The music video for Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” is arguably one of the most iconic and memorable rock music videos of all time. Released in 1990, the song and its visual accompaniment became synonymous with the era of hair metal and MTV. But beyond the catchy tune and suggestive lyrics, the video is best remembered for its star: Bobbie Brown, the blonde bombshell who tantalized viewers with her appearance throughout the clip. The burning question many have had for decades is: How old was Bobbie Brown when she filmed the “Cherry Pie” video?
The “Cherry Pie” Phenomenon and Its Lasting Impact
The “Cherry Pie” video was a cultural reset. It was directed by Jeff Stein, known for his work on The Who’s “Who Are You” video and other iconic music visuals. The video perfectly captured the energy and the over-the-top attitude of the hair metal scene. It featured the band Warrant performing the song, intercut with shots of Bobbie Brown seductively posing on a car, eating a cherry pie, and generally exuding the sex appeal that defined the era.
The song itself became Warrant’s biggest hit, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. But the video elevated the song to another level of popularity, cementing its place in music history. The “Cherry Pie” video became a staple on MTV, playing frequently and ensuring that Bobbie Brown became a household name – or at least, a very recognizable face.
The video’s impact extended beyond music, influencing fashion, popular culture, and even the way music videos were made. The “Cherry Pie” model became a symbol of beauty and desirability in the early 1990s, and her image was widely imitated.
Understanding the Context of 1990
To fully appreciate the “Cherry Pie” video’s significance, it’s important to understand the cultural context of 1990. Hair metal was at its peak, dominating the airwaves and MTV. Bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Bon Jovi were selling millions of albums and playing sold-out stadium shows.
Music videos were a crucial part of a band’s success, and they were often lavishly produced, featuring stunning visuals and memorable storylines. The “Cherry Pie” video was a perfect example of this trend, showcasing the band’s energy and attitude while also highlighting Bobbie Brown’s striking beauty.
The early 1990s also represented a period of transition in music. Grunge was on the horizon, poised to overtake hair metal in popularity. The “Cherry Pie” video, therefore, represents both the pinnacle of the hair metal era and a glimpse into its impending decline.
Unveiling Bobbie Brown’s Age at the Time of Filming
This is the million-dollar question! Determining Bobbie Brown’s age at the time of the “Cherry Pie” video requires a little bit of detective work. We know the video was released in 1990, so we need to find out her birthdate and then do the math.
Bobbie Brown was born on October 7, 1969. This means that in 1990, the year the “Cherry Pie” video was released, she had just turned 21 years old.
Therefore, Bobbie Brown was 20 years old when she actually filmed the “Cherry Pie” video. Production likely took place a few months before the official release.
Why the Curiosity About Her Age?
The fascination with Bobbie Brown’s age stems from a number of factors. First, her youthful appearance in the video belies her age. She projects a combination of innocence and sexuality that is captivating.
Second, the “Cherry Pie” video sparked controversy due to its suggestive content. This led to increased scrutiny of all aspects of the video, including the age of its female star.
Finally, the “Cherry Pie” video has become a cultural touchstone, and many people who grew up watching it are now curious about the details surrounding its creation, including the age of Bobbie Brown.
Bobbie Brown’s Life After “Cherry Pie”
While the “Cherry Pie” video made Bobbie Brown an instant celebrity, her career extended far beyond that iconic appearance. She continued to work as a model and actress, appearing in several television shows and films.
Bobbie Brown also gained notoriety for her personal life, most notably her marriage to Warrant’s lead singer, Jani Lane. Their relationship was tumultuous and highly publicized, eventually ending in divorce.
Her Continued Influence and Legacy
Even decades after the release of “Cherry Pie,” Bobbie Brown remains a recognizable figure. She has leveraged her fame to build a successful career as an author and entrepreneur. She has written memoirs detailing her experiences in the entertainment industry and her personal struggles.
Bobbie Brown’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. She has faced challenges and setbacks, but she has always found a way to move forward and create a fulfilling life for herself. Her willingness to be open and honest about her experiences has resonated with many people, and she has become an inspiration to others.
The Enduring Appeal of “Cherry Pie”
The “Cherry Pie” video, despite its controversial elements, continues to be celebrated and remembered fondly by many. It represents a specific moment in time – the height of hair metal and the era of MTV – that holds a special place in the hearts of those who experienced it.
