"America's Oldest Teenager," Richard Wagstaff Clark passed away at the age of 82 on Wednesday leaving a lasting legacy on pop culture. If you grew up in the 80's or before then you saw Dick Clark every week on American Bandstand. I remember that it came on around 11 am or there-abouts every Saturday morning and I'd usually check it out for a few minutes every once in a while to see who might appear on the show.
Here are a few clips of American Bandstand from the 80's.
Look at this young New Edition from 1985...
Here is Dick interviewing The Romantics in 1983...
And there was probably nothing more awkward for Dick during the mid to late 80's when he had to interview rappers on American Bandstand. Check out this one with a young 17 year old L.L. Cool J and his two man crew of "Cut Creator" and "E Love."
I also loved me some $100,000 Pyramid hosted by Dick Clark. It was easily one of my favorites growing up. Here's some bloopers and an ending that features a young Billy Crystal giving clues and winning some money for the contestant...
Of course it won't truly be a New Year's Rockin' Eve anymore without Dick Clark...
I hope you've enjoyed The Excellent 80's "New Edition Heartbreak February" as we've rolled through some of the best of New Edition in the 80's, and then as solo and group projects in the early 90's. Then, the group came back together and put out their only album to date with all six members called "Home Again." The highly anticipated album peaked at #1 on the Billboard album charts (I helped contribute to that buying it when it came out). It produced some singles with moderate success including today's video, which is quite honestly one of the worst New Edition videos ever. Here they are from 1996 when it was the norm to have lots of hookers, errr, strippers, errr, actresses fawning all over singers in every video. And, I do know from watching this that Biv can ride one hell of a bicycle! Here is "Hit Me Off"...
Single by New Edition from the album Home Again Released March 10, 1996 Format Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single Recorded 1996 Genre R&B Length 27:25 Label MCA Writer(s) Silky, Dinky Bingham, Jeff Dyson, Ronnie DeVoe, Michael Bivins, Bob James Producer Silky Certification Gold
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #86
This next single from the "Home Again" album made it to the top 10 on the Billboard charts peaking at #7 and once again featuring all six members in its video and collaberated on by the famous duo of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and a relative new up-and-comer by the name of Sean Combs. Here is "I'm Still In Love With You"...
"I'm Still in Love with You/You Don't Have to Worry" Single by New Edition featuring Missy Released 1996 Format Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single Recorded 1996 Genre R&B Label MCA Producer Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis/Sean Combs
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7
Finally, one last single off the album, which was probably my favorite single off of it. It's the mid-tempo song "Something About You" which samples the Edie Brickell song "What I Am." The video feels like a rip though because its the same location as the "I'm Still in Love With You" video and Bobby Brown is still wearing those stupid looking goggles...
"Something About You" Single by New Edition from the album Home Again Released 1996 Format Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single Recorded 1996 Genre R&B Label MCA Writer(s) Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Producer Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Johnny Gill's first single post New Edition was this jam that was his biggest hit to date at that point climbing all the way to #3 on the U.S. Billboard charts and #1 on the R&B charts. I think this is the loudest cd I've ever owned for whatever reason. Anyway, here is Johnny G as our "New Edition Heart Break February" begins to wind down with "Rub You the Right Way"...
Single by Johnny Gill from the album Johnny Gill Released March 13, 1990 Format CD single CD maxi Recorded September 1989 Flyte Tyme Studios (Edina, MN) Genre R&B/New Jack Swing Length 5:32 Writer(s) James Harris III, Terry Lewis Producer Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3 U.S. R&B singles peak: #1
In 1990, Ralph Tresvant released his own solo album which spawned a few hits including "Sensitivity" (posted in our Valentine's Day post) and this song which former group member Bobby Brown helped out on. It's "Stone Cold Gentleman"...
Even though today's first song and video is attributed to the trio BBD, the whole NE crew appears and contributes to the remix of the song and video for it. I thought this was a good NE video and well done remix featuring cool harmonies, some decent rap, and classic NE dance moves. Here is "Word to the Mutha"...
