Brown, a Boston native, came to prominence first as a member of the R&B group New Edition, signing lead on the 1983 song, “Candy Girl,” as well as “Jealous Girl” and “Mr. Telephone Man,” among others.
Following his exit from the group, Brown launched his solo career in 1986 with “King of Stage,” his debut album, which produced “Girlfriend,” a Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping song. Brown’s career took off with the seven-time platinum album “Don’t Be Cruel,” which consisted of five Billboard Hot R&B chart-topping singles “My Prerogative,” “Roni,” “Rock Wit’cha,” “Every Little Step,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.”