The song’s catchy melody and the video’s striking visuals have ensured its longevity. The “Cherry Pie” video continues to be played on music channels and online, introducing it to new generations of viewers.
The impact of “Cherry Pie” extends beyond its musical and visual appeal. It represents a time of freedom, excess, and unapologetic fun. It’s a reminder of a bygone era when rock music ruled the world and music videos were a major cultural force.
Bobbie Brown, as the face of the “Cherry Pie” video, will forever be associated with this iconic moment in music history. Her youth, beauty, and undeniable charisma helped to make the video a success and cemented her place in popular culture. And now we know, unequivocally, that she was 20 years old when the cameras rolled.
The “Cherry Pie” Effect: Analyzing Its Cultural Significance
The “Cherry Pie” music video isn’t just a random collection of images set to a catchy tune. It’s a complex cultural artifact that encapsulates a specific moment in American history and the evolution of music videos as a medium. Let’s break down some elements that contributed to its lasting impact.
The Visual Language of Hair Metal
The video adopted the visual language common to hair metal music videos of the era. These videos were characterized by:
- High production value with slick editing.
- A focus on the band’s appearance, showcasing long hair, tight clothes, and makeup.
- The objectification of women.
- A generally carefree and party-centric atmosphere.
“Cherry Pie” checked all of these boxes, which allowed it to perfectly resonate with the target audience and become a quintessential representation of the genre.
The Evolution of Music Videos as Storytelling Tools
While early music videos were often simple performances, by the 1990s they had evolved into short films with their own narratives and visual styles. “Cherry Pie” adopted this evolving format by interweaving shots of the band playing with a suggestive storyline involving Bobbie Brown.
Though the story was simple (a celebration of sexuality and rock ‘n’ roll), it was effective in capturing the song’s energy and creating a memorable viewing experience. The video demonstrated how music videos could be more than just advertisements for songs; they could be standalone pieces of art that enhanced the music’s impact.
The Controversy and Its Amplifying Effect
The video’s overtly sexual content generated controversy upon release. This backlash, however, paradoxically fueled its popularity. The phrase “any publicity is good publicity” certainly applied to “Cherry Pie.”
The controversy fueled discussions about sexism in music and the objectification of women, pushing the video into the cultural conversation. While many criticized its message, it also became a symbol of rebellion and the “anything goes” attitude of the era.
Bobbie Brown: More Than Just a Model
It would be a disservice to reduce Bobbie Brown to merely a model in a music video. She possessed a certain charisma and star power that elevated her performance and made her unforgettable.
She embodied the ideal of female beauty at the time, but she also projected a sense of confidence and independence that made her more than just a passive object of desire. Her screen presence contributed greatly to the video’s success and cemented her place in pop culture history.
Beyond “Cherry Pie”: Bobbie Brown’s Enduring Influence
The “Cherry Pie” video may be her most famous role, but Bobbie Brown’s career has been diverse and impactful. Let’s explore some of the ways she has continued to influence popular culture:
Author and Advocate
Bobbie Brown has openly discussed her struggles with addiction and mental health. By sharing her story, she has become an advocate for recovery and has inspired others to seek help.
Her memoirs offer a glimpse into the realities of the entertainment industry and the challenges of navigating fame and personal struggles.
Entrepreneurial Pursuits
Beyond her modeling and acting career, Bobbie Brown has also ventured into entrepreneurship. She has launched her own businesses and has demonstrated her skills and drive.
This shows that she is more than just a pretty face; she is a businesswoman and a self-made individual.
A Lasting Legacy
Bobbie Brown’s impact extends beyond the “Cherry Pie” video. She represents a generation of women who were navigating a changing world and challenging traditional gender roles.
Her willingness to be herself and to embrace her sexuality has made her an icon for many people. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of self-acceptance.
The Digital Afterlife of “Cherry Pie”
The internet has given “Cherry Pie” a life beyond its initial release in 1990. It’s readily available on platforms like YouTube and music streaming services, allowing new audiences to discover it.
The video has also become a meme, with its iconic imagery and sound bites frequently used in online content. This demonstrates its continued relevance and its ability to connect with contemporary audiences.
