Since
the release of their debut album, the Backstreet
Boys have been redefining the meaning of pop music success.
The Orlando-based group use dance-club pop, good looks and
sexy choreography to woo their audiences.
New Yorker Nick Carter and Florida natives Howie Dorough
and A.J. McLean were performing as a cappella trio in
Orlando before they joined hands with Kevin Richardson
and his cousin Brian Littrell, who had recently moved
from Kentucky.
Within six months of forming, the Backstreet
Boys, named after an outdoor Orlando market, became one
of Florida’s hottest acts. The quintet soon signed up with
former New Kids On The Block managers Donna and Johnny
Wright, who shaped the group into a polished pop dance
outfit.
The Backstreet Boys eventually signed with Jive
Records in 1994 and released their debut album, Backstreet
Boys, in Europe and Canada in early 1996. It was a
big hit on the European charts, and the group became overnight
sensations. The album debuted at No. 29 on the strength
of the hit single "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)."
1996 saw them win the coveted MTV Europe Viewers’ Choice
Award. Presently recognized as the biggest pop music group
in the world, they've dominated both in U.S. and international
charts. Backstreet Boys received gold and platinum awards
in 45 countries with over 28 million albums sold worldwide.
They secured a nomination for "Best New Artist" Grammy
Award and were among Entertainment Weekly's "Best Entertainers
of 1998."
They also featured among People magazine's 1998
"Men We Love," and in May 1999, on the cover of Rolling
Stone. The Backstreet Boys faced a crisis in 1998 when
Brian underwent heart surgery to correct a congenital
defect. He has since completely recovered.
The much-awaited follow-up, Millennium, hit the
stores in 1999 and was a record breaker in sales. If this
is any indicator, the band has a promising future.
