Bobby Brown Says New Album Represents Healing

(AP) Bobby Brown says his new album represents healing
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY
AP Music Writer
NEW YORK
Bobby Brown says it took him a long time to come out with a new album because he’s spent so much time trying to get his life on track.

Now on tour with bandmates New Edition, Brown says he’s ready to return to his solo career with the album “Masterpiece,” due out June 5.

In a recent interview with the “Today” show’s Matt Lauer, Brown denied that he got his late ex-wife addicted to drugs. Houston’s career was derailed by her drug use, which came to the public’s attention during her marriage to Brown. The superstar drowned in February in Beverly Hills, Calif.; her death was complicated by heart disease and cocaine use, according to authorities.

Although he was arrested for DUI in March, Brown insists he has been drug-free for more than seven years. He said his attempt to get his life in order is part of the reason why the album took so long to make.

Brown says “Masterpiece,” which he started working on last year, is “the best album I’ve done so far.

Brown is engaged to his manager, Alicia Etheridge, with whom he has a young son. He also has other older children, including 19-year-old Bobbi Kristina, his only child with Houston.

Brown said he and Etheridge plan a private wedding, and described his life as content.

___

Nekesa Mumbi Moody is the AP’s music writer. Follow her at http://www.twitter.com/nekesamumbi