Song Lyric Sunday – Boyz II Men

Boy Bands is the prompt for Song Lyric Sunday this week. I think the term “Boy Bands” came about in the 80s. Prior to that I don’t recall ever hearing it before. The obvious ones that came to mind were New Kids on the Block, NSYNC, Take That and the Backstreet Boys. I have to admit that it wasn’t my style. Then along came Boyz II Men and I could relate on so many levels. So they are my choice today and the song is “The End of then Road”. Hope you enjoy it.

The Band

1988-
Nathan Morris Vocals
Shawn StockmanVocals
Wanya Morris Vocals
Michael McCaryVocals
Marc NelsonVocals

Boyz II Men formed at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts in Philadelphia. The group was originally called Unique Attraction and would practice in the school’s bathrooms due to the excellent acoustics.

Boyz II Men were discovered backstage at a New Edition concert. The members of the group loved New Edition and performed an a cappella version of their hit “Can You Stand the Rain” for then-aspiring record producer Michael Bivins, who was a member of New Edition and later Bell Biv Devoe. Bivins was so impressed that he started the process of getting the group signed to Motown Records immediately. Bivens raps about this on Boyz II Men’s debut single “Motownphilly.”

In 1992, Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” set a record by staying at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for 13 weeks straight. The decades-old record was previously held by Elvis Presley.

In 1992, Boyz II Men scored a spot as the opening act on MC Hammer’s 2 Legit 2 Quit tour. While on the road, the group’s tour manager Khalil Roundtree was murdered in Chicago. As a result, the group’s future performances of “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” were dedicated to him.

In 1995, Boyz II Men broke their own record when “One Sweet Day,” their duet with Mariah Carey, held the #1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for 16 weeks straight. As of 2012, “One Sweet Day” still holds the all-time record for most consecutive weeks at the top of the chart.

Boyz II Men went on tour to promote their 1997 album Evolution, but the jaunt was a disaster. The tour was plagued by disputes between the group and their record label, which in turn caused scuffles among the members of the group. To make matters worse, two of Boyz II Men’s members were suffering health problems; Michael McCary’s scoliosis had worsened, making it impossible for him to participate in the group’s dance routines, while Wanya Morris developed a polyp on one of his vocal chords. The tour was eventually postponed.

In February 2011, Boyz II Men headlined the Love Cruise, which sailed from Miami to Nassau and back. Fans were treated to concerts by Boyz II Men as well as deck parties, poker games, and photo opportunities with the group to help them celebrate their 20th anniversary as a band.
In 2012, the music industry rewarded Boyz II Men for their remarkable longevity. The group received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and they remain popular around the world, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia.

The group took its name from the New Edition song “Boys To Men,” found on their landmark 1988 album, Heart Break.

In 2017, they appeared in a Geico insurance ad singing about the side effects of prescription medication, with the tagline, “If you’re Boyz II Men, you make anything sound good. It’s what you do.”

Courtesy of Songfacts