Al B. Sure
Al B. Sure! – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Discover the life story, musical legacy, and most memorable quotes of Al B. Sure!—the American R&B singer, producer, and radio personality whose influence in the new jack swing era remains powerful today.
Introduction
Albert Joseph Brown III—better known by his stage name Al B. Sure!—emerged in the late 1980s as one of the defining voices in romantic R&B and the new jack swing movement. With silky vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and a gift for production, he carved out a place in music history during a golden era for R&B. Decades later, his work continues to resonate—not just through his own songs, but through the talents he mentored and the impact he’s had behind the scenes. In recent years, his life has also been marked by a dramatic health crisis and rebirth, making his story one of both musical triumph and personal resilience.
Early Life and Family
Al B. Sure! was born Albert Joseph Brown III on June 4, 1968, in Boston, Massachusetts. Mount Vernon, New York, where his family relocated. Albert Joseph Brown II, who worked as a nuclear medicine technologist, and Cassandra Brown, who was an accountant.
Growing up, Brown showed more than musical inclinations: in high school, he was a standout football quarterback at Mount Vernon High School.
Family life and relationships would later become complicated, especially in the public eye. He has three sons: Albert Joseph Brown IV (often nicknamed Al B. Sure Jr.), Devin Brown (who performs as Devin LOUD), and Quincy Brown, whose mother was Kim Porter (the late model/actress).
Youth and Education
During his teenage years in Mount Vernon, Brown balanced academic life and athletic promise. His prowess on the football field nearly led him to a collegiate career—but the pull of music grew too strong. Rejecting the scholarship from the University of Iowa was a defining decision, opting instead to chase his passion for songwriting and singing.
Even before he formally entered the music industry, Brown was honing his skills: writing, producing demos, and networking in local music circles. His break would come in 1987, when Quincy Jones selected him as the first winner of the Sony Innovators Talent Search. That recognition opened doors and connected him with industry heavyweights.
Career and Achievements
Rise to Prominence & Signature Hits
In 1987, after winning the Sony Innovators contest, Brown signed with Uptown Records (distributed by Warner Bros.). In Effect Mode, was released on May 3, 1988. Billboard R&B chart for seven weeks, reaching No. 20 on the Billboard 200, and spawning major singles like “Nite and Day” and “Off on Your Own (Girl).”
Nite and Day reached No. 7 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B charts. American Music Award (AMA) for Best New R&B Artist. He also won a Soul Train Award for Best New Artist.
His second album, Private Times... and the Whole 9!, appeared in 1990 and included the charting single “Misunderstanding.” Quincy Jones’s “The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)”, sharing the stage with legends like Barry White, James Ingram, and El DeBarge.
Over the years, Brown released additional albums such as Sexy Versus (1992) and later Honey, I’m Home (2009) under Hidden Beach Recordings.
Behind the Scenes: Songwriting, Production & Mentorship
Brown’s influence extended well beyond his own discography. He co-wrote and produced for other artists, helping to launch the careers of Jodeci, Tevin Campbell, and working with names like Faith Evans, Dave Hollister, Case, and Usher.
He also ventured into radio and media. In the 2000s, Brown hosted radio shows (e.g. Los Angeles station KHHT) focusing on slow jams and quiet storm programming. Love & R&B, broadcast across major markets.
Additionally, in recent years he co-founded a nonprofit, Health Equity in Transplantation, aimed at advocating for underserved communities in organ transplantation.
Honors & Recognition
Throughout his career, Brown received multiple awards and nominations:
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American Music Award (Best New R&B Artist)
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Soul Train Award (Best New Artist)
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Countless songwriting/composer awards (ASCAP, etc.)
While he might not have amassed numerous Grammy wins, the nominations and his influence in mentoring artists secure his legacy in R&B history.
Historical Milestones & Context
Al B. Sure! emerged during a fertile period in R&B known as the new jack swing era—a fusion of soul, hip-hop beats, and polished production. Artists like Teddy Riley, Guy, Bobby Brown, Janet Jackson, and others were transforming the sound of popular music. Brown’s romantic style helped balance the energy and era’s dance influences with soulful balladry.
