Maurice Starr

Maurice Starr
Birth name	Larry Curtis Johnson
Born	1953 Deland, Florida
Genres	R&B, electro, funk, pop, black gospel
Occupation(s)	Record producer, musician, songwriter
Instruments	Piano, guitar
Years active	1970s–present
Associated acts	The Johnson Brothers, Jonzun Crew, New Edition, New Kids on the Block, Five Young Men
Notable instruments
Piano, guitar

Maurice Starr (born Larry Curtis Johnson, 1953) is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. Though trying his hand at a solo career, he's best known for his work creating songs and albums with pop and soul bands such as Con Funk Shun, New Edition, and the New Kids on the Block.

Originally from Deland, Florida, Johnson moved to Boston, Massachusetts, in the early 1970s. As an artist, Johnson was a member of The Johnson Brothers (not to be confused with The Brothers Johnson from Los Angeles, California) and the seminal electro group known as the Jonzun Crew with brothers Michael Jonzun and Soni Jonzun. In 1980, Johnson changed his name to Maurice Starr and recorded two R&B albums, Flaming Starr and Spacey Lady. Unsuccessful as a solo artist, and described as "a cross between Berry Gordy and P.T. Barnum," Starr decided to create a band to perform the songs that he wrote.

In 1982, Starr discovered the band New Edition on his talent show. He co-wrote and co-produced their debut album with the hits, "Candy Girl", "Is This The End", and "Popcorn Love". After the album that produced these singles, creative differences caused Starr and New Edition to go their separate ways. The group continued to produce a number of U.S. Top 10 R&B hit singles throughout the 80s and 90s including the top 5 hit ("Cool it Now") in the Billboard Hot 100.

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