Inspired by New Kids on the Block, impresario Lou Pearlman decided to launch a new boyband. After a series of auditions he recruited A.J. McLean, Nick Carter and Howie Dorough, Kevin Richardson and his cousin Brian Littrell to complete the Backstreet Boys line-up. They released their first single 'We've Got It Goin' On' in 1995, although it wasn't until 'I'll Never Break Your Heart' a year later that their close harmony vocals, sleek dance routines and clean-cut image captured the imaginations of teenage fans.
Intensely promoted, 'Millennium' became America's biggest-selling album of 1999, turning them into international hearthrobs and has now sold over 40 million copies worldwide - making it one of the biggest-selling albums of all time. To promote follow-up 'Black & Blue' in 2000, they crossed the world in 100 hours making personal appearances. Richardson left in 2005 and attention was also diverted by Carter's solo success but they returned in 2009 with a new album, 'This Is Us'. They embarked on a world tour with New Kids on the Block in 2011 - the tour name emalgamating their initials into NKOTBSB, on which Richardson joined them. The band celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2013 by being honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They set off on an anniversary tour and released the lead single off their new album, both titled 'In a World Like This'.
Artist biography compiled by BDS/West 10. All rights reserved
