Following the release of their debut Motown album, Cooleyhighharmony, back in 1991, the members of Boyz II Men, Wanya Morris, now 19, Shawn Stockman, 20, Michael McCary, 21, and Nathan Morris, 22, were just grateful for the opportunity. It was sheer guts that brought them backstage at a show sponsered by Power 99, a local radio station in their hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a determined move to meet former New Editon member Michael Bivins, who was gaining props as one third of Bell Biv Devoe (BBD), and as the president of the then-fledging company, Biv Entertainment.
Only a fool could resist the crooning of the four friends, who used to entertain classmates in the hallways of their school, and basically sing anywhere, anytime. Now everybody knows Michael Bivins is no fool, so he quickly signed the group to a management and production contract. He then convinced Motown head, Jheryl Bubsy, to give the group a listen. He did one better: The group was signed to Motown faster than you can say quick, and the rest is history.
Cooleyhighharmony, which to date has sold nearly seven million copies worldwide, produced several hits, including the first single, "Motownphilly," an up-tempo jammie that the guys really did not want to release as their first song. Nate explained it like this back in 1991: "First of all, we didn't want to drop 'Motownphilly' as a single. We wanted to drop a ballad, but the president of Motown, Jheryl Bubsy, felt that we should go with that one. He felt it was a good introduction song." He was right. With the other hits that followed, "Please Don't Go," "Uhh Ahh," and "It's so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday," the group got a chance to show the world their crooning style. Hit after hit they gather more and more fans, young and old. The group also went on to pick up a Grammy for Best New R&B Group.
But just as their debut album was cooling down, in terms of singles being released, the call came from LaFace Records. The offer was a chance to record the L.A. and Babyface tune, "End of the Road," for the Boomerang soundtrack. The doo-wop group's way with the song made it a mainstay at the #1 position on Billboard's Hot 100 chart for a record 13 weeks in 1992. There was no mistaking Boyz II Men had become the hottest young group of the early 90's. The recording was for LaFace Records, but it is safe to assume that the executives at Motown were smiling like mad. Motown was right back in the thick of things. The label, which built it's reputation with young acts like Stevie Wonder, and The Jackson 5, could safely continue the doings of its rich past.
As Boyz II Men, buried themselves in a recording studio to work on their Christmas Interpretations album, word started surfacing that Bivins was no longer their manager.
Although not confirmed by Bivins nor Motown Records, a key independent publicist has confirmed that Dick Scott, manger of New Kids on the Block, is now the manager of Boyz II Men. Word that is confirmed is that the group resigned to Motown to a seven-album deal worth millions. Published figures said $30 million, but Bubsy is quoted in Billboard magazine disputing that amount, saying it is "a ridiculous figure, not even close."
But whatever the actual figure, Boyz II Men are certainly million-dollar crooners. Gone are the days of singing for the fun of it. Sure, it's still what the fellas love to do, but now they're in the big leauges. Right up there with Prince, Janet, and Michael.
The first single from Christmas Interpretations is "Let it Snow," sure to be another hit from the group. So while they spice up your holiday season with the Yuletide recording, keep in mind that it's only about six months before we get another album from the group. The next Boyz II Men music package should surface in the first-half of 1994. Stay tuned.