These boy bands are total legends in the music world!
Boy bands have been shaping pop culture for ages. From catchy songs to slick dance moves and endless charm, these groups have a way of winning over fans like nobody else. Whether it’s the smooth harmonies from way back in the '60s or the modern pop hits we jam to now, boy bands have always found a way to stay on top. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest boybands that have changed the game and totally captured the hearts of millions around the world.
The Beatles might not fit the classic "boyband" label, but they pretty much paved the way for all that followed. Formed in 1960 with John, Paul, George, and Ringo, they became global icons with their fresh sound and cool vibe. Their debut album Please Please Me kicked off a crazy string of hits, sparking worldwide “Beatlemania.” Even after splitting in 1970, their influence on music, fashion, and pop culture is still massive today. You just can’t talk about music history without mentioning The Beatles.
The Backstreet Boys were the boy band of the 90s. AJ, Howie, Nick, Kevin, and Brian came together in Orlando in 1993 and took the world by storm. With 10 albums, 11 world tours, and 8 Grammy nominations under their belt, it’s clear these guys have serious staying power. Unlike many boy bands that call it quits, BSB has only taken one short break. In 2024, they're hitting the road again with Backstreet's at the Beach and a Vegas stop on the calendar.
The Jackson 5, formed in 1965, became a huge sensation with their catchy hits and smooth moves. Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and a young Michael Jackson wowed audiences with songs like I Want You Back, ABC, and I’ll Be There. Their energetic performances and incredible harmonies made them stand out. Even as Michael went on to become a global superstar, the Jackson 5’s music continues to be loved, with hits like Can You Feel It and Blame It on the Boogie still being fan favourites.
The Osmonds were one of the biggest sibling boy bands to hit the scene in the 70s! With Donny, Jimmy, Merrill, Wayne, Alan, and Jay Osmond, they ruled the charts with catchy hits like One Bad Apple, Down By The Lazy River, and Yo-Yo. Their classic outfits and energetic performances made them unforgettable. The band’s success was huge, with over 77 million albums sold worldwide. Not bad for a family band!
Boyz II Men shook things up in 1987 by bringing smooth R&B vibes into the boy band scene. Originally made up of Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Michael McCary (who left in 2003), this group made serious waves with their hit End of the Road, which spent a record-breaking 13 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992. With 13 albums and 60 million records sold worldwide, they've also snagged four Grammy Awards. Today, Boyz II Men has a combined net worth of $200 million!
New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) took the world by storm in the late '80s and early '90s. Formed in 1984 with Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood, they sold over 80 million records worldwide, becoming one of the top boybands ever. Their mix of pop and R&B, along with killer harmonies and smooth dance moves, set the blueprint for future boybands. NKOTB spoke directly to young fans, becoming a global sensation and paving the way for the boyband craze of the '90s.
Also, Westlife, Jonas Brothers, NSYNC, and One Direction are some of the most significant boy bands.
