Boyz II Men 40th Anniversary Celebration

A must-have for every Boyz II Men fan, this handsome volume traces forty years of the groundbreaking group through stunning photography, fascinating facts, and interviews with fans and industry pros. Phillys own Boyz II Men is an iconic boy band that jumped to the top of the charts (and into the hearts of millions of global fans) in the 1980s. Though the band came to prominence in a time when acts like New Kids On The Block, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC were surging in popularity, Boyz II Men was truly a transitional group, with a unique sound that took cues from both pop and R&B and brought together audiences across the world. In Boyz II Men 40th Anniversary Celebration, music journalist John Morrison delves into the bands originsfrom their beginning in high school and their earliest influencesto their biggest successes in the 80s and 90s, to their continued achievements today and the lasting legacy theyve left in the boy-band canon. Along the way, readers will also explore the creation of Boyz II Mens biggest hits, such as End of the Road and Motownphilly; the fan culture that built up around the band, from the small gigs and mall tours of their earliest years to their national anthem performance in 2022 and tour and album plans for their anniversary year in 2025; Boyz II Mens influences, from R&B to a cappella, and their place in a boy-band history that begins with the Jackson 5 and continues in the modern day with bands like One Direction and BTS; and the lasting legacy of a band proudly celebrating their fortieth anniversary. The book features interview with icons of the music world and leading music historians and journalists, including: Michael Bivins, a founding member of New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe Singer-songwriter and record producer Kenneth Babyface Edmonds Rapper and actor LL Cool J Singer-songwriter and musician Amel Larriuex Music producer Joe The Butcher Nicolo Grammy-winning producer, mixer, and engineer Chris Trevett Bassist Reggie Hamilton Music writer and culture critic Maria Sherman Academic and author Marc Lamont Hill Author, journalist, and historian Dart Adams Award-winning music industry veteran, journalist, and leading voice in Black music and culture Naima Cochrane Longtime music journalist and entertainment industry professional Karas Lamb With stunning photographs throughout, fans can relive their most precious memories of their favorite crossover band and learn about hidden gems and new tidbits from famous friends and collaborators. This is far from the end of the road for this groundbreaking group, and this book is the perfect companion to your everlasting love for Nate, Mike, Shawn, and Wan!