R&B Icons New Edition to Be Honored with Street Name in Hometown

Mike Edwards, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Boston is giving its most famous R&B sons the ultimate homecoming salute. On Aug. 30, Mayor Michelle
Wu will declare “New Edition Day” in honor of the groundbreaking group, and the city will officially rename Dearborn Street at the corner of Ambrose and Albany streets in Roxbury as New Edition Way — a stretch near the Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, where the members first sang together in the Orchard Park housing projects.

The celebration begins with the street-naming ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by a community block party one block away starting at 11 a.m., featuring live music, free food, backpack giveaways for youth, and appearances by the group.

On Instagram, Ricky Bell put the moment in perspective for fans around the world:

“We are so humble and equally excited to receive this incredible honor that is given to us by our home City of Boston. So come celebrate with us, catch a flight, take the train, drive or walk — this event would not be complete without the amazing energy of the #NE4Lifers!

“I am truly grateful for the privilege of being made a permanent fixture in our city that has played such a significant role in shaping our lives and career. It brings me immense joy to think that future generations of my family, friends, and #NE4Lifers from all over the world will be able to walk and drive down New Edition Way. This honor is mind-blowing in the most awesome way. 02119 IS and WILL always be my home.”

Bobby Brown echoed the emotion: “Boston is where it all began for us. This honor means the world to me.”

Mayor Wu called the event “a unique opportunity to bring Boston’s neighborhoods together in a celebration of culture, pride and community” and praised the group’s impact “from our communities here in Boston to the music industry worldwide.”

 

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Formed in 1978, New Edition changed the face of modern R&B with their blend of smooth harmonies, streetwise swagger, and chart-topping hits. From “Candy Girl” and “Cool It Now” to “If It Isn’t Love” and “Can You Stand the Rain,” they set the blueprint for boy bands and bridged the gap between soul, pop, and hip-hop. Their 1996 comeback album “Home Again” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, cementing their staying power.

Over four decades, the group has earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2017), the BET Lifetime Achievement Award (2017), and inductions into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame (2022) and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame (2023).