Backstreet Boys

In the early 1990s, a young Howie Dorough and AJ McLean met through vocal coaching in Orlando and soon brought in Nick Carter. Cousins Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson joined after moving from Kentucky. Brought together by manager Lou Pearlman in 1993, the quintet quickly began crafting a sound that balanced the polished appeal of boy‑band choreography with rich vocal harmony and R&B‑inspired depth. Their musical style blends pop, dance‑pop, teen‑pop, adult contemporary and light R&B, framed around multi‑part harmonies. Drawing inspiration from vocal groups like Boyz II Men and Shai, they distinguished themselves by singing live whenever possible, pushing beyond the lip‑sync stereotypes of the era and embracing polyphonic vocal arrangements that let each member contribute distinctive lines. It didn’t take long for success, their self‑titled debut album released internationally in 1996 (and in the U.S. in 1997) launched them overseas, while their 1999 album Millennium, anchored by “I Want It That Way”, became a global phenomenon. Millennium broke sales records with over a million copies sold in its first week, followed by equally massive releases like Black & Blue in 2000 and the greatest hits collection The Hits – Chapter One in 2001. Despite internal challenges and a brief hiatus, they returned with albums such as Never Gone, Unbreakable, This Is Us, and later DNA and a Christmas collection. Their enduring appeal earned them a concert residency in Las Vegas and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Decades on, the Backstreet Boys remain an enduring force in pop culture—selling over 130 million records worldwide and becoming the best‑selling boy band in history. Their influence spans generations, from the late‑90s teen‑pop explosion to inspiring vocal craftsmanship in contemporary pop groups. Their music continues to be cherished by loyal fans and new listeners alike.