Ron DeVoe Fan Page

Ronald Boyd DeVoe Jr.
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Full Name: Ronald Boyd DeVoe, Jr.
Nicknames: "just plain old 'Ron'", Big Ron, Blake or Blake C., etc.
Birth date: November 17, 1967
Birthplace: Roxbury, Mass.
Parents: Florence E. DeVoe and Ronald Boyd DeVoe, Sr.
Siblings: Brothers - Robert and Roland DeVoe (Throw down Twins)
Stepsisters - Tonya Moss, Regina Moss
Grandma: Maradel Lema Payne (Nana)
Grandfather: John Leroy DeVoe (R.I.P.) also Antone Lema (Grand-daddy)
Wife: Shamari Fears (Wed 3/11/2006)
Favorite Food: Seafood, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, cream style corn, BBQ chicken, Jiffy Corn Bread
Favorite Fruit: Oranges
Favorite Drink: Ocean Spray Cran-Grape, Cran-Apple
Favorite Dessert: Banana pudding, vanilla ice cream
Favorite Breakfast: Pancakes & eggs
Favorite Sport: Basketball
Favorite Car: Mercedes
Favorite Cities: Boston, LA, South Beach, & London
Favorite Actress: Angela Bassett
Favorite Actors: Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, & Lawrence Fishburne
Favorite Singers: Erykah Badu, Force MD's, Blue Magic, Stylistics,
He would like to work with Method Man and the whole Wu-Tang family
Favorite Animal: Rottweiler
Favorite Colors: Black, Orange
Favorite Bad Habit: Sleeping late
Hobbies: Jet skiing, snow mobiling, horseback riding, remote control car racing
Lucky Number: 7
Height: 6'0"
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Growing up Ronnie enjoyed playing basketball, video games, listening to music and could even cook.
He could make a mean dish of spaghetti and liked eating oysters.
Ronnie was in a local group called the Ðramatics.
Not yet developed as a great vocalist or dancer, Ronnie nonetheless became the lead member of the Ðramatics...
Ronnie's vocal and dance skills started to develop and caught the attention of his Uncle Brooke Payne.
Brooke Payne played an important part in Ron's music career.
In 1980 Ronnie was recruited into a group much like the Ðramatics. This group's name is New Edition, once Ronnie joined he became the fifth member.
He was a quiet guy who enjoyed the feeling of being in a group.
As a child he was such a bookworm that once he joined New Edition his mom exclaimed, "But he can't dance!".
Travis Gresham did the original choreography for New Edition, but Ronnie also went on to do the choreography.
Ronnie's mother found out that he could actually dance very well.
New Edition was formed in Boston and was launched by producer Maurice Starr who wanted to create his answer to the Jackson Five...
The group was an immediate success in 1983, with their first single, "Candy Girl."
New Edition's second album, 1984's New Edition, went platinum with "Mr. Telephone Man"
and "Cool It Now...
Ronnie's confidence grew and he became more outgoing.
He was a key factor to New Edition.
He's background vocals and hip hop lyrics, made New Edition more versatile.
His dance moves also enhanced their stage performance.
Ronnie was interviewed in an issue of Black Beat magazine titled
"ONE-ON-ONE WITH NEW EDITION'S RONNIE ÐEVOE".
In this interview they answered the question we've all had
"What about Ronnie?",
"Which is also an extremely popular line from New Edition's first hit,
"Candy Girl".
He was also featured in an early issue of Right On! Magazine dedicated to sex symbols, which was entitled
"WHAT'S RONNIE ÐEVOE'S ROMANTIC SECRET?".
Throughout the group's history, ÐeVoe said, he was happy to remain in the background...
"I was the type of person that didn't want to rock the boat, so I just kind of sat back and let things happen," he recalled...
"I didn't want to add to any confusion that might've been out there.
When the group broke away from Maurice Starr, it wisely hooked up with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis...
Its success continued on through the album,
1989's HeartBreak, which produced the singles "Can You Stand the Rain" and "If It Isn't Love."
