So we all have our favourites, right? Be it Nick Carter, the young, blond-haired Floridian boy; Brian Littrell, the Kentuckian singer/songwriter with his piano playing, songwriting cousin, Kevin Richardson, the eldest BSB; AJ McLean, the tattooed ventriloquist with a British alter-ego or Howie Dorough, the Spanish cutie.
We all may know in-depth facts and secrets about each of the guys, but do we really know the whole story about how the guys came together to form the highly successful band that we've all come to love, the Backstreet Boys? Well we're here to tell you how, so read on...
The story begins over 7 years ago in Orlando, Florida where 3 high school students named Nick Carter, AJ McLean and Howie Dorough kept bumping into each other at various auditions for TV commercials, etc. They became good friends through their meetings and formed a vocal group under the influences of bands such as Boyz II Men and Color Me Badd. Their harmonies required 2 more guys so after scouting around Orlando, Kevin Richardson was found working in Disney World. He recommended his cousin Brian Littrell who was still in high school in Kentucky. Kevin called Brian up, who flew to Orlando for the next day. The Backstreet Boys were then formed.
They spent the next few months working on harmonies and songs to cover to use as they toured around high schools and other places to try and pick up publicity. They covered famous songs such as Shai's 'If I Ever Fall In Love' which they still perform at concerts to this day. They finally got a record deal under the management of Lou Pearlman who helped in the formation of another successful band, New Kids On The Block.
Within 6 months, the boys were one of the hottest acts and also played at Sea World one evening for a Grad Night and opened for singer, Brandy.
Their first recorded song was 'Tell Me That I'm Dreaming' which featured the newly formed groups harmonal voices. Their manager, Donna Wright, called her friend, David McPherson of Jive Records who listened to the boys sing at a concert over a cell phone. They were instantly signed.
In 1995, the 5 boys began recording for their debut album, 'Backstreet Boys'. They targetted Europe, known particularly for their quick embraces of groups. 'We've Got It Goin' On' was an instant hit, giving the boys the recognition that they deserved. They released more singles, including 'Quit Playin' Games With My Heart' which continued to make the Boys more popular.
In 1995, the boys were voted Best New Tour Act by British music magazine, Smash Hits. It was one of the first and and the beginning of many more awards that they would receive. Probably their most significant award was the MTV Europe Viewers Choice Award in 1997, which they also received again in 1997. They had conquered Europe.
They released their second album, 'Backstreet's Back' in 1997 with more chart breaking hits such as 'Everybody' and 'As Long As You Love Me'. They toured around Europe and Asia, gaining more fans by the minute.
Although they had the success that they had hoped for within Europe, they still had no recognition within their home country of America. This became their main aim after the release of their second album. In June of 1997, the boys release 'Quit Playin' Games With My Heart' that peaks at number 2 of the American Billboard chart. They finally release 'Backstreet Boys' in the U.S which includes both songs from the European version of their debut album, and songs from 'Backstreet's Back'. The boy's aren't an overnight success, but end up with their album being the 3rd most sold album of 1998 with over 8.8 million albums sold.
At the beginning of 1999 the boys announce a worldwide tour that would coincide with the worldwide release of their third album, Millennium. The release of this album breaks the U.S first week sales record with over 1.1 million copies sold worldwide. They spent most of 1999 touring around the world with their 'Into The Millennium Tour' and winning more and more awards.
With the boys venturing into solo careers, such as A.J with his 'Johnny No-Name' tour and both Kevin and Brian announcing their engagements, the boys still remain as one. Their fourth album is due for release in November after time preparing in the Bahamas and flying out to Sweden on July 1st to begin recording. Each have their own individual talents including playing instruments, songwriting abilities and are sure to go far as solo artists, but collectively they've got domination of the world, and they won't be losing their reign in the foreseeable future....