Boyz II Men is one of the most successful and influential vocal groups in the music industry. For over three decades, they have captured the hearts of audiences with their soulful harmonies, smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics.
They have sold millions of albums, won numerous awards, and set chart-topping records.
They have also worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Babyface, and Justin Timberlake.
They are not only a musical phenomenon, but also a cultural icon, inspiring generations of singers and fans around the world.
Background details
Boyz II Men formed in 1988 at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, a magnet school for talented students.
The original members were Nathan Morris, Marc Nelson, Wanyá Morris, Shawn Stockman and Michael McCary.
They were inspired by classic doo-wop and R&B bands from the 1950s and 1960s, such as The Temptations, The Dells and The Miracles.
They sang “Boy becomes man” It was performed by one of their favorite contemporary bands, New Edition.
success
The band rose to fame when they performed at a school concert in 1989 and caught the attention of New Edition band members Michael Bivins and Bell Biv DeVoe. Bivins was impressed by their talent and offered to be their mentor and manager.
He helped them sign a record deal with Motown Records, the legendary label that launched the careers of many of their idols.
He also suggested that they change their name to “Boyz II Men” to emphasize their transition from boys to men.
member
The band’s lineup has changed slightly over the years, and in 1990, Marc Nelson left the band due to personal and creative differences.
Later, he started to work alone and formed the R&B band Az Yet. In 2003, Michael McCary left the band due to health problems.
He suffers from multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects the nervous system and causes chronic pain and fatigue.
He also clashed with other members over the direction of the band. Since then, Boyz II Men has continued as a trio, with members Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris and Shawn Stockman. They remain close friends and devoted partners, sharing lead and harmony vocals equally.
Current Members
- Nathan Morris
- Wanya Morrison
- Sean Stockman
Former Members
- Mark Nelson (left before the release of the band’s debut album)
- Mike McCurry (resigned due to health issues)
Profession
Boyz II Men’s career can be divided into several phases, each with a different sound and style. Their first phase was from 1991 to 1997, when they topped the charts with romantic ballads and a cappella arrangements.
Their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony, Released in 1991, it included the hit single “Motown Philadelphia” “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” and “The end of the road.”
The album sold over nine million copies and won a Grammy for Best R&B Duo or Group Performance.
Their second album, II, was released in 1994 and included the hit single “I want to make love to you,” “Get down on one knee” and “The water will eventually dry up.” The album sold over 12 million copies and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
Their third album, Evolution, was released in 1997 and included the hit single “Four Seasons of Loneliness” and “A song for my mother.” The album sold over three million copies and showcased a more mature and diverse sound.
The second phase was from 1998 to 2004, when they experimented with different genres and collaborations. During this period, they released four albums: The Remix Collection (1998), Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya (2000), Full Circle (2002), and Nostalgia (2004).
The Remix Collection features remixes of their previous hits by various producers and DJs. Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya is their first independently released album without the involvement of Bivins or Motown.
Full Circle was their final album with McCary and their return to major label Arista Records. Throwback was a tribute to their musical influences, covering songs by the Isleigh Brothers, The Stylistics, The Beatles and more.
Their third phase was from 2005 to 2017, focusing on live performances and international influence. During this period, they released five albums: The Remedy (2006), Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA (2007), Love (2009), Twenty (2011) and Collide (2014).
“The Remedy” is their second independent album, released only in Japan, where they have a large fan base.
“Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA” is their second tribute album, which includes Motown classics covered by The Supremes, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, etc. “Love” is their third tribute album, which includes love songs covered by Journey, Chicago, Bonnie Raitt, etc.
Twenty is their tenth studio album and the album celebrating their 20th anniversary. The album includes 10 new songs and 10 re-recorded hits. Collide is their eleventh studio album, exploring different musical styles such as rock, pop and electronic dance music.
Their fourth phase is from 2018 to the present, and they continue to release new music and expand their legacy.
They released one album during this time: Under the Streetlight(2017)Under the Streetlights is their fourth tribute album, featuring doo-wop and soul covers from The Drifters, The Penguins, Sam Cooke and more.
They also released several singles, such as “Snowy Day (2018), If You Leave Me Now (2019) and Love Struck (2020). They have worked with artists such as Charlie Puth, Brett Young and Jimmy Fallon.
They have also received several honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a residency at The Mirage in Las Vegas, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Soul Train Music Awards.
Influence
Boyz II Men have influenced many artists and musical genres, particularly R&B, pop, and hip-hop. They are widely praised for their vocal skills, songwriting ability, and musical diversity.
They are also credited with popularizing a cappella, harmony, and florid singing in contemporary music.
They have inspired and mentored many artists and groups such as Brian McKnight, Usher, Justin Timberlake, 98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Pentatonix and BTS.
Awards and nominations
Boyz II Men have received numerous awards and nominations throughout their career, both as a group and individually.
They have won four Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Music Awards, three Billboard Music Awards, and two MTV Video Music Awards.
They have also received three BET Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and have been nominated for an Academy Award. They have also been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame.
Discography
Boyz II Men has released 15 studio albums, 9 compilation albums and 36 singles. Their discography is as follows:
- Cooleyhighharmony
- two
- evolution
- Mix Collection
- Nathan Michael Sean Vanya
- Full circle
- Backtracking
- Remedies
- Motown: American Hits Tour
- like
- twenty
- collision
- Under the streetlight
- Snowy Day
- If you leave me now
- love Struck
net worth
Boyz II Men’s cumulative net worth is estimated to be $200 million.
