History of Bobby Brown in Timeline

Robert Barisford Brown Sr. is an American singer and rapper recognized as a pioneer of the new jack swing genre, which blends hip hop and R&B. He began his career with the R&B and pop group New Edition, remaining with the group from its founding in 1978 until his departure in December 1985. Brown's collaboration with Teddy Riley was instrumental in developing the new jack swing sound.

February 5, 1969: Birth of Bobby Brown

Bobby Brown, whose full name is Robert Barisford Brown Sr., was born on February 5, 1969.

1978: Formation of New Edition

In 1978, Bobby Brown began his music career as a founding member of the R&B and pop group New Edition.

1979: New Edition's Early Performances

New Edition honed their skills by performing in talent shows throughout the Boston area in 1979.

1980: Relationship with Kim Ward

Bobby Brown and Kim Ward met around 1980 and had an on-and-off relationship for 11 years, ending in 1991.

1981: New Edition's Formation

Twelve-year-old Bobby Brown, Michael Bivins, and Ricky Bell formed New Edition in 1981.

1982: New Edition Becomes a Quintet

New Edition expanded to a five-member group in 1982 with the addition of Ralph Tresvant and Ronnie DeVoe.

1983: New Edition's Early Success

New Edition released their debut album, "Candy Girl," in 1983. The title track, featuring Bobby Brown on co-lead vocals, became a top-20 R&B hit.

December 1985: Departure from New Edition

Bobby Brown left New Edition in December 1985 to pursue a solo career.

June 22, 1986: Birth of Landon Brown

Bobby Brown's eldest son, Landon, was born on June 22, 1986, to Melika Williams.

1986: Signing with MCA and "King of Stage"

After leaving New Edition, Bobby Brown secured a solo contract with MCA Records and released his debut solo album, "King of Stage," in 1986. The album included the hit ballad "Girlfriend."

1986: Departure from New Edition

Bobby Brown left New Edition in early 1986 due to conflicts regarding finances, management, and creative direction.

1988: "Don't Be Cruel" World Tour

Bobby Brown embarked on a world tour in 1988 to support his album "Don't Be Cruel." The tour continued into the spring of 1991.

1988: Release of "Don't Be Cruel"

Bobby Brown released his second studio album, "Don't Be Cruel," in 1988. The album achieved substantial commercial success and included hit singles such as "My Prerogative" and "Every Little Step."

1988: Release of "My Prerogative" Music Video

Bobby Brown's music video for "My Prerogative," released in 1988, featured a less sagging variation of the "diaper pants" style.

1989: Contribution to "Ghostbusters II" Soundtrack

Bobby Brown contributed two songs to the soundtrack of the film "Ghostbusters II" in 1989. His track "On Our Own" became a top-ten hit.

1989: Arrests

Bobby Brown has been arrested multiple times since 1989 for various offenses.

1989: "Don't Be Cruel" Becomes Bestselling Album

Bobby Brown's album "Don't Be Cruel" reached its peak success in 1989, becoming the highest-selling album of the year.

1989: Birth of La'Princia Brown

Bobby Brown's daughter, La'Princia, with Kim Ward was born in 1989.

1989: Release of "Every Little Step" Music Video

Bobby Brown's music video for "Every Little Step," which was released in 1989, also showcased Brown wearing a less sagging variation of the "diaper pants" style.

1989: "Ghostbusters II" Soundtrack and "Dance!...Ya Know It!"

In 1989, Bobby Brown contributed to the "Ghostbusters II" soundtrack, and his compilation album "Dance!...Ya Know It!" gained popularity in the UK.

1989: Acting Debut in Ghostbusters II

In 1989, Bobby Brown made his acting debut with a cameo appearance in the film Ghostbusters II, playing the Mayor's doorman.

1989: Met Whitney Houston

In 1989, Bobby Brown met Whitney Houston at the Soul Train Music Awards, sparking a close friendship that eventually turned into a romance.