Ronnie is one of the best dancers of the group, and he has even gone on to choreograph Bell Biv ÐeVoe's dance moves.
Bell Biv ÐeVoe is another group of which Ronnie is a member.
Bell Biv ÐeVoe, also called B.B.Ð., was formed when New Edition branched out
after the "Heart Break" album.
After New Edition's Heart Break tour in 1989 was completed,
the other members of the group were all going solo.
Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant were out started on their own work, leaving Ricky Bell, Mike Bivins, and Ron behind.
Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis suggested that Ron, Ricky Bell, and Michael Bivins
form their own hip-hop group.
The result? 1990's explosive debut album "Poison",
which would go on to sell over 4 million.
The Top 3 single, "Ðo Me!" and the popular "BBÐ (I Thought It Was Me)" and "When Will I See You Smile Again?".
After the single "Poison" was released,
it didn't take long before BBÐ topped the success they had with New Edition and became pioneers of
"New Jack Swing" and what people called leaders Of The New School in contemporary R&B music...
BBÐ sound, image, and Hip-Hop appeal attracted audiences in POP, R&B, and Hip-Hop music...
"Poison" would reach multi-platinum status and Bell Biv ÐeVoe became superstars...
In 1991, the group followed up their debut with WBBÐ-Boot City (Remix Album).
The remix album sold over 700,000 units.
Ron was also featured on "The Best Things In Life Are Free" in '91 with Janet Jackson & Luther Vandross...
In 1993, BBÐ released Hootie Mack,
which contained the hits "Something In Your Eyes" and my personal favorites "Please Come Back", Lost in the Moment and "Ghetto Booty".
Ron ÐeVoe added more lyrics to BBÐ's 3rd album titled: "Hootie Mack"
BBÐ also made a special guest appearance on The Arsenio Hall show where Ron showed an audience of 6.2 million viewers
his dance steps that he became known for years earlier with New Edition
I remember that show like it was on yesterday, that Ghetto Booty performance was off the hook.
As the other members' solo careers started to fizzle out, New Edition began recording the long-awaited reunion album...
And in 1996, the group started on the New Edition reunion that resulted in the multi-platinum Home Again.
One year later, Ron worked on the productions for New Edition's reunion album...
He toured with New Edition in the spring of '97...
Rumors were circulating through the press that there were constant arguments and dissatisfaction between group members, Ron maintained his composer and said he enjoyed the tour and that there would be another New Edition album soon
Ron ÐeVoe said in a phone interview, relations in the New Edition camp are perfectly pleasant and wouldn't provide much fodder for a screenplay...
"We all have little squabbles, because we're like family pretty much, but nothing that gets in the way too much,"
said ÐeVoe from a tour stop in Milwaukee...
ÐeVoe said that, in fact, the members had remained close during their time apart...
The music business being a small world, they'd all see each other at awards shows and stuff...
Sometimes, the guys tagged along on one another's tours for a few days or a week, just to hang out...
And rather than fostering rivalries, individual successes have helped make the group better than ever now, Ron said...
"Bobby just being out there on his own, he was able to do a lot of things to become a better performer, as well as BBÐ, and Johnny and Ralph being out there on their own," he said...
"Coming back to the table, we had kinda watched each other, and we know each other's strengths as far as vocally and performing live...
It's easy to know where each person fits in the puzzle, pretty much...
There's a little friendly competition going on, definitely...
But it's all good...
It keeps you on your toes...
It keeps you learning, keeps you wanting to succeed and just be more successful,
having five other guys that know how to perform just as well as you, on the same stage."
The current show is a mixture of old New Edition songs,
members' solo hits and BBÐ songs...
ÐeVoe said there weren't really any disputes over what should or should not be included
although each member is eager for his turn in the spotlight...
"We do individual things within the show,
so everybody definitely wants to go out there and get their screams and everything," he said...
