The road for R&B vocal legends Boyz II Men leads them to the grounds for the first time this evening, making their Chautauqua debut at 8:15 p.m. tonight in the Amphitheater.
Known for their emotional ballads, vocal arrangements and smooth harmonies, the Grammy Award-winning group has been charming audiences for more than 30 years, even before their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony, released in 1991. Formed in Philadelphia, Boyz II Men initially gained recognition by performing at local talent shows and events and quickly established themselves in the R&B world after meeting Michael Bivins — member of R&B group New Editions — who went on to become their manager and helped launch their career.
The group was first formed when Michael McCary, Wanyá Morris and Shawn Stockman joined Nathan Morris and Marc Nelson, who had been singing together in high school under the name of Unique Attractions. However, Nelson left the group before its debut and Boyz II Men continued as a quartet until 2003 when McCary left due to complications with multiple sclerosis.
Boyz II Men continued to blossom as a trio, with Wanyá Morris’ vibrato-heavy tenor, Stockman’s tenor, and Nathan Morris’ baritone, allowing them to craft their distinctive and classic sound that has led them to become one of the biggest names in a cappella and R&B. With hits like “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “On Bended Knee” and “Motown Philly,” Boyz II Men were at the forefront of the movement bringing R&B back into the mainstream during the 1990s.
Throughout their career, they have appeared in movies like “Lethal Weapon 4” and “Soul Men,” and made special appearances on television shows like “How I Met Your Mother” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and in some GEICO Auto Insurance ads, making them even more ubiquitous in homes across the country.
The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas played host to a multiple-year residency for the group, and over the course of their career, they’ve sold over 64 million albums. The album II sold over 12 million copies in the United States alone, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. Additionally, Boyz II Men have been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the R&B Music Hall of Fame, have their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and have won four Grammys Awards.
Beyond their music, they have made a point of giving back to the community, and established the Boyz II Men House in Philadelphia — a program for at-risk youth that hopes to improve the quality of life of young people — in 2000.
An undeniable force in the R&B world, with their unique sound Boyz II Men had a key impact on the boy band scene in 1990s and early aughts. They’ve influenced multiple pop and R&B artists, from Justin Timberlake and Usher to Justin Bieber and Beyonce. As they take the stage tonight, their signature style and romantic lyrics are sure to bring some nostalgia to the Amp.
