The Backstreet Boys, often abbreviated as BSB, are an iconic American vocal group that took the world by storm in the late 1990s. Formed in 1993 in Orlando, Florida, the group consists of Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, and cousins Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson. Their journey to superstardom was marked by a series of successful albums, culminating in the release of their third studio album, Millennium, in 1999. This album solidified their status
as one of the best-selling boy bands of all time.
Early Years and Formation
The Backstreet Boys' story began in the early 1990s when Howie Dorough and AJ McLean, both natives of Orlando, met through a mutual vocal coach. They soon discovered Nick Carter through auditions, and the trio realized their potential to harmonize together. Meanwhile, cousins Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell, who grew up singing in church choirs in Kentucky, joined the group after Richardson moved to Orlando. The group was officially formed on April 20, 1993, when Littrell flew to Orlando to join the others.
The group was named Backstreet Boys after the sound made by an Arctic Tern, and they performed their first show at SeaWorld Orlando in May 1993. They spent the summer performing at various venues, from shopping malls to charity galas, building a fan base while seeking a record deal. Their persistence paid off when they signed with JIVE Records in 1994.
Breakthrough and International Success
The Backstreet Boys' debut album, released internationally in 1996, marked the beginning of their global success. The album featured hits like "We've Got It Goin' On" and "I'll Never Break Your Heart," which resonated with audiences worldwide. Their popularity soared in Europe, where they were voted the No. 1 international group in Germany in 1996. The group continued to build on this success with their second album, Backstreet's Back, released in 1997.
In the United States, the group released a self-titled album in 1997, which included songs from their international debut and Backstreet's Back. This album peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. album chart and sold 14 million copies, establishing the Backstreet Boys as a household name in America.
Millennium and Superstardom
The release of Millennium in 1999 catapulted the Backstreet Boys to superstardom. The album featured the worldwide hit "I Want It That Way," which topped charts in over 25 countries. Millennium debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 1.1 million copies in its first week. It became the best-selling album of 1999 in the U.S., with over 12 million copies sold.
The success of Millennium was supported by the Into the Millennium Tour, which comprised 115 sold-out shows in 84 cities. The tour broke sales records and solidified the Backstreet Boys' place in music history. As of January 2013, Millennium remains one of the best-selling albums in the U.S. of the SoundScan era, a testament to the group's enduring appeal and impact on the music industry.
