Blue Bloods star Donnie Wahlberg has always been one to celebrate the achievements of others-and this time, it’s a hometown honor close to his heart.
On August 11, the New Kids on the Block singer proudly took to Instagram to salute fellow Boston icons New Edition, after learning the city would soon give them a tribute worthy of their legendary status.
“CONGRATS LEGENDS! Boston loves you and we salute you!” Wahlberg wrote on his Instagram Stories, reposting a WBZ-TV announcement about the exciting news.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu officially declared August 30 as “New Edition Day” in the city. To make the celebration even more unforgettable, Boston is renaming Dearborn Street in Roxbury-the very neighborhood where the group got its start-as “New Edition Way.”
The tribute will kick off with a street-naming ceremony at 10 a.m. ET on August 30 at the corner of Ambrose and Albany streets, followed by a block party at the Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club. The community event promises free food, family activities, and a special appearance by New Edition themselves.
Mayor Wu expressed the city’s pride in honoring the trailblazing group, saying:
“This is a unique opportunity to bring Boston’s neighborhoods together in a celebration of culture, pride and community. I encourage every community member to join us to celebrate New Edition’s tremendous impact.”
Founding member Bobby Brown added an emotional note:
“Boston is where it all began for us. This honor means the world to me.”
Formed in Roxbury in 1978, New Edition went on to become one of the most influential R&B groups of all time. With hits like “Candy Girl,” “Cool It Now,” “Mr. Telephone Man,” and “Can You Stand the Rain,” the group-Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill-helped define a generation of music while paving the way for countless artists who followed.
For Wahlberg, who grew up in nearby Dorchester, the recognition feels especially personal. His own group, New Kids on the Block, was inspired by New Edition’s groundbreaking sound and success.
Now, as Boston gets ready to roll out the red carpet for its hometown heroes, Wahlberg’s celebratory words echo the city’s pride: “Boston loves you.”
