Ronnie DeVoe sits with curatorial staff at the National Museum of African American Music to record a ‘digital diary,’ contributing to the museum’s archive of artist stories and musical history.
Music icon Ronnie DeVoe, best known as a member of New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe, made a special visit to the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) on March 20, coinciding with the group’s concert at Bridgestone Arena.
DeVoe’s appearance at the downtown museum came as New Edition brought its latest tour to Nashville, offering a full-circle moment for fans and highlighting the group’s lasting impact on R&B and pop music.
Formed in Boston in 1978, New Edition rose to prominence as one of the most influential boy bands of the 1980s. With members Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown and Ralph Tresvant, the group delivered a string of chart-topping hits, including ‘If It Isn’t Love’ and ‘Mr. Telephone Man,’ helping define a generation of Black music and culture.
During a hiatus in the late 1980s, Bell, Bivins and DeVoe launched Bell Biv DeVoe, blending traditional R&B with hip-hop influences. Their debut album, Poison, released March 20, 1990, became a multi-platinum success and remains a landmark in the evolution of New Jack Swing. DeVoe’s visit to NMAAM aligned with the 36th anniversary of the album’s release.
While at the museum, DeVoe participated in a ‘digital diary’ session with curatorial staff, contributing to NMAAM’s growing archive of artist interviews that document the stories behind influential figures in Black music. He also toured the galleries, where his work is featured, and met with museum leadership, including Executive Director Bill Jeffries and board member Brian Sexton.
Later that evening, NMAAM partnered with 30 & Up Nashville to host a sold-out ‘Velvet Rope Experience,’ a pre-concert event designed to celebrate the legacy of iconic Black artists performing in the city. Attendees filled the museum with energy, dancing to hits from New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe ahead of the concert across the street.
Museum officials say events like these reflect NMAAM’s broader mission to preserve and celebrate African American music while connecting past and present generations of fans.
By combining artist engagement, archival storytelling and community-centered experiences, the museum continues to serve as a cultural hub—honoring the legacy of artists like DeVoe while introducing their influence to new audiences.