"Word to the Mutha"
by BBD featuring New Edition released: 1991 from the album: WBBD - Bootcity!: The Remix Album
This was another BBD hit that I enjoyed off of their debut album - "Dope!"
When the trio of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe formed the trio Bell Biv Devoe, they spit out an instant classic and awesome album in 1990 entitled "Poison." The album went multi platinum four times and I still own the cd somewhere amongst my cd collection. The album helped pioneer the New Jack Swing of the early to mid 90's and produced numerous hits with today's double-shot being the biggest two hits from the album. First up is "Do Me!"...
Single by Bell Biv DeVoe from the album Poison Released 1990 Format 7" single 12" maxi CD Recorded 1989 Genre Hip hop, R&B, New jack swing Length 4:33 Label MCA Writer(s) Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Carl Bourelly, Ronnie DeVoe Producer Dr. Freeze
Chart (1990) Peak position U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #3 U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs #4
Words that I've always tried to live by during my lifetime - "Never trust a big butt and a smile," cause that girl is "Poison"...
Single by Bell Biv DeVoe from the album Poison Released March 27, 1990 Recorded 1989 Genre New Jack Swing, Hip Hop Length 4:21 Label MCA Records Writer(s) Elliot Straite Producer Dr. Freeze Certification Platinum
Chart (1990) Peak position
UK Singles Chart #19 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #3 U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles #1
Bobby Brown was the first member to exit New Edition for a solo career so he's first up here on The Excellent 80's "New Edition Heart Break February" post-New Edition videos.
Check out Bobby Brown from a 1989 interview after he'd left New Edition and before the drugs screwed up his career...
I've already posted most of his 80's hits in here, but first up is one that was not an 80's hit, but an early 90's hit that I enjoyed listening to. I also enjoyed listening to Casey Kasem have to say the name of this song on the weekly top 40 countdown. Just imagine Casey's voice now saying... "and all the way up to number three this week is the former New Edition member Bobby Brown with "Humpin' Around"... Casey having to say "Humpin' Around" just makes me smile.
"Humpin' Around" Single by Bobby Brown from the album Bobby Released July 28, 1992 Format Cassette single 7" single 12" single CD single Recorded 1991 Genre New jack swing Length 6:18 Label MCA Writer(s) Babyface, Bobby Brown, L.A. Reid, Daryl Simmons Producer L.A. Reid, Babyface & Darryl Simmons
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3 U.S. R&B singles peak: #1
Here's my favorite Bobby Brown solo song that I've already posted in The Excellent 80's before, but it's worth another look. The album of the same name put Bobby B into mega-stardom status. Here is his top ten billboard chart hit "Don't Be Cruel"...
"Don't Be Cruel" Single by Bobby Brown from the album Don't Be Cruel Released May 16, 1988 Format Cassette single 7" single 12" single CD single Recorded 1987 Genre New jack swing Length 6:52 (album version) 4:54 (radio edit) Label MCA Writer(s) Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Antonio "L.A." Reid, Daryl Simmons
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #8 U.S. R&B charts peak: #1
OK, if things didn't work out for you on Valentine's Day, then maybe you should just say sorry, "You're Not My Kind of Girl." It's New Edition in some sweet white suits and gloves again bringing you another classic from their first post-Bobby Brown album, "Heart Break."
"You’re Not My Kind of Girl" Single by New Edition from the album Heart Break Released September 1988 Format Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single Recorded 1987–1988 Genre R&B/Pop Length 4.01 Label MCA Writer(s) James Harris, Terry Lewis Producer Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #95 U.S. R&B singles chart: #3
Happy Valentine's Day! We are in the middle of a "New Edition Heart Break February" here at The Excellent 80's. So, on this special day for you and your significant other, here are some romantic jams from New Edition and the whole N.E. Crew after the members went their separate ways following 1988's "Heart Break" album.