The Video’s SEO Power
The “Cherry Pie” video remains a highly searched term on Google and other search engines. This is a testament to its enduring popularity and its cultural significance.
The video’s SEO power is further amplified by articles and discussions like this one, which explore its history and impact. The more people write and talk about “Cherry Pie,” the more visible it becomes online.
The Future of “Cherry Pie”
It’s safe to say that the “Cherry Pie” video will continue to be watched and discussed for years to come. Its iconic imagery, catchy tune, and cultural significance have ensured its place in music history.
Bobbie Brown, as the face of the video, will also continue to be remembered and celebrated. Her story is a testament to the power of reinvention and the importance of staying true to oneself. And now, anyone searching for “How old was Bobby Brown in the Cherry Pie video?” will have a definitive answer.
Was Bobby Brown actually in Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” music video?
No, Bobby Brown, the R&B singer, was not in Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” music video. This is a common misconception likely due to the presence of another, lesser-known, model and dancer with the same name. It is important to differentiate between the famous singer Bobby Brown and someone who shares his name but has no direct connection to the R&B artist.
The confusion arises from the fact that a man named Bobby Brown (or possibly using that name professionally) appeared in the video as a dancer. However, this is not the Bobby Brown known for hits like “My Prerogative” and his association with New Edition and Whitney Houston. The Bobby Brown in the “Cherry Pie” video was a background performer, not the famous musical artist.
Who was the “Cherry Pie” girl and how old was she during filming?
The “Cherry Pie” girl was Bobbie Brown (with two “b”s), an actress and model who became an instant sensation after the video’s release. She was the embodiment of the idealized rock and roll pin-up of the early 90s and became heavily associated with the song and Warrant.
Bobbie Brown was approximately 21 years old when the “Cherry Pie” music video was filmed in 1990. Her age aligned with the image the band was trying to project and contributed to the video’s widespread appeal, even though the lyrics and imagery were later criticized for being overly sexualized.
Did Bobby Brown, the singer, ever comment on the “Cherry Pie” video?
There is no publicly available information or record of Bobby Brown, the R&B singer, ever commenting directly on Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” music video. Given that he wasn’t involved in its production or performance, it’s unlikely he would have any particular connection to the song or video.
Furthermore, considering his own successful solo career and high-profile relationships at the time, his focus would understandably have been on his own projects. The confusion surrounding the name similarity seems to be primarily a matter of mistaken identity within the public’s perception.
Was there any collaboration between Bobby Brown and Warrant?
There is no record or evidence of any musical collaboration or professional relationship between Bobby Brown, the R&B singer, and the rock band Warrant. Their musical styles and target audiences were significantly different, making a collaboration unlikely.
Bobby Brown primarily worked within the genres of R&B, new jack swing, and pop, while Warrant was a hair metal band. These genres rarely intersected in collaborative efforts, especially at the height of their respective careers.
What is the controversy surrounding the “Cherry Pie” music video?
The “Cherry Pie” music video generated controversy primarily due to its overt sexualization of women and its use of suggestive imagery. The video featured Bobbie Brown in a suggestive manner, which some critics viewed as objectifying and exploitative.
Additionally, the lyrics of the song itself, particularly the line “she’s my cherry pie,” were considered by some to be crude and lacking in substance. The video became emblematic of the excesses and controversies that often surrounded the hair metal scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
How did the “Cherry Pie” music video affect Bobbie Brown’s career?
The “Cherry Pie” music video catapulted Bobbie Brown into the spotlight, making her a recognized face and figure within the rock and roll scene. She became a popular pin-up model and appeared in various magazines and television shows, leveraging the fame she gained from the video.
However, the video also arguably typecast her, limiting her to roles that played on her image as a sex symbol. While it provided her with initial opportunities, it may have hindered her from pursuing more diverse and substantial roles in the long run.
Why is the “Cherry Pie” music video considered iconic?
The “Cherry Pie” music video is considered iconic because it perfectly captured the spirit and aesthetic of the hair metal era. It combined catchy music with visually appealing imagery, representing the excesses, glamour, and carefree attitude associated with the genre.
Furthermore, the video’s widespread popularity and its constant rotation on MTV contributed to its iconic status. It became a cultural touchstone, instantly recognizable and often referenced as a symbol of the late 1980s and early 1990s music scene.