One of our favorites and one of the most defining voices in R&B history, Bobby Brown, will take the stage for a one-night-only celebration on July 10th, honoring the 35th Anniversary (37 actually) of his groundbreaking, 7x Platinum, #1 album “Don’t Be Cruel” at the historic Saban Theatre.
Originally released in 1988, “Don’t Be Cruel” remains a defining cultural moment in music history, helping to shape and popularize the New Jack Swing era, a bold fusion of R&B, hip-hop, funk, and electronic production that transformed the sound of a generation.
The album catapulted Bobby Brown into global superstardom and continues to stand as one of the most influential R&B records ever released.
This special anniversary concert will bring the iconic album to life on stage, delivering the energy, sound, and legacy that made it a worldwide phenomenon.
Fans can expect powerful performances of timeless hits including “My Prerogative,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Every Little Step,” “Roni,” and “Rock Wit’cha,” along with additional favorites from Bobby Brown’s celebrated catalog.
Known for his unmatched stage presence and electrifying delivery, Bobby Brown continues to connect with audiences across generations.
This is more than a concert; it is a rare opportunity to experience a landmark album performed live by the artist who defined an era.
Bobby Brown‘s sophomore solo album release “Don’t Be Cruel,” was originally released June 20th 1988.
The album was released on the same day, as group members New Edition‘s biggest selling album “Heart Break.”
“Don’t Be Cruel” was produced by Bobby, L.A. and Babyface, Teddy Riley, Gordon Jones and Larry White.
“Don’t Be Cruel” was a hit out the gate, first with the single and later the album, which went to #1 on the Billboard charts and generated four Top 5 singles, “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Roni,” “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step.”
“Every Little Step” earned Bobby a 1989 Best R&B Vocal Performance Grammy Award.
“It’s really about me having worked for what I’ve got rather than just being pushed out there in the public eye, which is how some people used to think of me and New Edition. I feel like I should have the freedom to make my own decisions and use what I earn however I see fit,” stated Bobby to Billboard.
“One of my band members, Gordon Jones, co-produced “I’ll Be Good To You” with me,” one of the unreleased gems on “Don’t Be Cruel.”
Bobby recorded a whole album of his own compositions prior to working on the “Don’t Be Cruel” album. “Since being a producer and writer is something new for me, we decided that I’d slide into it just a little bit at a time rather than putting out a whole self-produced album now.”
The album received a Soul Train Music award for R&B/Urban Contemporary Album of the Year, Male in 1989 and American Music Awards for Favorite Soul Album & Favorite Male Pop Vocalist in 1990, among a trophy case of other honors.
The albums phenomenal success jettisoned Bobby Brown whose rep as a dynamic stage performer, preceded him into a whirlwind headlining world tour.
Followed by a well received cameo in the 1990 movie “Ghostbusters II” and a hit single, “On Our Own,” from the soundtrack album.
With the success of “Don’t Be Cruel,” a collection of remixed versions of the singles were released, “Dance …Ya Know It!,” the remix album reached #9 on the Billboard pop chart.
During that era, Bobby also opened Bosstown, a state-of-the-art recording studio in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was based, and still found time to make cameos , appearing on the single and in the video of Ralph Tresvant’s “Stone Cold Gentleman” and Bell Biv DeVoe’s remix hit, “Word To The Mutha.”
“We all feel that there’s room for all of us,” Bobby stated. “I grew up with those guys, so they are always going to be my brothers. Naturally, I miss them individually, but we stay in touch. Ralph [Tresvant] and I talk a lot. Maybe at some point in time we’ll do some things together again.”
Bobby despite what many think, didn’t intentionally plan to leave NE, even after the release of his first solo album “King of Stage.” “But after I did the album, I wondered what it would be like to be out on my own. Then, when “Girlfriend” went to #1, I realized I was not a group person and that I’d stay solo. I didn’t know how the public would react or if it would work out, but now I’d say I love being a solo artist.”
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