1989: Popularizing Dances and Style

In 1989, Bobby Brown's music video for "Every Little Step" helped popularize the Roger Rabbit dance and the Gumby-style hi-top fade. He has also claimed to have taught Michael Jackson the moonwalk.

February 1990: Grammy Award Win

In February 1990, Bobby Brown won his first Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his hit single "Every Little Step."

1990: MTV Video Music Awards Performance and Collaborations

Bobby Brown performed "Tap into My Heart" at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards. He also featured on Glenn Medeiros's number-one hit "She Ain't Worth It" and collaborated with Babyface on a remix of "Tender Lover" that same year.

1990: Reunited with New Edition

In 1990, Bobby Brown made his first reunited appearance with New Edition at the MTV Video Music Awards, sparking future collaborations.

1991: Collaboration with Ralph Tresvant

Bobby Brown collaborated with his former New Edition bandmate Ralph Tresvant on the hit single "Stone Cold Gentleman" in 1991.

1991: End of Relationship with Kim Ward and Birth of Bobby Brown Jr.

Bobby Brown's 11-year relationship with Kim Ward ended in 1991. Their son, Bobby Brown Jr., was also born that year.

1991: Collaborated on Bell Biv DeVoe's 'Word to the Mutha!'

In 1991, Bobby Brown collaborated on Bell Biv DeVoe's "Word to the Mutha!" alongside Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill.

1991: Proposed to Whitney Houston

In 1991, Bobby Brown proposed to Whitney Houston, solidifying their relationship and setting the stage for their marriage the following year.

July 18, 1992: Marriage to Whitney Houston

On July 18, 1992, Bobby Brown married Whitney Houston at her estate, marking the beginning of a highly publicized and tumultuous relationship.

1992: Release of "Bobby"

Bobby Brown released his fourth studio album, "Bobby," in 1992. While commercially successful, it did not achieve the same level of sales as his previous album.

1992: Release of "Bobby" and Marriage to Whitney Houston

In 1992, Bobby Brown released his third studio album, "Bobby," which featured hits like "Humpin' Around" and "Get Away." The same year, he married singer Whitney Houston.

1992: Whitney Houston's Miscarriage

Whitney Houston, who was pregnant in 1992, sadly experienced a miscarriage.

January 1993: American Music Award Win

Bobby Brown won his third American Music Award in January 1993.

1993: Birth of Bobbi Kristina Brown

Bobbi Kristina Brown, Bobby Brown's daughter with Whitney Houston, was born in 1993.

1993: Alleged Kidnapping

In 1993, Bobby Brown was allegedly kidnapped over a drug debt, with Whitney Houston paying a ransom for his release. This incident was never officially reported.

1994: Remix of "Two Can Play That Game"

Dance music producers K-Klass released a remix of Bobby Brown's song "Two Can Play That Game" in 1994.

1994: Whitney Houston's Miscarriage

Whitney Houston suffered a miscarriage in 1994.

1995: Major Role in A Thin Line Between Love and Hate

In 1995, Bobby Brown played a major role in the Martin Lawrence film A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, marking a significant moment in his acting career.

1995: Witnessed Drive-by Shooting

In 1995, Bobby Brown was present during a drive-by shooting that targeted Steven Sealy, his sister's boyfriend. Sealy was killed, but Brown was unharmed.

1995: UK Success of "Two Can Play That Game" Remix

The K-Klass remix of "Two Can Play That Game" became a significant hit for Bobby Brown in the United Kingdom, reaching number three on the charts in 1995.

1996: New Edition Reunion Tour

Bobby Brown rejoined New Edition for a reunion album and tour that spanned from 1996 to 1997.

1996: Release of Home Again

In 1996, New Edition released the album Home Again, featuring Bobby Brown's lead vocals on two hit singles, "Hit Me Off" and "You Don't Have to Worry".

1996: Whitney Houston's Miscarriage

In 1996, Whitney Houston experienced a miscarriage.

