In the late 1980's, a group of kids from Boston jumped on stage, and into the International spotlight. They were young, cute, talented, and called themselves the New Kids On The Block. For ten years, they became a phenomenon that seemed unstoppable, causing teenaged girls around the world, to swoon and scream in sheer delight.
They released their first album in 1986, to less than rave reviews. They were managed by R&B guru, Maurice Starr. Their second album, titled Hangin’ Tough, was again received by less than exciting results. However, it was thanks in part to a radio station in Florida, that their first release became popular. In the end, the album spent more than 130 weeks on the charts, and won two American Music Awards.
Though they had become one of the most popular boy bands of the time, the boys split in 1994. After parting ways with their long time manager, they tried to produce their final album on their own. However, their popularity had already begun to wane and because of severe anxiety attacks, Johnathan Knight left the group. From there, it was only a matter of time before the rest of the boys gave up.
That only lasted until April of 2008, when the New Kids On The Block confirmed rumors that they were getting back together. They released their first single in May of that year, and the full album, “The Block”, was released in August, reaching #2 position in September. Though they’re not kids anymore, it’s quite clear that the NKOTB are still one of the hottest groups in the world.