Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” is more than just a catchy rock anthem; it’s a cultural touchstone of the early 1990s. The song, and its accompanying music video, became synonymous with the era’s brand of unapologetic, high-energy rock and roll. But while the music is instantly recognizable, the identity of the woman gracing the album cover has been shrouded in mystery and speculation for years. So, who was the “Cherry Pie” girl, and what happened to her after her brief brush with rock and roll fame?
The Face of “Cherry Pie”: Bobbie Brown’s Rise to Fame
The woman who became the face of “Cherry Pie” is Bobbie Brown, a model and actress who, at the time, was making waves in the Los Angeles rock and roll scene. Before “Cherry Pie,” Brown had already appeared in several music videos, honing her skills in front of the camera.
Bobbie Brown’s early life was characterized by a pursuit of modeling and acting. She started entering beauty pageants and quickly gained recognition for her striking looks. This propelled her into the world of music videos, where she caught the attention of those involved with Warrant’s project.
How Bobbie Brown Landed the Role
The story of how Bobbie Brown landed the coveted “Cherry Pie” role is a testament to the serendipitous nature of the entertainment industry. According to various accounts, including Brown’s own, she was introduced to Warrant’s frontman, Jani Lane, through a mutual friend. Lane was immediately captivated by Brown’s beauty and charisma.
Initially, Brown was approached to be in the “Cherry Pie” music video. However, her impact was so profound that the band decided to feature her on the album cover as well. This decision proved to be pivotal, cementing Brown’s place in rock and roll history.
The Impact of “Cherry Pie” on Bobbie Brown’s Career
The “Cherry Pie” phenomenon catapulted Bobbie Brown into the spotlight. Suddenly, she was recognized everywhere she went. The exposure led to numerous opportunities, including more music video appearances, television roles, and modeling gigs. Her name became synonymous with the era’s aesthetic, solidifying her status as a sex symbol.
Brown leveraged her newfound fame to pursue her acting career, appearing in shows like “Married… with Children” and “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose.” She also continued to work as a model, gracing the pages of magazines and appearing in advertisements.
Life After the Cherry Pie Craze
The intense attention surrounding “Cherry Pie” eventually faded, as trends often do. Bobbie Brown navigated the shifting landscape of the entertainment industry, experiencing both successes and challenges.
Marriage to Jani Lane and Personal Struggles
Bobbie Brown’s relationship with Jani Lane blossomed into a marriage. Their union was highly publicized, further cementing Brown’s connection to the rock and roll world. However, their relationship was also tumultuous, marked by personal struggles and challenges.
Brown has been open about her own battles with addiction and the difficulties she faced navigating life in the public eye. She has used her experiences to advocate for others struggling with similar issues, becoming a voice for recovery and self-acceptance.
Bobbie Brown Today: Author, Entrepreneur, and Advocate
Today, Bobbie Brown is a multifaceted individual. She is an author, having penned her memoir, “Dirty Rocker Boys: Love and Lust on the Sunset Strip,” which details her experiences in the rock and roll scene and her relationship with Jani Lane. The book offers a candid and often raw account of her life, revealing the highs and lows of fame and personal struggles.
Beyond writing, Brown is also an entrepreneur, pursuing various business ventures. She continues to be involved in the entertainment industry, appearing in reality television shows and documentaries. Additionally, she dedicates her time to advocacy, speaking openly about addiction and mental health, and inspiring others to seek help and embrace their own journeys.
The Enduring Legacy of the “Cherry Pie” Girl
The image of Bobbie Brown on the “Cherry Pie” album cover remains an enduring symbol of a specific era in rock and roll history. While the music is iconic, the cover art, featuring Brown’s captivating presence, helped to solidify the album’s place in pop culture.
More Than Just a Pretty Face
It’s important to recognize Bobbie Brown as more than just a pretty face on an album cover. She is a multifaceted individual with a rich history, personal struggles, and a compelling story to tell. Her journey from a young model in Los Angeles to an author, entrepreneur, and advocate is a testament to her resilience and determination.
The legacy of the “Cherry Pie” girl is one of beauty, fame, and personal growth. Bobbie Brown’s story serves as a reminder that behind every iconic image lies a complex and compelling individual.
The Music Video and its Impact
The “Cherry Pie” music video was as impactful as the song and the album cover. Featuring Bobbie Brown prominently, the video further amplified her fame and solidified her association with the song.
The video was a staple on MTV, showcasing Brown’s undeniable charisma and beauty. The combination of the catchy song, the visually appealing video, and Brown’s captivating presence created a cultural phenomenon that transcended the music itself. The video is still viewed and enjoyed by fans around the world, serving as a time capsule of the early 1990s rock scene.
Jani Lane’s Influence
Jani Lane, the frontman of Warrant, played a significant role in Bobbie Brown’s rise to fame. Not only did he cast her in the “Cherry Pie” video and feature her on the album cover, but their subsequent relationship further amplified her public profile. Lane’s songwriting and stage presence were central to Warrant’s success, and his connection to Brown added another layer to the band’s appeal. While their relationship was complex, there’s no denying the impact they had on each other’s lives and careers.
