From New Edition to Real Estate Mogul: The $3 Million Empire of Ronnie DeVoe
The music fades, the bills pile up, and the phone stops ringing. For Ronnie DeVoe, the quiet after the stadium tours was deafening, leading him to the brink of financial ruin. His journey back—from near-bankruptcy to building a multi-million dollar real estate empire—is a story of resilience and reinvention that every fan needs to hear.
Who Is Ronnie DeVoe? More Than Just a Member
Ronald Boyd DeVoe Jr., born November 17, 1967, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, is far more than just a singer from two legendary R&B groups. He is a savvy entrepreneur, a dedicated family man, and a testament to building a lasting legacy beyond the stage. While most know him as the smooth background vocalist and dynamic dancer of New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe, his true success story is one of strategic business moves and personal growth.
Here’s a timeline of key milestones in Ronnie DeVoe’s career:
The Foundation of Fame: New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe
Ronnie’s journey to fame began in 1981 when he was brought into New Edition by his uncle, the group’s choreographer, Brooke Payne. Though not an original member, Ronnie quickly became the “center” of the group’s iconic choreography, holding down the background with a lead’s presence.
His role expanded beyond dance. He was often the peacemaker, the stabilizing force between the strong personalities in the group, a skill that would later serve him well in business. With New Edition, he contributed to massive hits like “Candy Girl,” “Cool It Now,” and “Mr. Telephone Man,” selling millions of records and setting the blueprint for the modern boy band.
The 1990s brought a new chapter. Alongside New Edition members Ricky Bell and Michael Bivins, Ronnie helped form Bell Biv DeVoe (BBD). Their debut album, Poison, was a cultural earthquake. It sold over 5 million copies, pioneered the explosive “new jack swing” sound, and cemented classics like “Poison” and “Do Me!” into the genre’s permanent soundtrack. This success showcased Ronnie’s versatility and his knack for being part of trendsetting movements.
The Financial Rollercoaster: From Peak to Near Ruin
For years, the story was all hits, tours, and fame. However, following the tumultuous but highly anticipated “Home Again” reunion tour in 1996-1997, the groups disbanded. Ronnie has been candid about what came next: financial freefall.
“The type of money that we were making… began to dwindle even to the point of bankruptcy,” DeVoe told Forbes, recalling the severe career issues in the late nineties.
Living in Los Angeles with a high cost of living and no steady income, the reality was stark. The performer who had bought a home at 17 found himself losing it in his thirties. This painful low point became the crucial turning point that forced a complete reinvention.
Building a New Empire: The Real Estate Mogul
In 2001, seeking a fresh start and lower costs, Ronnie moved to Atlanta, Georgia. He credits a mentor in the city for introducing him to real estate investing, where he quickly realized he could “attain the same earning power” as his entertainment days.
He earned his license, worked diligently at a firm, and by 2006, he and his wife Shamari (who got her license in 2005) struck out on their own. They founded DeVoe Broker Associates, now doing business as DeVoe Realty, a full-service firm.
Ronnie’s business is no celebrity side hustle. He strategically leverages his fame—setting up booths at his own concerts—to attract clients and has expanded into property development and commercial deals. He and his team are actively developing communities, with current projects including homes averaging $850,000.
More than just transactions, Ronnie sees real estate as a tool for closing the wealth gap. His company hosts educational seminars, emphasizing that generational wealth often starts with homeownership and the strategic use of equity.
🧠How AI Helps You Document Your Family Story
Ronnie DeVoe’s focus on generational wealth is about preserving a legacy. Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help any family document their own unique history with ease.
- Voice & Video Preservation: AI tools can clearly transcribe old, hard-to-hear family interviews from cassettes or videos, turning spoken stories into searchable, permanent text.
- Smart Photo Organization: Imagine uploading decades of photos. AI can instantly sort them by faces, dates, and locations, creating a visual timeline of your family’s journey without any manual tagging.
- Guided Story Creation: Stuck on how to start a family history book? AI can ask thoughtful questions about your relatives’ lives and weave your answers into a compelling narrative structure.
📱 3 Free Tools to Start Your Own Digital Journey
- Google Photos:Â Its powerful, free AI search can find all photos of “Grandma” or “Christmas 1995” in seconds. It also automatically creates albums, collages, and animations from your library.
- StoryCorps: This nonprofit’s free app is a national treasure. It provides curated question lists for meaningful conversations, allowing you to record and archive interviews with loved ones directly.
- Canva: Use its free templates to design beautiful family trees, timelines, or memory books. Its drag-and-drop interface makes professional-style design accessible for documenting your legacy.
Ronnie DeVoe’s Net Worth in 2025: The $3 Million Breakdown
So, what is the result of this decades-long journey from pop star to entrepreneur? Ronnie DeVoe’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million as of 2025.
It is crucial to note that online estimates vary wildly, with some sources citing figures as high as $15 million. The $3 million figure from established outlets like CelebrityNetWorth aligns more closely with his own account of rebuilding his wealth steadily through a second, non-music career.
This wealth is no longer dependent on the volatile music industry but is built on a diversified foundation:
Family, Lifestyle, and Looking Ahead
At home, Ronnie’s world revolves around family. He married Shamari Fears, lead singer of the R&B group Blaque, on March 10, 2006. The couple welcomed twin sons, Ronald III and Roman, in 2017, and they often appear together supporting each other’s ventures.
While he enjoys the fruits of his labor, his lifestyle reflects the lessons learned from past financial hardship. His focus is on smart investments, business growth, and securing a future for his children.
Today, Ronnie DeVoe stands as a powerful example of artistic legacy meeting entrepreneurial grit. He continues to perform, celebrating the music that made him famous, but his energy is equally focused on building, developing, and teaching others about financial freedom.
Also Read : Demetris Fenwick
Final Thoughts
Ronnie DeVoe’s story is the ultimate encore. It’s a narrative that moves beyond the spotlight to reveal the hard work of building something lasting. He transformed the discipline of performance into the acumen of business, proving that the greatest success is the ability to reinvent yourself and create a legacy that endures for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Ronnie DeVoe’s net worth in 2025?
Ronnie DeVoe’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million in 2025. This wealth is built from his music career with New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe and, more significantly, his successful real estate business in Atlanta.
How did Ronnie DeVoe make his money outside of music?
After facing financial difficulties in the late 1990s, Ronnie moved to Atlanta and built a second career in real estate. He is the founder and owner of DeVoe Realty (DeVoe Broker Associates), a full-service firm involved in sales, development, and commercial property transactions.
Is Ronnie DeVoe still performing with New Edition?
Yes. Ronnie continues to perform and record with both New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe for reunion tours and special projects, balancing his music career with his real estate business.
Who is Ronnie DeVoe’s wife?
Ronnie DeVoe is married to Shamari DeVoe (née Fears), the former lead singer of the 1990s R&B group Blaque. They married in 2006 and have twin sons together.
What caused Ronnie DeVoe’s financial troubles?
Following the breakup of New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe after the “Home Again” tour in 1997, Ronnie’s music income dried up while living in expensive Los Angeles. He has spoken openly about this period leading him to the brink of bankruptcy before he pivoted to real estate.
Which member of New Edition is the richest?
Net worths vary, but Michael Bivins is often cited as one of the wealthiest due to his early and highly successful ventures as a music executive and talent manager for groups like Boyz II Men, alongside his music and other business interests.
Which Ronnie DeVoe chapter inspires you more: his rise with New Edition and BBD, or his comeback as a real estate mogul? Share your favorite “Ronnie DeVoe moment” in the comments below!