ÐeVoe said the group has been drawing a mix of nostalgic old fans and kids who know the group for its double-platinum reunion album, Home Again,
which includes "Hit Me Off," a former No. 1 on the R&B chart,
and the Top 10 hit "I'm Still in Love With You."
"I think the old diehards are with us,
and we appreciate that more than anything," ÐeVoe said...
"And putting out a song like "Hit Me Off",
that kinda has that Bell Biv ÐeVoe hip-hop kinda thing a lot of youngsters are into
that's giving us a whole new audience as well."
Was ÐeVoe at all surprised that New Edition could regain its place at the top so quickly?
"Naw!" ÐeVoe exclaimed...
"I figured we still had an audience out there because we had success as individuals,
and to put all those individuals back together was a story to me...
I figured somebody out there had to be interested in that story...
I didn't see how it could fail."
The recording of the reunion album went smoothly, ÐeVoe said...
The producers the group called on included Jam & Lewis, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Gerald Levert and Jermaine Dupri.
NE entrusted the producers with the decision on how to divide up singing duties...
"There might've been a couple times where somebody wanted to sing a part somebody else was designated to sing,
but for the most part, it seemed like everything kinda fit into place," he said...
ÐeVoe said that, to him, the first years with New Edition and then the years with BBÐ were like the first half of a football game...
Then he had two years off to sit back and watch the industry
that was the half-time show...
Now his career is in the second half...
He hopes that will include solo success...
ÐeVoe has been preparing the groundwork for his solo career through his entertainment company, Private Line...
Its activities include a telephone line where fans can leave him messages and get updates on his career...
Sometimes, he picks it up when he's at home to chat with fans around the world, he said...
"Can I say the number?" ÐeVoe asked eagerly. "It's 818-340-2300."
Most stars wouldn't let a publicist handle something like that...
They wouldn't want fans calling one of their home numbers...
"I realize that," ÐeVoe said. "That's the main reason why I wanted to do it...
I just don't want to lose the fact that these are the people that put me into the position that I'm in.
Ron always wanted New Edition to become a cartoon, but it never happened.
So he became one for a Good Girls (an all girl group he helped get started) video.
In the video, he danced as both a real person and as a cartoon.
Ron once stated, "I am very much looking forward to getting more involved in hip-hop.
I'm always willing to listen to rappers when I have a chance,"
his debut solo album entitled "For You" was due out 1999.
Even though his album didn't make it to publication there are still some songs from the album floating around somewhere.
He has started his own company called Private Line, Inc. (PLI)
and recorded songs with other artists.
ÐeVoe continued to work on his solo album and also entered the studio to work on BBÐ's 2001 album...
A key member of New Edition & a favorite amongst many (myself included)...
In 2003 Ron also started his own Real Estate Company with ReMax. The DeVoe Team is doing it up big in Atlanta.
Check out the DeVoe Team by clicking here.
Ron isn't showing any signs of slowing down...
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Ronnie shot the video for "Heat It Up" in early 1998.
"Heat It Up" would have been the first single released from "For You"
and reportedly has gotten airplay on several radio stations a number of times.
Other songs on the album include "Cool It Down",
"Film At Eleven", "Warriors", and "Dig Into Your Mental."
In an Issue of Sister 2 Sister Ron states he just made songs to stay on top of his game.
However he did an appearance with a group called Westside, he rapped in a video of theirs, he also raps in a song called "this be bout" with a group called "Mo Bline"
Ron a.k.a. Blake C.
