HOUSTON (AP) – Bobby Brown was back with New Edition – and his ostentatious behavior stood out when he was paired with the soulful group.
Brown, who left New Edition in the 1980s for a solo career, reunited with the band Sunday night for two songs at the Essence Music Festival.
As the other five members moved to slick choreography Sunday, Brown ran around the stage wildly and performed raunchy dance moves.
The men brought the crowd to its feet with their performance of the 1985 hit “Mr. Telephone Man.”
Brown then left the stage, and the remainder of the group – original members Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe, plus Johnny Gill, who replaced Brown – performed several ballads.
Brown followed with a solo set that started with “Don’t Be Cruel,” then quickly turned to more raunchy dancing and talk about his sex life with wife Whitney Houston.
By the time he finished with “My Prerogative,” Brown was shirtless and many in the audience were screaming for him to get off the stage.
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HOUSTON (AP) – Jamie Foxx says he has big plans for his hometown of Terrell, Texas. But he’s not ready to share exactly what they are.
“We’re going to do something real special in Terrell – for the whole city,” the Oscar-winning actor and singer said Sunday at the Essence Music Festival.
Foxx said he has “snuck back” to his hometown, which is about 30 miles east of Dallas, a couple of times since he won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the movie “Ray.”
He said he plans to help friends with community work such as opening a new youth center.
“When I get a chance I’m going to get back to Terrell, Texas,” he said.
Foxx said he was particularly excited to perform at the festival in its first installment outside of New Orleans.
“When you’re in Texas it’s that great southern feeling and it’s just great to be able to do it in front of my folks,” he said.
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