1997: Release of "Forever"

Bobby Brown released his fifth studio album, "Forever," in 1997. The album's lead single, "Feeling Inside," failed to achieve commercial success.

1997: End of New Edition Reunion Tour

Bobby Brown's reunion tour with New Edition concluded in 1997.

1997: Problems on Tour

In 1997, Bobby Brown faced problems with New Edition members during a tour to support the album Home Again, due to his struggles with drug addiction and alcoholism.

2001: Featured Artist on The Benzino Project

In 2001, Bobby Brown appeared as a featured artist on two tracks from The Benzino Project, marking his return to the music scene after a period of low activity.

2001: Shooter's Plea Agreement

In 2001, John Tibbs, the shooter involved in the 1995 drive-by targeting Steven Sealy, took a plea agreement.

2002: Duet with Ja Rule

In 2002, Bobby Brown was featured in a duet with rapper Ja Rule on the song "Thug Lovin'". Despite being signed to Murder Inc. Records, his tenure with the label was brief.

2003: Charged with Battery

In 2003, Bobby Brown was charged with battery after an altercation with his then-wife, Whitney Houston. Their tumultuous marriage was marred by rumors of infidelity, substance abuse, and domestic violence.

2005: Second New Edition Reunion and "Being Bobby Brown"

Bobby Brown participated in another New Edition reunion in 2005, this time with all six members. He also starred in the reality show "Being Bobby Brown" with Whitney Houston.

2005: Being Bobby Brown Reality Show

In 2005, Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston starred in the reality show "Being Bobby Brown," which offered a glimpse into their personal lives.

2005: Reunited with New Edition at BET 25th Anniversary Special

In 2005, Bobby Brown reunited with New Edition at the BET 25th Anniversary Special, marking another significant moment in their reunion history.

September 2006: Separation and Filing for Divorce

In September 2006, Whitney Houston filed for legal separation from Bobby Brown, which would later lead to their divorce.

2006: Collaboration with Damian Marley

In 2006, Bobby Brown added vocals to Damian Marley's song "Beautiful" on the album Welcome to Jamrock, continuing his career in music collaborations.

2006: End of Being Bobby Brown Reality Series

In 2006, the reality series Being Bobby Brown ended after one season when Whitney Houston decided not to appear in a second season, and Bravo and Brown could not reach a new agreement.

April 24, 2007: Divorce from Whitney Houston

On April 24, 2007, Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston's divorce was finalized, with Houston receiving custody of their 14-year-old daughter.

June 2007: Appearance on 24 Hours With...

In June 2007, Bobby Brown appeared on the ITV television series 24 Hours With..., where he had a tense interaction with host Jamie Campbell, who joked about making 'sexual moves' towards him.

2007: Divorce from Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston filed for divorce from Bobby Brown in 2007.

2008: Planned Book Release

In 2008, Bobby Brown planned to release a book titled Bobby Brown: The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing But, written by Derrick Handspike. The project was halted after controversial comments about his ex-wife Whitney Houston were leaked.

2008: Formed Heads of State

In 2008, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill formed a splinter group called Heads of State, aimed at competing with Bell Biv DeVoe.

September 2009: Whitney Houston's Interview with Oprah

In September 2009, Whitney Houston revealed in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that she and Bobby Brown had used drugs together and that Brown had been abusive during their marriage.

2009: Birth of Son Cassius

Bobby Brown and his partner Alicia Etheredge welcomed their son, Cassius, in 2009.

2009: New Edition Reunited at BET Awards

In 2009, following Michael Jackson's death, New Edition reunited to perform a medley of Jackson 5 hits at the BET Awards, sparking rumors of another full-fledged reunion.

May 2010: Engagement to Alicia Etheredge

Bobby Brown proposed to Alicia Etheredge in May 2010 during a concert at Funk Fest in Jacksonville, Florida.

