Having gone diamond in Canada twice and multi-platinum in over 16 different
countries by selling more than 22 million records worldwide, the Backstreet
Boys have accomplished much success with only two records and a third release
on the way.
Tracing the band's roots to sunny Florida, the group formed in 1993 after A.J McLean, Howie Dorough and Nick Carter continuously met up in local auditions. The three would sing a cappella while waiting for an audition for a talent show and became known as "those guys who harmonize all the time."
While traveling to Orlando on a whim, Kevin Richardson met up with the band through a mutual friend. Stunned by the a cappella harmonies which he heard the night before, the boys decided to team up. A quick call was made the next morning to Kentucky and Brian Littrell, Kevin's cousin, became the fifth and final member.
After fine-tuning their vocals by covering their favorite tunes, the Backstreet Boys began singing their a cappella tunes in the foyers of local lables. An indie single, "Tell Me That I'm Dreaming," was released which eventually led to meeting their manager Donna Wright, and a Jive record deal.
However, despite much success in Europe, Asia, and Canada, the Backstreet Boys could not gain a solid foothold on the American market. Heading back to the studios after the release of their first album, Backstreet Boys, the band was determined more than ever to bring their music home. The release of their second album, Backstreet's Back, created a frenzy which gave them renown global success and established them as one of the most popular R&B/pop groups of all time.
