In 1994, Monica “Mimi” Doby, Charmayne Maxena “Maxee” Maxwell and Nichole “Nicci” Gilbert met while attending various audition around Los Angeles and formed the 90s soul-stirring, R&B group, Brownstone.
Shortly after meeting, the trio signed a deal with Michael Jackson‘s record label, MJJ Music and released their debut album From The Bottom Up which spawned their unforgettable R&B classic hit, “If You Love Me.” The album was a commercial success, ushering two more hit singles with “Grapevyne” and “Pass The Lovin.”
From The Bottom Up earned Brownstone their first and only Grammy nomination and Billboard music award, before the group’s split after touring the globe in 1995.
After a brief hiatus, in 1998 the group recorded their sophomore album, Still Climbing and was featured on The Player’s Club soundtrack with the single, “Don’t Play Me Wrong” before splitting for good. On February 27, 2015, it was announced Charmayne Maxwell had passed away due to an apparent accident at the age of 46.
HERSouce celebrates the life and legacy of Brownstone as Women’s History Month comes to a close and we remember the original trio in the throwback below.