Background
The youngest of eleven children, Bell was born in Roxbury, Boston, Massachusetts and grew up in the Orchard Park projects.
The youngest of eleven children, Bell was born in Roxbury, Boston, Massachusetts and grew up in the Orchard Park projects.
As a solo artist, Bell released the album, in 2000. The group began a career in 1983 that has spanned twenty five years. After the departure of Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill joined the group in the mid-1980s.
After recording the Heartbreak album, Ricky was given the chance to be a solo artist but opted instead to form Bell Biv DeVoe.
The "best kept secret" originally gained the respect of the industry when record producer Jimmy Jam had an idea for a spin-off group called Bell Biv DeVoe with Bell as the lead singer. BBD as the group is commonly known, was the first group to integrate the elements of Rap and Rhythm & Blues consistently, calling their style "Hip-Hop smoothed out on an Rhythm & Blues tip with a People’s feel appeal to lieutenant" BBD"s 1990 debut established Bell as a lead singer capable of chart topping success.
Although Bell had primarily performed as a backup vocalist with New Edition, during the 1990s he emerged as one of the most utilized voices on singles released by the group. With the exception of the ensemble songs, "Hot2Nite" and "Hit Maine Office," and the Brown-led "You Don"t Have to Worry," Bell performed lead or co-lead on the remainder of the group"s charting singles.
"I"m Still in Love With You," which also featured Ralph Tresvant, was so successful that a Spanish-language version was recorded, "Siempre Tu," and "One More Day" has the distinction of being the only New Edition song with a solo member appearing in the video.
Other recordings featuring Bell"s vocals include Red Bandit"s 1990 single "Please Don"t Cry," backup vocals on "Pretty Little Girl" from Bobby Brown"s 1992 album, and, with Ralph Tresvant, on LL Cool J"s 1997 song "Candy." With Bell Biv DeVoe and New Edition, Bell has over two dozen television and film performances including Knight Rider, The Fresh Prince of Belorussian Air, New York Undercover, Family Matters, the movie Krush Groove, and numerous music, variety, and awards programs. In 2004, in a double wedding with Tresvant, Bell married actress Amy Correa. He is currently touring with Bell Biv DeVoe on various Rhythm & Blues music tours and a solo cd and BBD cd are in the works.
Before Gill joined the group, Bell was originally the oldest member of New Edition. In 2008, Bell, as a member of New Edition, was the recipient of the Golden Note Award at American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers"s 21st Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards and is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the group.