The Controversy and Criticism
Despite its success, “Cherry Pie” also faced criticism. Some critics argued that the song and the music video were overly sexualized and objectified women. Bobbie Brown herself has addressed these criticisms, acknowledging the concerns but also emphasizing her agency in choosing to participate in the project. The debate surrounding “Cherry Pie” highlights the complex relationship between sexuality, entertainment, and feminism in the rock and roll world.
Who was the model on the “Cherry Pie” album cover?
The model featured on the cover of Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” album was Bobbie Brown. She was a 19-year-old aspiring actress and model at the time. Brown was discovered through a connection with the band’s management and was chosen for the role due to her striking looks and all-American appeal, which perfectly aligned with the band’s image and the song’s themes.
Despite the album cover making her a pop culture icon, Brown’s involvement was initially just a short, one-day shoot. She earned $500 for her appearance and wasn’t aware of the song or its content until after the album’s release. Her presence on the cover and in the music video propelled her into the spotlight, though she later pursued a career outside of the music industry.
Was Bobbie Brown actually eating cherry pie in the music video or on the album cover?
Contrary to what the imagery suggests, Bobbie Brown was not actually eating cherry pie either in the music video or during the album cover photoshoot. For the music video, she was pretending to eat a piece of pie made from cardboard covered in whipped cream and dyed cherries. The “pie” was more of a prop than an actual edible treat.
Similarly, for the album cover, the focus was on the visual impact rather than the authenticity of the pie-eating experience. The goal was to create a seductive and playful image, and the specifics of the pie itself were secondary to achieving that aesthetic. The illusion of her eating cherry pie was more important than the actual pie itself.
Did Bobbie Brown date any members of Warrant after the “Cherry Pie” project?
Bobbie Brown’s connection to Warrant extended beyond her appearance in the “Cherry Pie” music video and album cover. Shortly after the video shoot, she began a romantic relationship with Warrant’s lead singer, Jani Lane. Their relationship quickly became a high-profile affair, fueled by the song’s immense popularity and their shared presence in the public eye.
Brown and Lane eventually married in 1991, solidifying their place as a quintessential rock and roll couple. However, their marriage was tumultuous and marked by struggles with addiction and infidelity. They ultimately divorced in 1993, though their relationship remained a significant part of their individual narratives and the legacy of “Cherry Pie.”
How did the “Cherry Pie” music video and album cover affect Bobbie Brown’s career?
The “Cherry Pie” music video and album cover catapulted Bobbie Brown into instant fame. She became a recognizable face in the entertainment industry, landing roles in television shows, films, and other music videos. The exposure from Warrant’s massive hit significantly boosted her modeling and acting career, opening doors to opportunities that might not have been available otherwise.
However, the “Cherry Pie” image also somewhat typecast her. While she benefited from the initial attention, she also faced challenges in being seen as more than just the “Cherry Pie Girl.” Despite these hurdles, Brown successfully navigated her career, embracing her association with the iconic song while also striving to establish herself beyond that single role.
Was the song “Cherry Pie” originally intended to be Warrant’s signature hit?
Interestingly, “Cherry Pie” wasn’t originally intended to be the band’s signature hit or even included on the album. It was written by Jani Lane at the last minute, reportedly under pressure from the record label to create a more radio-friendly and commercially appealing track. The song was quickly composed and recorded, making its unexpected success all the more surprising.
Despite its last-minute creation, “Cherry Pie” resonated strongly with audiences and quickly became a chart-topping hit. It overshadowed the band’s previous work and became their most recognizable song, forever associating Warrant with the catchy tune and its suggestive lyrics. The song’s impact significantly altered the band’s trajectory, solidifying their place in the glam metal scene.
What is Bobbie Brown doing now?
After her initial fame, Bobbie Brown has continued to remain active in various endeavors. She has written a memoir titled “Dirty Rocker Boys: Love and Lust on the Sunset Strip,” which details her experiences in the rock and roll scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, including her relationship with Jani Lane and her time as the “Cherry Pie Girl.” The book provides a candid and personal look at her life and the challenges she faced.
In addition to her writing, Brown has also appeared in several reality television shows, showcasing her personality and life experiences. She has also engaged in entrepreneurial ventures, including beauty and fashion-related projects. Brown continues to embrace her past while also pursuing new opportunities, maintaining a public presence and connecting with fans.
How did Jani Lane feel about the lasting impact of “Cherry Pie” on his career?
Jani Lane, the songwriter and lead singer of Warrant, had a complex relationship with the song “Cherry Pie.” While it brought the band immense commercial success and propelled them to stardom, he also expressed mixed feelings about it later in his career. He sometimes felt that the song overshadowed his other work and defined him in a way that he didn’t always appreciate. He was a prolific songwriter and felt pigeonholed by the success of this one song.
Despite these reservations, Lane ultimately acknowledged the significance of “Cherry Pie” in Warrant’s history and its impact on their fans. He continued to perform the song throughout his career, recognizing its enduring popularity and the joy it brought to audiences. He understood that it was a crucial part of the band’s legacy, even if it sometimes overshadowed other aspects of his artistic output. His feelings were a mix of pride and a desire to be recognized for his wider body of work.