We almost forgot we were sitting here patiently waiting for BET's miniseries, The New Edition Story, which debuts in 2017. The network has been dropping trailers and rehearsal footage from the project, but this week they revealed the music masterminds behind the production. James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, Terry Lewis and Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds will serve as music producers for the much-anticipated biopic about New Edition. Each producer has a long history with the group, so it comes as no surprise that they are happily involved. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced New Edition's fifth studio album, N.E. Heartbreak, back in 1988, which included iconic hits like "If It Isn't Love," "You're Not My Kind of Girl" and "Can You Stand the Rain." Babyface, along with partner L.A. Reid lead the charge on hits like N.E. member Bobby Brown's "Don't Be Cruel" and "Every Little Step."
Despite helping produce half of the group's hits, Babyface will handle the first half of the series, and Jam and Terry will take on the rest. “I learned a lot about Bobby and the band dynamic during the making of "Don’t Be Cruel." But I also lived and breathed '80s R&B because I was performing with my band (The Deele) and producing with L.A. Reid, so I make sure the feeling was captured," said Babyface in a press release. "Terry and I came in at a pivotal time when they were having internal issues and growing pains. Fans will get the true behind-the-scenes story of this key phase in their personal lives and careers," said Harris.
Executive Producer Jesse Collins and award-winning director Chris Robinson enlisted the help of the iconic producers for the biopic, which features Bryshere Gray (Michael Bivins), Elijah Kelley (Ricky Bell), Algee Smith (Ralph Tresvant), Keith Powers (Ronnie Devoe), R&B crooner Luke James (Johnny Gill) and Woody McClain (Bobby Brown). It's safe to say we still can't wait to catch The New Edition Story, which will premiere on January 24, 2017 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on BET. Watch behind the scenes footage on BET's website, and catch an exclusive interview with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis discussing New Edition's classic sound right here.
