Ricky Bell is one of the signature voices behind the iconic group New Edition. The teen pop sensations helped popularize the new jack swing genre, leaving a lasting legacy and cementing their places in music history. Bell took the spotlight as the lead singer in the spin-off group Bell Biv DeVoe in 1990, and the success of the group helped solidify Bell’s place as a musical superstar. Catch Bell Biv DeVoe perform at Fantasy Springs on Saturday, Dec. 14. For tickets and more information, visit fantasyspringsresort.com.
What was the first concert you attended?
The Jacksons’ Victory Tour in 1984.
What was the first album you owned?
Jeffrey Osborne’s Stay With Me Tonight.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I listen to mostly old school music, singing groups like Blue Magic, The Stylistics, and The O’Jays; and ’90s bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, blink-182, and Green Day as well.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
That would probably be the mumble rap era. It just doesn’t hit my soul at all.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I would love to see Phil Collins live, Marvin Gaye, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, and Michael Jackson, of course.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Ever since I visited Nigeria a few years ago, I fell in love with Afrobeat music. I listen to it almost every day when I work out.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Madison Square Garden. We won a golden ticket for selling it out four times.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“It’s driving me outta my mind,” “Poison,” Bell Biv DeVoe.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
The Temptations and the Jackson 5. When I saw a local group perform those songs when I was a kid, I knew right away I wanted to sing.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I would ask Donny Hathaway what vocal exercises he does to get such a perfect vocal tone.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
New Edition’s “One More Day.”
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Everyone should listen to the Bell Biv DeVoe Three Stripes album, because it’s one of our best, and the most slept-on album ever!
