Maurice Starr facts for kids

Maurice Starr (born Larry Curtis Johnson on July 14, 1953) is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is famous for helping create and produce popular boy bands like New Edition and New Kids on the Block.

About Maurice Starr

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Maurice Starr grew up in Deland, Florida. In the early 1970s, he moved to Boston, Massachusetts. Before becoming a famous producer, he was part of a group called the Johnson Brothers. He was also in an electro music group called the Jonzun Crew.

In 1980, Larry Johnson changed his name to Maurice Starr. He released two R&B albums, Flaming Starr and Spacey Lady. When his solo music didn't become very popular, Starr decided to create a band. He wanted a group to perform the songs he wrote.

Creating New Edition

In 1982, Maurice Starr discovered a talented group of young singers. He found them at a talent show he organized. This group became the famous boy band New Edition.

Starr helped write and produce their first album. This album included hit songs like "Candy Girl", "Is This the End", and "Popcorn Love". The album was a big success, and New Edition went on a long tour. However, the band members later felt they were not paid fairly for their work. Because of this, they decided to part ways with Starr in 1983. New Edition then signed with a new record label and continued to release many hit songs throughout the 1980s.

The Rise of New Kids on the Block

In 1986, Maurice Starr created another boy band called New Kids on the Block. This group had five teenage boys: brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. Starr wanted New Kids on the Block to be a group that could achieve even greater fame.

By 1989, New Kids on the Block became incredibly popular in the United States. Starr also managed the group's marketing, which included posters, T-shirts, and other items. Their holiday album, Merry, Merry Christmas, quickly became a top-ten hit. It sold millions of copies. This album also featured the popular song "This One's for the Children".

Other Projects and Later Career

After his success with New Edition and New Kids on the Block, Starr tried to create other popular music acts. He worked with groups like Perfect Gentlemen, Homework, and Classic Example. He also worked with solo artists such as Rick Wes, Tommy Page, and Ana. However, none of these artists became as famous as New Edition or New Kids on the Block. Starr also tried to help Tiffany with her album New Inside, but it did not become a hit.

Maurice Starr sometimes used a special look he called "the General." He would wear military-style uniforms with medals. He explained that these medals were part of his stage persona, not from military service.

In the 2000s, Starr continued to work in music. He managed a new boy band he put together called NK5. He writes and produces songs for this group, just like he did for his earlier successful bands.

Maurice Starr's Music Albums

• Flaming Starr (1980)
• Spacey Lady (1983)

Songs and Albums Produced by Maurice Starr

• Candy Girl - New Edition (1983)
• Rockin' Radio - Tom Browne (1983) - he wrote the main song
• Electric Lady - Con Funk Shun (1985)
• New Kids on the Block - New Kids on the Block (1986)
• Hangin' Tough - New Kids on the Block (1988)
• Step by Step - New Kids on the Block (1990)
• Rated PG - Perfect Gentlemen (1990)
• Homework - Homework (1990)
• New Inside - Tiffany (1990)
• Body Language - Ana (1990)
• North, South, East, Wes - Rick Wes (1990)

See also

In Spanish: Maurice Starr para niños