Leading off is the group post-Bobby Brown with their biggest hit from the "Heart Break" album that introduced Johnny Gill as the new fifth member. It's a mid-tempo love song called "If It Isn't Love"...
Single by New Edition from the album Heart Break Released July 1988 Format Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single Recorded 1987–1988 Genre R&B/Pop Length 17.22 Label MCA Writer(s) James Harris, Terry Lewis Producer Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7 U.S. R&B singles peak: #2
Next up, Johnny Gill's solo effort after New Edition landed him this #1 R&B single - "My, My, My"...
Single by Johnny Gill from the album Johnny Gill Released May 16, 1990 Format 12" single Recorded 1989 Genre New jack swing Writer(s) Kenny G, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Antonio "L.A." Reid
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #10 U.S. R&B singles chart: #1
Up now is Bobby B and his signature haircut with his live romantic ballad about a special kind of girl who stands out in a crowd, and who's a tender "Roni"...
"Roni" Single by Bobby Brown from the album Don't Be Cruel Released December 27, 1988 Recorded 1987 Genre New jack swing Length 5:58 Label MCA Writer(s) Babyface Producer Babyface
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3 U.S. R&B charts peak: #2
Ralph Tresvant is next because you know you need a man with "Sensitivity"...
Single by Ralph Tresvant from the album Ralph Tresvant Released October 9, 1990 Format 12" single, CD single Recorded 1990 Genre R&B/New Jack Swing Length 4:40 Label MCA Producer Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #4 U.S. R&B singles chart: #1
Finally, in case you've messed up with your girl or your man, console yourself with a little BBD and "When Will I See You Smile Again?"
For those of you just checking in, we are in our "Heartbreak February" showing you some of the best of the Boston R&B group New Edition and then as solo acts after they disbanded. Check out this interview with the four members of New Edition after Bobby Brown had left...
They eventually did sign a fifth to replace Bobby Brown, and this is probably my favorite New Edition ballad. Today's video features the introduction of Johnny Gill singing lead along with Ralph Tresvant. The rest of the NE crew contributes in their own way as they ask the age old question - "Can You Stand the Rain?" Come on baby, let's go get wet...
"Can You Stand the Rain" Single by New Edition from the album Heart Break Released December 1988 Format Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single Recorded 1988 Genre R&B, pop Length 4.57 Label MCA Writer(s) James Harris III, Terry Lewis Producer Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
There is so much to love about today's 80's video during our "New Edition Heart Break February." First of all, the fellas are sporting some sweet "Hammer pants" in the video with different colored shoes. I could never get away with this look. And, then Michael Bivins has some sort of sweet green and white striped outfit that he must cringe at everytime he sees this video today. I love that we get cameos most notably from Malcolm Jamal Warner, Robert Townsend, and Heavy D and the Boyz. And of course, I love the mopeds. That is one mean moped gang, and here is "N.E. Heartbreak"...
"N.E. Heart Break" Single by New Edition from the album Heart Break Released June 16, 1989 Format Vinyl Single Recorded 1988 Genre R&B/New Jack Swing Label MCA Writer(s) James Harris, Terry Lewis Producer Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Jellybean Johnson Certification Gold
Ricky Bell is sporting the sweet UNC sweater in today's video and Ralph T's hair is looking sweet. Just after the departure of Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell sings his parts in the video, and here are four of the five original members of New Edition off their 1985 album "All for Love" album with "Count Me Out"...
"Count Me Out" Single by New Edition from the album All for Love B-side "Good Boys" Released October 14, 1985 Format Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single Recorded 1985 Genre R&B/Pop Length 4:09 (radio edit) 5:37 (album version) 6:25 (Instrumental) 6:25 (A Cappella) Label MCA Writer(s) Vincent Brantley, Rick Timas Producer Vincent Brantley, Rick Timas
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #51 U.S. R&B Singles peak: #2
Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, and Mike, if I like the girl, who cares who you like! You tell 'em Ralph! You tell 'em! Today's song was the group's first top 10 billboard hit and second #1 on the R&B singles chart. Just remember before you lose control you've got to "Cool It Now"...