*Tracks from Different Albums*
1. I like - Ron DeVoe
2. Private letter - Ron DeVoe
3. Start some war - Ghost feat. Ron DeVoe
4. Heat it up - Ron DeVoe
5. Film At Eleven - Ron DeVoe
6. Warriors - Ron DeVoe
7. Dig Into your Mental - Ron DeVoe
8. Cool It Down - Ron DeVoe
9. Sittin' in the club - Reel Tight feat. Ron DeVoe
10. Makin' Moves Everyday - Tha Truth feat. Ron DeVoe (Rap, Performer)
11. This be bout - Mo Bline feat. Ron DeVoe
12. Let's Get the Mood Right - Johnny Gill feat. Ron DeVoe (Rap)
13. Mo' Money - Various Artists feat. Ron DeVoe (Rap)
14. NBA Jam Session - Various Artists (Ron DeVoe Producer)
15. Merry Soulful Christmas - Various Artists (Ron DeVoe Producer)
16. Have ya cake - Ricky Bell feat. Ron DeVoe
17. Still I see /Sometimes - Ricky Bell feat. Ron DeVoe
18. Sunday - Ricky Bell feat. Ron DeVoe
19. Soulblitz All Stars - Various Artists (Ron DeVoe Performer)
With the kick-off of the 2001 CD entitled "BBD" Bell Biv DeVoe is back in the public eye...
Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe,
better known as BBD a.k.a. BELL BIV DeVoe are back like never before.
Bell Biv DeVoe is a record that Bivins describes as "vocally on point, musically innovative and lyrically in tune with what's going on right now."
That BBD sound is evident on the single, "Da Hot Sh*t (Aiight)".
The red-hot jeep banger, co-written by BBD and produced by Rockwilder, contains some salacious and sexed up thoughts about the ladies.
"The track is just incredible," Bivins exclaims.
"Rock is just a real cool guy and I think the overall feel and the way we deliver you get an energy that is just not out there right now."
Also on board are long-time friend Heavy D, who along with Tony Dofat brings the delicious "Breezy."
"We were all at the same studio and we played Heavy some tracks and a half hour later he called us into his studio and played us "Breezy," Bell recalls.
"The next day we went in and wrote lyrics and I have to say the song is one of my favorites".
Bell Biv Devoe's "B.B.D." was released December 18, 2001 and I love it.
I even bought a few copies for friends as Christmas gift.
So if you don't have it go get that, it is tight (check out Ronnie's part in the 4th track).
Another favorite and another hot collaboration is "In My Crib."
"In My Crib" was produced by the Casey brothers (Jagged Edge) and features vocals from Ralph Tresvant.
"On each record we try to do a song that has something to do with our other group,
New Edition," DeVoe says.
"This time we have the pleasure of getting our boy Ralph on the song, which makes
'In My Crib' even more special.
Working with the Casey's was great, cause they told us they always admired us and that made the atmosphere really friendly and relaxed.
It was like working with old friends."
Bringing together old friends like Ralph and Heavy
and new ones like Rockwilder and Jagged Edge was part of the motivation behind BBD:
namely to bridge BBD's past, present and future.
To not only reintroduce the guys but to introduce their trademark sound to a whole new group of fans.
"There is a younger generation who might not be totally aware of us," Bell admits,
"and so we wanted to make a record that would appeal to them and at the same time
not alienate our long time fans.
And we did that by just sticking to what we always do.
Making music that we relate to".
Bivins adds, "We live the life we sing about.
We stay in the mix and we're tight on what's going on today as well as solidifying our own sound.
The whole record has been really fun to make because it has been a challenge."
Asked if they are nervous about getting back into the mix DeVoe laughs,
"No, we're anxious to return because we have such a hunger and desire to perform."
Fans can expect powerfully high intense live performances the group is known for.
"To be honest," Bivins says, "I really like who we are now- both as individuals and as a group.
I might be biased, but this CD is my favorite. I can't stop playing it! And neither will you".
Since their early days with New Edition they have sold over
20 million albums and won over millions of fans around the world.
BBD has been nominated for numerous Grammy's,
claimed three American Music Awards,
two Soul Train Awards,
received keys to cities across the country and have been honored for their humanitarian efforts.
Their extraordinary accomplishments have set them apart from any other.
In 2002 signed with Bad Boy records for their 20th Anniversary album entitled "One Love".
20th Anniversary album is scheduled to be released in November of 2004.
And along with the new album the group may also release a book and DVD to commemorate their 20 plus years in the business.
Check out Ron DeVoe Updates by clicking here
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