American R&B group formed in Boston in 1978. Original lineup: Ralph Tresvant (b. 1968), Bobby Brown (b. 1969), Michael Bivins (b. 1968), Ricky Bell (b. 1967), and Ronnie DeVoe (b. 1967). Johnny Gill joined in 1987. The blueprint for the boy-band format adopted by New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, and many others. Spawned the spinoff acts Bell Biv DeVoe and Bobby Brown's solo career.
Released seven studio albums starting with Candy Girl (1983). Commercial peak: New Edition (1984, featuring "Cool It Now" and "Mr. Telephone Man"), All for Love (1985), and Heart Break (1988). The 2017 BET miniseries The New Edition Story chronicled the group's history.
