Brownstone (group)

Brownstone
Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	1994 in Los Angeles, United States
Founder	Monica "Mimi" Doby, Charmayne Maxena "Maxee" Maxwell, Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert
Headquarters	Los Angeles, United States
Products	Contemporary R&B music

Brownstone is a female American group specializing in contemporary R&B, best recognized for their 1994 chart-topping single "If You Love Me", which garnered a Grammy nod for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Their catalog also includes notable songs such as "Grapevyne", "5 Miles to Empty", "Pass the Lovin'", and a rendition of The Eagles' "I Can't Tell You Why".

In 2019, Brownstone announced their reunion, bringing together original members Nicci Gilbert and Mimi Doby alongside returning vocalist Teisha Brown, commemorating both the group’s and the Essence Festival’s 25th anniversaries.

Career

The founding trio consisted of Monica "Mimi" Doby, Charmayne Maxena "Maxee" Maxwell, and Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert. They formed in Los Angeles after connecting through auditions and secured a contract with Michael Jackson's MJJ Music label within their first year. Their debut album, From the Bottom Up, featured hits like "If You Love Me" and "Grapevyne". In 1995, Brownstone was honored with nominations for both a Grammy Award and a Billboard Music Award. Following extensive international touring, Doby departed due to bronchitis-related health complications and alleged internal disagreements; Kina Cosper from Detroit joined as her replacement. Other members who joined later included Kymberli Wright, Racquel Roberts, and Teisha Brown.

After these lineup changes, Brownstone released the single "5 Miles to Empty" from their sophomore album Still Climbing. In 1998, they contributed the track "Don't Play Me Wrong" to the soundtrack of The Players Club.

Charmayne Maxena "Maxee" Maxwell passed away on February 27, 2015, at age 46 due to an accidental fall.

2019: Brownstone's 25th anniversary

In February 2019, Brownstone reunited for a special performance celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Essence Music Festival, featuring original members Nicci Gilbert, Mimi Doby, and returning singer Teisha Brown. Kina Cosper was invited to participate but chose not to join.

2022–present: New music

During the Centennial Boule in July 2022, all three members were inducted into the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority. On September 13, 2022, Brownstone’s lineup—founding member Nicci Gilbert, Teisha Brown, and newcomer Arin Jackson—announced their single "All I Want," which was released on September 30. Subsequently, Teisha Brown exited the group and was succeeded by Alexis Jones, Arin’s sister.

In 2023, Brownstone unveiled a live version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" as part of their forthcoming live covers album.

Discography

Studio albums

From the Bottom Up (1995)
Still Climbing (1997)

Current members

Nicci Gilbert (1994–1998, 2007–2015, 2019–present)
Arin Jackson (2019–present)
Alexis Jones (2022–present)

Former members

Mimi Doby (1994–1995, 2019)
Maxee Maxwell (1994–1998, 2007–2015; deceased)
Kina Cosper (1995–1997)
Teisha Brown (2008–2015, 2019–2022)

Awards and nominations

Year	Award
1995	Billboard Music Award for Top Hot R&B Singles Airplay awarded to "If You Love Me"
1995	Nomination for Billboard Music Award in the category of Top Hot R&B Singles Artist – Duos/Group
1995	Considered for Billboard Music Award as Top Hot R&B Singles Artist
1995	Nominee for Billboard Music Award recognizing Top New R&B Artist
1995	Billboard Music Award nomination for Top R&B Artist – Duos/Group
1995	Contender for Billboard Music Award in Top Hot R&B Singles & Tracks for "If You Love Me"
1995	Grammy Award nomination in Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance – Duo or Group category for "If You Love Me"
1995	Lady of Soul Music Award nomination at Soul Train Music Awards for Best R&B/Soul Song of the Year with "If You Love Me"

External links

Billboard.com (2006) Brownstone Discography
Billboard.com (2006) Brownstone Artist Chart History