Brooke Payne, New Edition’s first manager, is played by Wood Harris in The New Edition Story. The original members of New Edition, Bobby Brown, Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, Corey Rackley and Travis Pettus, formed under Brooke Payne’s management in 1978. Payne, Brown, Bivins, Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant produced the BET series.
Payne is one of the best choreographers in the world but he played a more important role in the group member’s lives. None of the members of New Edition had father figures so Payne fulfilled that role. As the group’s mentor, he stood by their side through numerous trials and tribulations.
Payne discovered the group in Roxbury, Boston. The boys grew up in Ochard Park which was renamed “Orchard Gardens.” In 1980, the group won second place in a talent show. Following the show, Brooke’s nephew, Ronnie DeVoe, replaced former member Travis Pettus.
Payne decided to name the group “New Edition” because he wanted the boys to be a new edition of the legendary Jackson 5.
Payne was born on March 12, 1950 in Boston, MA. New Edition isn’t the only group he has managed. Brooke also helped form the band LSG and he played a major role in Bell Biv DeVoe’s career as a solo artist.
New Edition wouldn’t have been possible without Brooke Payne. The group paved the way for today’s R&B artists and we’re glad BET developed this mini-series!
Net Worth
Brooke Payne is currently worth $2 million. The New Edition Story revealed how influential he was in keeping the group together therefore he’s worth every penny.
