “Cool It Now” and “Mr. Telephone Man”
- “All for Love” (1985) – included popular singles “Count Me Out” and “A Little Bit of Love”
- “Heart Break” (1988) – their most commercially successful album, featuring “You’re Not My Kind of Girl”
- “Home Again” (1996) – their only album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200
Bell Biv DeVoe
After New Edition’s 1990 breakup, DeVoe joined forces with Ricky Bell and Michael Bivins to form Bell Biv DeVoe. This trio would go on to revolutionise R&B music by pioneering the new jack swing movement.
Bell Biv DeVoe’s Discography Highlights:
- “Poison” (1990) – Their breakthrough album reached #5 on Billboard 200, went quadruple-platinum
- “Hootie Mack” (1993) – Peaked at #19 on Billboard 200
- “BBD” (2001) – Marked their return after an eight-year hiatus
- “Three Stripes” (2017) – Their most successful album since “Poison”, hitting #18 on the Billboard 200
Complete Discography
New Edition Albums:
- Candy Girl (1983)
- New Edition (1984)
- All for Love (1985)
- Under the Blue Moon (1986)
- Heart Break (1988)
- Home Again (1996)
- One Love (2004)
Bell Biv DeVoe Albums:
- Poison (1990)
- Hootie Mack (1993)
- BBD (2001)
- Three Stripes (2017)
Television and Film Career
DeVoe’s talents extend beyond music into the entertainment world:
TV Appearances:
- “Knight Rider”
- “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”
- “Family Matters”
- “New York Undercover”
- “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (Season 11, 2018) – alongside wife Shamari
Film:
- “Krush Groove” (1985) – with New Edition
- “Think Like a Man Too” (2014) – cameo appearance
Personal Life
DeVoe’s personal life took a beautiful turn when he married Shamari Fears on 10th March 2006. Shamari, the lead singer of R&B girl group Blaque, became Shamari DeVoe after their wedding. Their love story reached new heights in 2017 when they welcomed twin sons, Ronald III and Roman Elijah.
The couple’s relationship has been in the spotlight, particularly during their appearance on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” where fans got an intimate look at their family dynamics and strong partnership.
Net Worth
DeVoe’s estimated net worth stands at an impressive $15 million as of 2025. This substantial wealth comes from multiple income streams built over his decades-long career in entertainment and business ventures.
Primary Income Sources:
Music Career Earnings:
- New Edition album sales (over 20 million records sold worldwide)
- Bell Biv DeVoe’s breakthrough success with “Poison” (over 5 million copies sold)
- Ongoing royalties from classic hits like “Poison” and “B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?”
- Live performances and reunion tours
Business Ventures:
- DeVoe Realty (launched in 2020)
- Co-owner of DeVoe Broker Associates in Atlanta, Georgia
- Real estate investment portfolio
Television Appearances:
- Guest appearances on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (Season 11)
- Various TV show cameos and reality show participation
Earnings & Financial Data
Here’s a breakdown of DeVoe’s estimated earnings from major album releases throughout his career:
| Year | Category | Album/Project | Certification | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Record Sales | New Edition (New Edition) | 2x Platinum (RIAA) | $2,000,000 |
| 1985 | Record Sales | Under the Blue Moon (New Edition) | Gold (RIAA) | $500,000 |
| 1987 | Record Sales | Heart Break (New Edition) | 2x Platinum (RIAA) | $2,000,000 |
| 1989 | Record Sales | Poison (Bell Biv DeVoe) | 4x Platinum (RIAA) | $4,000,000 |
| 1990 | Record Sales | WBBD-Bootcity! Remix Album (Bell Biv DeVoe) | Gold (RIAA) | $500,000 |
| 1992 | Record Sales | Hootie Mack (Bell Biv DeVoe) | Gold (RIAA) | $500,000 |
| 1995 | Record Sales | Home Again (New Edition) | 2x Platinum (RIAA), Platinum (Music Canada) | $2,100,000 |
| 2014 | Record Sales | All for Love (New Edition) | Platinum (RIAA) | $1,000,000 |
Total Estimated Album Earnings: $12.6 million
Note: These figures represent estimated earnings and don’t include touring revenue, merchandise, licensing deals, or his business ventures, which contribute significantly to his overall $15 million net worth.
Physical Appearance
Standing tall at 6’0″ (1.83m) and weighing 77kg (170 lbs), DeVoe maintains a distinguished presence. With his African heritage, dark hair, and black eyes, he’s retained his charismatic appeal that first captured audiences in the 1980s.
Business Ventures and Real Estate Empire
Beyond entertainment, DeVoe has proven himself as a savvy businessman. In 2020, he expanded his entrepreneurial portfolio by launching DeVoe Realty, offering comprehensive real estate services. He also co-owns DeVoe Broker Associates, a successful real estate agency based in Atlanta, Georgia.
These ventures demonstrate DeVoe’s business acumen and his ability to diversify his income streams beyond the music industry.
Recent Activities and Community Involvement
DeVoe remains active in both music and community service. In April 2025, he spoke at the 37th annual Steak & Burger Dinner hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany, sharing how his early experiences with the club shaped his future success. As a Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame inductee, DeVoe continues to inspire young people through his story.
Legacy and Impact
Ronnie DeVoe’s contribution to music history cannot be overstated. As part of New Edition, he helped define the modern boy band template that influenced countless groups that followed. With Bell Biv DeVoe, he pioneered the new jack swing movement that blended R&B, hip-hop, and soul in revolutionary ways.
His hits like “Poison,” “B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?,” and “Cool It Now” remain timeless classics that continue to influence contemporary artists.
What’s Next for Ronnie DeVoe?
As we move through 2025, DeVoe continues to balance his music career with his growing real estate empire. He remains active with both New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe, delighting fans with reunion performances and new projects. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community service suggest that his influence will extend far beyond music.
Ronnie DeVoe proves that true artists never stop creating and giving back.
