The trio of
Ricky Bell,
Michael Bivins, and
Ronnie DeVoe has their origins as founders of the
Boston-based quintet
New Edition, which had gained notice of famed producer
Maurice Starr at a talent show in 1981, and as children had several hits with songs like "
Candy Girl" and "
Cool It Now". Throughout the 1980s, the line-up changed and the group matured and sought to branch out in new musical directions. During a hiatus in 1989, and at the suggestion of producers
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the three decided to form a new group, and were signed by
MCA Records. With help from
Public Enemy producers
Eric Sadler,
Hank and
Keith Shocklee and several others, Bell Biv Devoe released its debut album
Poison in 1990, an album credited as pioneering the "
new jack swing" sound of the early 1990s, combining hip-hop, R&B, funk, soul, and pop music. This fusion of styles helped to expose them to a fan base which preferred a harder edged sound.
Poison also spawned the singles "
B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?", "
When Will I See You Smile Again?" and "
She's Dope!"
Poison sold over four million copies, and was followed up by a remix album titled
WBBD-Bootcity. In 1992, Bell Biv DeVoe co-wrote and were featured on the US Top 10 single "
The Best Things in Life Are Free", a duet between American singers
Luther Vandross and
Janet Jackson, recorded for the
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced soundtrack to the 1992 American film ''
Mo' Money''. Bell Biv DeVoe released
Hootie Mack in 1993 on MCA Records, and the more hardcore rap/R&B influenced
BBD in 2001 on
Biv 10 Records. Neither album was as successful as
Poison, though
Hootie Mack did reach Gold success. Despite the fact that the group has only released four albums, the members of Bell Biv Devoe continue to perform together as a group. They also participated in several New Edition reunions, and continue to perform with them on tour as part of the group. On May 30, 2013, Bell Biv DeVoe performed their hit song "Poison" for
Boston Strong, a benefit concert to raise money for victims of the
Boston Marathon bombing. In 2016, BBD released their first track in 15 years, "Run," along with an accompanying music video. It was the first single off the album
Three Stripes, which was released January 27, 2017. In 2023, they performed the national anthem with The
Boston Pops Orchestra at the
2023 Winter Classic. On October 5, 2023, BBD released a new single entitled, "Act Like You Know" featuring
Rev Run. ==Awards and nominations==