2010: Duet with Macy Gray

In 2010, Bobby Brown was featured in a duet with singer Macy Gray on the song "Real Love" for Gray's album The Sellout. The two had a close personal relationship, which facilitated the collaboration.

2011: Death of Mother

In 2011, Bobby Brown's mother, Carole Brown, passed away. Her death occurred within a year of his father's passing.

January 2012: Death of Father

In January 2012, Bobby Brown's father, Herbert "Pops" Brown, passed away. This was a significant loss for Brown, coming shortly before the death of his ex-wife Whitney Houston.

February 11, 2012: Whitney Houston's Death and Aftermath

Six days after Bobby Brown's 43rd birthday, on February 11, 2012, Whitney Houston died. Brown struggled to perform at a New Edition show that day, expressing his grief. He was later asked to leave Houston's memorial service by the family's security.

May 2012: Bobby Brown's Interview on The Today Show

In May 2012, Bobby Brown explained on The Today Show that security was the reason he left Whitney Houston's memorial service and stated that he had spent "14 beautiful years" with her.

June 5, 2012: Release of The Masterpiece

On June 5, 2012, Bobby Brown released his fifth album, The Masterpiece, which debuted at number 41 on the Billboard R&B album chart.

June 18, 2012: Marriage to Alicia Etheredge

Bobby Brown and Alicia Etheredge got married on June 18, 2012 in Hawaii. They had been together for two years and engaged since May 2010.

2012: Book Release After Whitney Houston's Death

In 2012, following Whitney Houston's death, Derrick Handspike released the book Bobby Brown: The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing But, which included previously controversial comments made by Brown.

2012: Death of Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown's ex-wife, passed away in 2012.

January 2015: Bobbi Kristina Brown Found Unconscious

On January 2015, Bobbi Kristina Brown was discovered unconscious in her bathtub at her home in Roswell, Georgia, and hospitalized.

July 26, 2015: Death of Bobbi Kristina Brown

On July 26, 2015, Bobbi Kristina Brown died at the age of 22 after being in a coma for several months.

2015: Death of Bobbi Kristina Brown

Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston, died in 2015.

2016: Birth of Daughter with Alicia Etheredge

Bobby Brown and Alicia Etheredge welcomed a daughter in 2016.

February 14, 2017: Valentine's Day Music Festival Performance

On February 14, 2017, Bobby Brown performed at the Valentine's Day Music Festival alongside Keith Sweat, Avant, and El DeBarge.

2017: Portrayal in The New Edition Story

Bobby Brown was portrayed by Woody McClain in the 2017 miniseries "The New Edition Story."

2018: Portrayal in The Bobby Brown Story

Woody McClain played Bobby Brown again in the 2018 miniseries about Brown's life, "The Bobby Brown Story."

November 18, 2020: Death of Bobby Brown Jr.

On November 18, 2020, Bobby Brown's son, Bobby Jr., was found dead in his home at the age of 28. His death was caused by an accidental overdose.

2020: Death of Bobby Brown Jr.

Bobby Brown's son, Bobby Jr. passed away in 2020.

2021: Competed in The Masked Singer

In 2021, Bobby Brown competed in season five of The Masked Singer as the wild card contestant "Crab". He had to be briefly taken to his dressing room after becoming overheated and short of breath during a performance.

May 2022: Biography: Bobby Brown and Bobby Brown: Every Little Step

In May 2022, Biography: Bobby Brown and Bobby Brown: Every Little Step began airing on A&E. Bobby Brown serves as an executive-producer for both the documentary-style and reality television series about his life.

2022: Portrayal in Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody

Ashton Sanders played Bobby Brown in the Whitney Houston biopic "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody," released in December 2022.

2022: Claim About "Diaper Pants"

Bobby Brown asserted in 2022 that he was the originator of the "diaper pants" style that MC Hammer popularized. However, Brown had worn a less exaggerated version of this style in some of his performances and music videos.