Single by New Edition from the album New Edition Released August 27, 1984 Format Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single Recorded June/July 1984 Genre R&B/Pop Length 6.00 Label MCA Writer(s) Vincent Brantley, Rick Timas Producer Vincent Brantley, Rick Timas
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 peak: #4 U.S. R&B singles peak: #1
Check out Soul Train's Don Cornelius interviewing New Edition...
I love this early New Edition video for the simple fact that they include the Lakers' Magic Johnson and Pat Riley in it. It's the first music video to use live action from the NBA. I wasn't a L.A. fan at all, but I could still respect the fact that these boys went out and got the Showtime Lakers involved with this video even though they're treading on traitorous grounds since the New Edition members are from Boston! But I guess Bird and McHale and Parrish just wasn't as cool as Magic, Kareem, and the Lakers. Here is the fifth and final single off of their "New Edition" album - "My Secret (Didja GitIt Yet?)"...
"My Secret (Didja Get It Yet?)" Single by New Edition from the album New Edition Released March 1985 Format Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single Recorded 1984 Genre R&B/Pop Length 4.05 Label MCA Writer(s) Dick Eastman and Bobby Hart
February is thought of by many as the month of love, so this February I'm bringing you a R&B group that I loved growing up. Most of their songs had to do with sex and love and humpin' around so it kind of fits. The band is New Edition.
In addition to the group videos, I'm sneaking into the early 90's a little bit as well and taking some of their individual successes after they disbanded for a while and went solo. So I hope you enjoy our "New Edition Heartbreak February." Kicking it off today, one of their earlier hits from the five original members - Bobby Brown, Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, and Ralph Tresvant - here is the song written by Ray Parker Jr. - "Mr. Telephone Man"...
"Mr. Telephone Man" Single by New Edition from the album New Edition Released November 28, 1984 Format Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single Recorded 1984 Genre R&B/Pop Length 3.58 Label MCA Writer(s) Ray Parker Jr. Producer Ray Parker Jr.
Chart (1984) Peak position U.S. Billboard Hot 100 #12 U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles #1
Exit Bobby B, enter Johnny G. One of my favorite r&b groups ever. Yes, I even liked them back in their pre-puberty days when they sounded like girls. So what. This is probably my favorite New Edition song today that comes in at #66. It shows the boys slightly more grown up than from their "Cool It Now" and "Mr. Telephone Man" days rehearsing for a concert. Don't tell me their manager doesn't bear a striking resemblance to Jamie Foxx!
the little boys from Boston have grown up some as this marks the first big hit post-Bobby Brown... with the new addition of Johnny Gill, here is New Edition with "If It Isn't Love"...
Single by New Edition from the album Heart Break Released July 1988 Format Cassette single, CD single, Vinyl single Recorded 1987–1988 Genre R&B/Pop Length 5.09 Label MCA Writer James Harris, Terry Lewis Producer Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
Single by Bobby Brown from the album Don't Be Cruel Released 1989 Format Cassette single 7" single 12" single CD single Recorded 1988 Genre New jack swing Length 3:57 Label MCA Writer L.A. Reid,Kenneth Edmonds
Before BBD and Johnny Gill and the saga that is Bobby and Whitney, they were one of the original boy bands of the 80's... Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, and Ralph... payphones, lip-synching phone repair men, corny dance moves, it's all so 80's with one of the best groups of the 80's...
from the album New Edition Released January 1985 Recorded 1984 Genre R&B/Pop Length 3.58 Label MCA Writer(s) Ray Parker Jr. Producer(s) Ray Parker Jr. Certification — Peak chart positions #12 (US Pop) #1 (US R&B)
If you grew up during the 80's and still have a soft spot in your heart for mullets, leg warmers, Pacman, and you still remember who you had a crush on whenever you hear REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling," then I hope you get some enjoyment here as we blast through the world of music videos, tv shows, sports, cartoons, and movie clips from the 1980's.
