Boyz II Men

Boyz II Men formed at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Originally called Unique Attraction, the group went through several lineup changes before settling on Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Michael McCary. Their big break came after an impromptu audition for Michael Bivins of Bell Biv DeVoe, who signed them to his Biv 10 imprint under Motown Records.

Their debut album Cooleyhighharmony (1991) introduced their signature blend of new jack swing and doo-wop harmonies. The singles "Motownphilly" and "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" both reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100. But it was "End of the Road" (1992) that made them superstars, spending 13 weeks at number one and breaking a chart record.

The group's second album II (1994) was even bigger. It spawned three number-one singles: "I'll Make Love to You" (14 weeks at number one), "On Bended Knee" (which replaced it at number one, making Boyz II Men only the second act after The Beatles to replace themselves), and "Water Runs Dry." Their collaboration with Mariah Carey, "One Sweet Day" (1995), spent 16 weeks at number one, a record that stood for over two decades.

After McCary left in 2003 due to multiple sclerosis, the group continued as a trio. They have released several albums since, including covers of Motown classics and original material. They maintain a Las Vegas residency and continue to tour worldwide. [edit]

Boyz II Men started at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) in 1985. Nathan Morris and Marc Nelson formed a group called Unique Attraction with fellow students. In 1987, Wanya Morris joined after singing in the school choir. By 1988, several original members had graduated, so Nathan recruited Shawn Stockman after hearing him sing a solo in the choir. The quartet was completed when Michael McCary walked in on a practice session in a school bathroom and began singing along, becoming the group's bass singer.

The group got their big break through a backstage audition for Michael Bivins. Nathan Morris called Bivins every day for weeks until Bivins finally agreed to sign them. Bivins produced their debut album and named them Boyz II Men after a line from a New Edition song. [edit]

Boyz II Men's sound evolved from new jack swing on their debut to adult contemporary R&B ballads. Their early work, produced by Michael Bivins, featured drum machines and sampled backdrops, which they called "hip hop doo-wop." With II, they shifted toward emotional a cappella harmonies and lush ballads, recording in a remote Nevada studio to avoid distractions.

Their vocal arrangements are built on the interplay between Nathan's baritone, Wanya's and Shawn's tenors, and Michael's bass. They often use intricate harmonies and melisma, with songs like "End of the Road" and "I'll Make Love to You" becoming templates for 90s R&B ballads. [edit]

Boyz II Men brought doo-wop harmonies to mainstream pop and R&B in the 1990s. Their record-breaking chart runs set new standards for commercial success, and they helped define the sound of 90s R&B. They have been cited as influences by artists ranging from Justin Timberlake to Bruno Mars.

The group also made an impact on fashion, popularizing coordinated streetwear and casual suits. Their music videos were staples on MTV and BET, and their songs have been covered and sampled by many artists. [edit]

Boyz II Men fans, often called B2M Fans or The Boyz II Men Family, are known for their loyalty across decades. The group predates K-pop lightstick culture, so there is no official lightstick or fan color. Fans often sing along to a cappella sections during concerts, and annual fan gatherings take place at their Las Vegas residencies.

Charity drives organized through the Boyz II Men Foundation support music education and other causes. [edit]

The group's name was inspired by a line from the New Edition song "Boys to Men."

"End of the Road" was originally written for the film Boomerang and was almost given to another artist.

Boyz II Men performed the national anthem at Super Bowl XXIX in 1995.

Michael McCary's departure in 2003 was due to complications from multiple sclerosis, which he kept private for years. [edit]