His close association with Quincy Jones placed him in elite company, and his role in the “The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)” single connected him to an all-star collaboration that solidified his status among legends.
In the ‘90s and 2000s, as musical tastes shifted, Brown adapted by focusing more on production, songwriting, radio, and mentorship—an example of versatility in an evolving industry.
More recently, his health crisis and recovery added a dramatic chapter to his life story, prompting public interest in his personal journey beyond music.
Legacy and Influence
Al B. Sure!’s legacy is twofold: as a beloved performer and as a behind-the-scenes architect in R&B.
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His albums and singles remain staples in R&B playlists, especially among listeners who treasure ‘80s/’90s romantic ballads.
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Artists like Jodeci and Tevin Campbell wouldn’t have had quite the same start without his early support.
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His approach to blending classic romantic lyricism with contemporary production continues to inspire newer R&B acts.
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Through radio hosting and media presence, he remains engaged with audiences across generations.
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His health advocacy and nonprofit work show a commitment to leveraging his platform for social good.
Though some argue his mainstream presence waned in later decades, his influence in shaping parts of modern R&B is indelible.
Personality and Talents
Al B. Sure! is often described as quiet, introspective, and deeply reflective—traits that surface in interviews and quotes. Through his music and public statements, a few consistent themes emerge:
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Romantic sensibility: He has long emphasized returning romance and emotional depth to music: “I’m trying to bring the romance back to music.”
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Humility and responsibility: He often speaks about the responsibility artists have toward younger listeners: “Although I don’t believe in censorship, I believe an artist is very responsible for his actions… there’s almost a sense of his being like the Bible.”
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Resilience and gratitude: Following his health crisis, he reflected: “It has been ordained that I thrive within this second gift of life.”
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Artistic identity: He encourages others to learn broadly but forge their own sound: “You have to take from each artist what works for you, and then create your own sound.”
Beyond his musical talents, Brown is a determined advocate, particularly around health, organ transplantation, equity, and integrity. His public stance after his 2022 coma, his founding of Health Equity in Transplantation, and the discussions he has sparked reveal a dimension of social purpose behind his artistry.
Famous Quotes of Al B. Sure!
Here are a few notable quotes that capture his voice and philosophy:
“I’m trying to bring the romance back to music.”
“Music is meant to be a part of your bloodstream, and if it doesn’t affect your bloodstream, then you may as well put it back in the shoebox underneath the bed.”
“When I look in the mirror, I see a gentleman getting a little older and a little wiser.”
“Prayer and encouraging words change things. We're all human. We all go through stuff. The hardest part about being a celebrity is having to heal on a public stage.”
“It has been ordained that I thrive within this second gift of life.”
“I had multiple surgeries … I was intubated … Every time I post something, I forget it’s me.”
“You have to take from each artist what works for you, and then create your own sound. You put different combinations in the mix and it becomes something unique in the end.”
These lines reflect his blend of vulnerability, conviction, and artistic insight.
Lessons from Al B. Sure!
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Follow your passion, even if it means giving up another path
Choosing music over athletics was a risky move—but it led to his lasting impact. -
Success is multi-faceted
Success doesn’t only come from front-stage glory. Brown shows that producing, mentoring, and guiding others can be equally meaningful. -
Authenticity matters
His insistence on romance, emotion, and integrity in music stands as a counterpoint to trends driven purely by commercial formulas. -
Resilience in adversity
His health emergency in 2022 and subsequent recovery underscore how setbacks can become turning points. -
Use your platform for positive change
From founding a health equity nonprofit to speaking openly about his journey, Brown has demonstrated how an artist can contribute beyond artistry.
Conclusion
From a talented teenager in Mount Vernon to a beloved voice in R&B, and then to a mentor, radio host, and advocate—Al B. Sure! has lived a life of creativity, challenge, and reinvention. His iconic hits like “Nite and Day,” his production work behind the scenes, and his more recent personal transformation all form part of a legacy that transcends a single era.
Explore his discography, listen deeply to his lyrics, and immerse yourself in the passion he brings to every note. His story reminds us that artistry is not just about fame—it’s about connection, purpose, and evolving even in the face of adversity.