When Rockers Revenge Met New Edition: Dwight Hawkes Recalls a Legendary Night at the Copa Cabana

new edition candy girl

When Rockers Revenge Met New Edition: Dwight Hawkes Recalls a Legendary Night at the Copa Cabana

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A Night to Remember in New York

In a conversation that bridges humor and music history, Dwight Fuller of Rockers Revenge takes fans back to a chaotic yet unforgettable night at the Copa Cabana, one of New York’s most iconic venues. The event marked New Edition’s first-ever performance in the city, a major moment for the young R&B group who would soon rise to superstardom.

Fuller recalls how he invited the Boston-based group to the Music Factory, a record store that was more than just a shop — it was a cultural epicenter for DJs, producers, and fans. What began as a friendly invite quickly turned into pandemonium when fans recognized Dwight and his brother as part of Rockers Revenge, sparking excitement and confusion that turned the night into a classic piece of New York music folklore.

“It was chaos at the Copa,” Dwight laughed. “Once people realized who we were, the whole energy in the room changed — it went from chill to pure madness.”


Rockers Revenge: The Sound of Dancefloor Unity

Formed in the early 1980s, Rockers Revenge emerged as one of New York’s groundbreaking dance and post-disco acts. Led by producer Arthur Baker, the group featured Donnie Calvin on vocals and became known for blending reggae rhythms, early hip hop energy, and electro-funk innovation.

Their breakout hit, “Walking on Sunshine” (1982) — not to be confused with the later Katrina and the Waves song — became a dance anthem worldwide. The track, powered by its infectious bassline and uplifting message, reached the top of the Billboard dance charts and became a defining sound of New York’s club scene.

Beyond chart success, Rockers Revenge represented an era where DJs, producers, and vocalists blurred boundaries between genres. They symbolized the creative melting pot that made early 80s New York a breeding ground for hip hop, electro, and dance music. Dwight and Donnie’s work helped shape the DNA of modern DJ culture — bridging the gap between underground community spaces like the Music Factory and mainstream recognition.

“Music had no borders,” Dwight reflected in the interview. “We were blending everything — hip hop, disco, reggae, whatever moved people.”


New Edition: The Blueprint for Modern R&B Groups

The night at the Copa Cabana also marked a milestone for New Edition, the group that would redefine R&B for decades. Composed of Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, and Ralph Tresvant, New Edition burst onto the scene with “Candy Girl” in 1983 — a youthful, energetic hit produced by Maurice Starr that earned them comparisons to The Jackson 5.

By the mid-1980s, New Edition had matured into a global sensation, releasing chart-topping albums like All for Love and Heart Break, and spawning successful solo and spin-off careers: Bobby Brown’s solo rise, Bell Biv DeVoe’s fusion of R&B and hip hop, and Ralph Tresvant’s soulful ventures. Their influence continues today, seen in artists from Boyz II Men to BTS, who cite them as inspiration for group dynamics, choreography, and crossover appeal.

That first New York performance — the same one Dwight Fuller reminisced about — was a turning point. It introduced the group to a city that would become crucial to their national success.

“New York was everything back then,” Dwight said. “If you could move a crowd here, you were ready for the world.”


Two Legacies, One Culture

Though Rockers Revenge and New Edition came from different corners of the musical spectrum — one from New York’s underground DJ circuit, the other from Boston’s R&B revival — both groups shared a commitment to authenticity, rhythm, and innovation.

Their paths crossed during a time when music was deeply communal. Artists, DJs, and producers learned from one another, often in record stores or late-night sessions that shaped an entire generation’s sound.

“That was the beauty of it,” Dwight reflected. “Whether you were R&B, hip hop, or dance — we were all part of one movement. Music brought everyone together.”


The Legacy Lives On

Decades later, both Rockers Revenge and New Edition remain symbols of their respective genres’ golden ages.


Rockers Revenge’s pioneering fusion continues to influence producers exploring electronic and reggae-inspired sounds, while New Edition’s harmonies and performance style remain the blueprint for every modern R&B boy band.

Through stories like Dwight Fuller’s Copa Cabana moment, WorldWide Entertainment TV keeps these cultural memories alive — reminding fans that before the algorithms and playlists, there were real stories, real connections, and real energy behind every beat.

🎧 Sidebar: Rockers Revenge — Quick Facts

Origin: New York City, USA
Members: Arthur Baker (producer), Donnie Calvin (vocals), Fuller, and collaborators
Notable Hit: “Walking on Sunshine” (1982) — #1 Billboard Dance Chart
Style: Post-disco, electro, reggae-funk fusion
Legacy: Helped bridge the gap between disco, early hip hop, and electronic dance music. Their sound laid groundwork for 1980s club culture and remix production.
Fun Fact: The group’s single was later remixed and reissued multiple times, cementing its place in dance history.


🎤 Sidebar: New Edition — Quick Facts

Origin: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Members: Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant
Debut Album: Candy Girl (1983)
Signature Hits: Candy Girl, Cool It Now, Mr. Telephone Man, If It Isn’t Love
Accolades: Multi-platinum albums, American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards
Legacy: Defined the modern R&B boy band template and inspired acts like Boyz II Men, Jodeci, and 112.
Fun Fact: All members went on to successful solo or spin-off careers, influencing pop and R&B for decades.

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