The Backstreet Boys are an American vocal group, formed in Orlando, Florida in 1993. The group consists of A. J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, and Brian Littrell.
Got the name "Backstreet Boys" from an Orlando flea market called the Backstreet Market.
Background
The Backstreet Boys have sold over 130 million records worldwide, making them the best-selling boy band in history, and one of the world's best-selling music artists. They are the first group since Sade to have their first nine albums reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200, and the only boy band to do so. They also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 22, 2013.
Career
The popular group took its final shape on April 19, 1993, when Brian Littrell joined the group after a phone audition. They immediately went into action with their first concert on May 8. Their first performance in front of 3,000 teenagers was just a taste of what was in store for the boy band. They would have to work hard for American recognition, however.
1996 marked a big change for the boys as European popularity grew. The boys earned their first Platinum record in Germany (500,000 CDs sold) and toured the Far East, Canada and various parts of the world.
By 1997 after 8.5 million discs sold worldwide, the Backstreet Boys had their eyes set on American success. They began to record a new album for American release and released "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)" as their new single. The single quickly climbed to #2 marking a great turnaround.
By the middle of the year, the boys released their first American album which peaked at #4 on the Billboard charts and went on to sell 9 million copies in 1997. By December 1997, the boys embarked on a 60-city, 20-country tour.
By February 1999, the boys received their first Diamond award by the RIAA for shipment of 10 milion copies of their album.
The boys were at a super star level.
In 2001, the Backstreet Boys were put on hold as one of their own, A.J., checked himself into rehab to battle drinking, drug addiction, and depression. Another tragedy struck as the terror attack of September 11 occurred, killing a friend, Daniel Lee, and sparking the cancellation of all overseas tours. In October 2001, the boys released Chapter One and disc of their greatest hits as well as their last single, "Drowning", until their return in 2005. By the end of 2001 and into 2002, it was clear the Backstreet Boys were on an extended break.
After a 5 year hiatus, the Backstreet Boys are currently staging a comeback to the music world.
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On June 14, 2005, the Backstreet Boys made their critically acclaimed return to the pop landscape with the release of their fourth studio release, "Never Gone". It debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts with a total of 291,000 copies sold in its first week.
Views
Quotations:
We can move mountains as five together. - Brian Littrell
Let the world know that Backstreet is back, and we aren't going anywhere! - Nick Carter
Music is love, love is music, music is my life and I love my life. - A.J. McLean
We're touching people's lives and making people forget about their problems for a moment. That's what music's all about, I think. - Kevin Richardson
Being honest with our fans about our relationships shows we're real. We have lives. We're human beings. - Howie Dorough
Personality
Alexander James "A. J." McLean
Hair: brown
Eyes: brown
Height: 5'9
Weight: 147
Nicknames: AJ, Bone, Mr. Cool
Birthplace: West Palm Beach, Florida
Birthdate: January 9, 1978
Astrological Sign: Capricorn
Tattoos: 10
Known as: the group's flirt
Howard Dorough
Full Name: Howard Dwaine Dorough
Nicknames: Howie, Howie D., Latin Lover and Sweet D.
Birthday: August 22, 1973
Birthplace: Orlando, Florida
Eyes: brown
Hair: brown
Height: 1.70 m, 5' 7"
Nick Carter
height: 6' 1" (185 cm)
eye color: blue
hair color: blonde
Kevin Richardson
Full Name: Kevin Scott Richardson
Hair: black
Eyes: green
Height: 6'0
Weight: 175
Nicknames: Kev, Mr. Body Beautiful, Kevy-Kev, Train; secret nicknames- Boo, Pumpkin
Birthplace: Lexington, Kentucky
Birthdate: October 3, 1971 Astrological Sign: Libra
Brian Littrell
Full Name: Brian Thomas Littrell
Nicknames: B-Rok, Mr. Joker, Seaver, Frick
Birthday: February 20, 1975
Place of Birth: Lexington, KY
Height: 1.70 m, 5' 7"
Hair: brownish - Blonde
Eyes: blue
Quotes from others about the person
"It was ironic looking at Billboard record and seeing Black & Blue at number 1 and the Beatles album at number 2, that Backstreet Boys album is hotter. I love how they are more hands on with the writing process, ya gotta' love that." ~ Mariah Carey (2000)
"The Backstreet Boys is the most successful Boyband ever existed on this planet and they are really talented." ~ Jessica Simpson
"The Backstreet Boys can sing their asses off. I'm not so sure about those other boy bands. But Backstreet Boys have my ultimate respect." ~ Elton John
"I think that the Backstreet Boys should've taken home those 5 awards, they are a great group of guys."~ Santana at the Grammy's
"They are Larger Than Life! My God, in some ways more than others!" ~ Christina Aguilera
"We got a lot of support from the Backstreet Boys...and they were like our Idols, still our idols...And we were like crying ..we couldn't believe that we are gonna be on the same stage as The Backstreet Boys..." ~ Westlife
"I met BSB at a benefit gig we were both doing, and they are really humble, nice guys - and very hard working" ~ Usher
"I love the Backstreet Boys! I think they're very talented and I think their harmony is wonderful." ~ Beyonce Knowles
"BSB are a great bunch of guys, I really like them" ~ Whitney Houston
"It was also great to have the Backstreet Boys appear on stage with me because I have gotten to know them all a little bit just recently, and not only are they great performers, but they also very hard working professionals and really nice guys." ~ Elton John
“When people throw crap at them they keep walking. And, of course, keep winning” ~ Rolling Stones on BSB