Bobby Brown Reveals His Signature Slanted Haircut from the ’80s Was Actually a ‘Mistake’

Bobby Brown Discloses His Legendary Slanted Fade Haircut Was a ‘Mistake’

Bobby Brown, the iconic singer from New Edition, recently shared a surprising revelation about his famous slanted fade haircut that became his signature look throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. In an episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show that aired on May 19, Brown confessed that the distinct slant in his haircut, also known as “The Gumby,” was actually an unintended blunder. The haircut first graced the screen in Brown’s “Every Little Step” music video in 1989, instantly capturing attention with its unique and unconventional style.

During the show, Brown explained to Jennifer Hudson how the quirky haircut came into existence. He admitted that the slant was a result of him accidentally looking in the wrong direction while his barber was working on shaping his hair. Instead of correcting the error, Brown decided to embrace it and allowed the unconventional haircut to define his image.

The unexpected mishap soon evolved into a significant component of Brown’s personal style, making frequent appearances in his music videos, including hits like “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step.” Brown’s candid revelation on the talk show shed light on the origins of his memorable hairstyle and how a simple mistake ended up shaping his iconic look for years to come.

Despite initially believing that the slanted haircut was an original creation, Brown later discovered the truth during a visit to the legendary Quincy Jones’ house. Jones, a respected figure in the music industry, showed Brown a photo of his great-grandfather sporting a similar haircut, revealing that the style had been around for decades. This unexpected revelation amused Brown, who jokingly accused Jones of trying to imitate his hairstyle.

In a previous interview on Club Shay Shay in April, Brown elaborated on how the haircut gained popularity and became a lasting part of his image. Reflecting on the first time he sported the Gumby hairstyle during the filming of the “Every Little Step” music video, Brown shared that the unique look instantly resonated with fans and became synonymous with his persona.

During his time at Quincy Jones’ residence, where they bonded over their shared hairstyle, Brown was shown a photo of another individual sporting the same haircut. The photo turned out to be a vintage image of Jones’ grandfather, further solidifying the hairstyle’s historical significance and its enduring presence in popular culture.

Brown’s journey with his accidental yet iconic haircut serves as a reminder that even unexpected mishaps can lead to remarkable outcomes and shape one’s identity in unforeseen ways. His willingness to embrace the unintentional error in his grooming routine highlights the beauty of embracing individuality and finding confidence in embracing one’s unique traits.

As fans reminisce about Brown’s distinctive hairstyle and its cultural impact, his candid revelation offers a captivating insight into the backstory of a hairstyle that has left a lasting impression on music and fashion. Despite originating from a simple mistake in the barbershop, Brown’s slanted fade haircut has undeniably become an enduring symbol of his artistic persona and timeless style.