Bobby Brown began his career as a member of which Boston R&B group?

Bobby Brown began his career as a member of the Boston R&B group New Edition. The group formed in 1978 in Roxbury, Boston, with Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, and Ralph Tresvant.

New Edition won early attention performing at Boston's Strand Theatre in 1982. Producer Maurice Starr helped them secure a recording opportunity, leading to their 1983 debut album, Candy Girl. The title track became a major R&B hit and established the group as young stars.

Brown left New Edition in late 1985 after conflicts over the group's direction and management. He launched a successful solo career, eventually scoring major hits such as "My Prerogative" and "Every Little Step." His departure is sometimes confused with the later formation of Bell Biv DeVoe, which consisted of three other former New Edition members: Bell, Bivins, and DeVoe.

New Edition continued with Johnny Gill joining the lineup and later reunited with Brown. The group is widely regarded as an important precursor to the modern boy-band and contemporary R&B sound.