The “A to Z of Boy Bands” is a new post series we are going to have on The Fangirling Life where we go letter by letter, talking about boy bands. Each post will include three people, songs, etc. that start with the letter.
Jackson 5
The Jackson 5 (Jackson Five or The Jacksons) was a band of brothers that began in 1964 with the name the Jackson Family. The band consisted of of Jackie, Tito, Jermain, Marlon and Michael for the height of their fame. Randy Jackson would later join the band when Jermaine left the group.
The Jackson 5 was first signed to Steeltown Records and released two singers before heading to Motown Records where they finally hit the bigtime. They had four consecutive number one hits with “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.
The band went through many changes with record labels until finally disbanding in 1989 after Michael became the biggest pop star in the world with his olo career. They reunited for a special event in 2001 and that was it until 2012 after Michael’s death.
Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers were a group of brothers – Nick, Joe and Kevin – who formed a group in 2005, toured with acts such as Kelly Clarkson, Backstreet Boys and The Click Five, before releasing their debut album, “It’s About Time,” was released on August 8, 2006. Their self-titled second album was released almost a year later with two singles and videos (“Hold On” and “S.O.S”). The group guest starred on “Hannah Montana” and shortly after they took off.
With another album being released almost exactly a year after their second, the Jonas Brothers opened up for Avril Lavigne on tour and filmed a Disney movie, “Camp Rock,” with a then-unknown Demi Lovato. In the meantime, they were nominated for a Grammy (Best New Artist) and became the youngest band to ever grace the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
The band announced they were splitting up on October 29, 2013 after their second single from their fifth album called “First Time” failed to make waves on the radio. Currently, Joe leads the band DNCE after a failed solo career, Kevin is married with two daughters and Nick has a very successful solo and acting career.
Joey McIntyre
Joey McIntyre is the youngest member of New Kids on the Block. He was born December 31, 1972 in Needham, Massachusetts and was the last member to join the band. After New Kids on the Block split in 1994, Joey began writing and acting, performing on Broadway and in film.
Joey used his own money to record his first solo album, “Stay the Same” and sold it on his website, which led to a recording contract with Sony/Columbia, the former home for NKOTB. The album was re-released and the first single, “Stay the Same,” peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
While his solo career never took off and New Kids got back together, Joey recorded several albums, including an album of covers in 2006. Joey also took part in the first season of “Dancing with the Stars” and came in third place. He also stared in the movies “The Heat” with Melissa McCarthy and “New Year’s Day.” In 2014 he had his own show, “The McCarthys,” on CBS and another show on Pop TV, “Meet Joe Mac,” where he portrayed a fictional version of himself.
