New miniseries tells story of Boston's Bell Biv Devoe

BOSTON — For many, it's the soundtrack of their youth, but to Boston, it's the anthem of the ones who made it big.

"To be the first ones to come from humble beginnings, the projects of orchard park, it's beyond words," said Biv.

Bell Biv Devoe - one half of original group New Edition and a Boston boy band whose hits like "Poison" "Candy Girl" and "Mr. Telephone Man" launched an enduring legacy as members broke up, made up, and made music.

"It's good for our side of the city:  the Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, because we've never seen anybody do it from the city," said Biv.

Their climb to the top is about to be told in a three-part BET miniseries called "The New Edition Story."

"We start off with how we became a group. Just our early beginnings, from when we are 12 or 13 years old and the story of how we came together, everything we've gone through," said Bell.

"It's been a surreal situation, just being on set and watching people that are playing you," said Devoe.

All six members of New Edition have signed on to green light the project, 33 years in the making. While their storied career has taken them all over the world, they've left their mark on Boston. Earlier this year, Mayor Marty Walsh named a basketball court in Roxbury's Ramsay Court after Michael Bivins.

Michael Bell says it's always good to be home.

"I like  when the plane is landing, and I can see the skyline, the city. You just get the smell all over again, I start thinking about the food," he said.

Bell calls the group's Boston fans loyal, but they say even people who have followed their careers closely, don't yet know the whole story.

"This movie is the twin of the person you thought you knew," said Biv.

"It's perfect time for us to open up and tell our stories," said Bell.

The first part of the "New Edition Story" airs Jan. 24 and their newest album will be released Jan. 27.

Cox Media Group