By: Derrel Jazz Johnson
New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe (BBD) founding member Michael Bivins and R&B Foundation Chairman Damon Williams hosted an event called
on the first Saturday of June in celebration of Black Music Month and the HSA Spring Festival.
HSA students, parents, and faculty were joined by guests to listen and learn from Bivins; Williams; Whitney-Gayle Benta, Strategic Partnership Development, Music for Facebook and HSA alum; music industry veteran Jackie Poindexter; and DJ Johnny Famous, also known as hip-hop dancer Scoob Lover.
After the panel of music industry veterans answered questions from Williams, it was time for the audience at HSA to get their chance to ask. Perhaps the most valuable piece of information Bivins gave was directed to the many parents of talented students in attendance. “Push your kid and allow them to live their their dream.”
The Harlem Times had the opportunity to speak exclusively with the Boston born and bred Bivins prior to the event. Bivins, who, along with his fellow New Edition members were portrayed in the BET miniseries “The New Edition Story” said they formed the group for a simple reason. “We just wanted to look good enough to get girls!”
Bivins described the film as a story of perseverance and redemption. “It makes it impossible for the music industry to overlook us and our contributions.” We also discussed the BBD hit “Poison” which still gets airplay at clubs and on the radio today. Did the group know they had a smash hit when they recorded it? “Not at all. It’s even more popular now than it was then.”
Bivins described BBD as a unique blessing in his life. “BBD was a live jacket. One that us three needed. The best gift to ever get in life is a live jacket.” Perhaps with his jewels of knowledge at HSA, Bivins was able to give some of the hundreds in attendance a live jacket made of wisdom.
When asked about his familiarity with Harlem, Bivins responded with love of the community. “I’ve been going to Harlem all my life. Harlem reminds me of Roxbury, where I’m from.” The star also didn’t want to take credit for giving back to the community, but felt it was a responsibility. “I think information is something that is supposed to be passed around.” Bivins seemed especially proud of the Boston basketball court named after him, the Michael L. Bivins Court at Ramsay Park in Roxbury.
Bivins, who is currently the CEO of his own label, Sporty Rich Enterprises, also has been a successful music industry executive, discovering and signing Boyz II Men. He also mentioned the overlooked Another Bad Creation, who were pioneers in the Atlanta music scene. “They were before Kris Kross.”
Bivins still tours with both New Edition and BBD. Check out the new BBD album “Three Stripes” and keep up with him on Instagram @617mikebiv. As he said on Instagram about the HSA event, “reach back and guide the youth.”