Boyz II Men Biography: Net Worth, Songs, Members, Age, Instagram, Real Names

Boyz II Men is one of music’s most successful and influential vocal groups. For over three decades, they have captivated audiences with their soulful harmonies, smooth vocals, and heartfelt lyrics.

They have sold millions of albums, won numerous awards, and set records for chart-topping hits.

They have also collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Babyface, and Justin Timberlake.

They are not only a musical phenomenon but also a cultural icon, inspiring generations of singers and fans around the world.

Background details

Boyz II Men was formed in 1988 at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, a magnet school for talented students.

The original members were Nathan Morris, Marc Nelson, Wanyá Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Michael McCary.

They were inspired by the classic doo-wop and R&B groups of the 1950s and 1960s, such as The Temptations, The Dells, and The Miracles.

They named themselves after the song “Boys to Men” by New Edition, one of their favorite contemporary groups.

Success

The group’s big break came in 1989 when they performed at a school concert and caught the attention of Michael Bivins, a member of New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe. Bivins was impressed by their talent and offered to mentor and manage them.

He helped them secure a record deal with Motown Records, the legendary label that launched the careers of many of their idols.

He also suggested they change their name to Boyz II Men to emphasize their transition from boys to men.

Members

The group’s lineup changed slightly over the years. 1990 Marc Nelson left the group due to personal and creative differences.

He later pursued a solo career and formed the R&B group Az Yet. In 2003, Michael McCary left the group due to health issues.

He suffered from multiple sclerosis, a condition that affects the nervous system and causes chronic pain and fatigue.

He also had conflicts with the other members over the group’s direction. Since then, Boyz II Men has continued as a trio consisting of Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris, and Shawn Stockman. They have remained close friends and loyal partners, sharing the lead vocals and harmonies equally.

Current members

• Nathan Morris
• Wanya Morrisin
• Shawn Stockman

Former members

• Marc Nelson (left before group’s first release)
• Mike McCary (resigned due to medical condition)

Career

Boyz II Men’s career can be divided into several phases, each marked by a different sound and style. Their first phase was from 1991 to 1997, when they dominated the charts with romantic ballads and cappella arrangements.

Their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony, was released in 1991 and featured the hit singles “Motownphilly,” “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” and “End of the Road.”

The album sold over nine million copies and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

Their second album, II, was released in 1994 and featured the hit singles “I’ll Make Love to You,” “On Bended Knee,” and “Water Runs Dry.” The album sold over 12 million copies and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.

Their third album, Evolution, was released in 1997 and featured the hit singles “4 Seasons of Loneliness” and “A Song for Mama.” The album sold over three million copies and showed a more mature and diverse sound.

Their second phase was from 1998 to 2004 when they experimented with different genres and collaborations. They released four albums during this period: The Remix Collection (1998), Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya (2000), Full Circle (2002), and Throwback (2004).

The Remix Collection featured remixes of their previous hits by various producers and DJs. Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya was their first album to be released independently, without the involvement of Bivins or Motown.

Full Circle was their last album with McCary and their return to a major label, Arista Records. Throwback was a tribute album to their musical influences, featuring covers of songs by The Isley Brothers, The Stylistics, The Beatles, and others.

Their third phase was from 2005 to 2017, focusing on their live performances and international appeal. They released five albums during this period: The Remedy (2006), Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA (2007), Love (2009), Twenty (2011), and Collide (2014).

The Remedy was their second independent album, released exclusively in Japan, where they have a large fan base.

Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA was their second tribute album, featuring covers of Motown classics by The Supremes, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, and others. Love was their third tribute album, featuring covers of love songs by Journey, Chicago, Bonnie Raitt, and others.

Twenty was their tenth studio album and their celebration of their 20th anniversary. It featured 10 new songs and 10 re-recorded versions of their previous hits. Collide was their eleventh studio album and explored different musical styles, such as rock, pop, and EDM.

Their fourth phase is from 2018 to the present when they have continued to release new music and expand their legacy.

They released one album during this period: Under the Streetlight (2017). Under the Streetlight was their fourth tribute album, featuring covers of doo-wop and soul songs by The Drifters, The Penguins, Sam Cooke, and others.

They have also released several singles, such as “Snowy Day” (2018), “If You Leave Me Now” (2019), and “Love Struck” (2020). They have collaborated with artists such as Charlie Puth, Brett Young, and Jimmy Fallon.

They have also received several honors, including a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, a residency at The Mirage in Las Vegas, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Soul Train Music Awards.

Influence

Boyz II Men has influenced many artists and genres, especially R&B, pop, and hip-hop. They have been praised for their vocal skills, songwriting abilities, and musical versatility.

They have also been credited for popularizing a cappella, vocal harmonies, and melismatic singing in contemporary music.

They have inspired and mentored many singers and groups, such as Brian McKnight, Usher, Justin Timberlake, 98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Pentatonix, and BTS.

Awards & nominations

Boyz II Men has received numerous awards and nominations throughout their career, both as a group and as individuals.

They have won four Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Music Awards, three Billboard Music Awards, and two MTV Video Music Awards.

They have also been nominated for three BET Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and one Academy Award. They have also been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame.

Discography

Boyz II Men has released 15 studio albums, nine compilation albums, and 36 singles. Their discography is as follows:

• Cooleyhighharmony
• II
• Evolution
• The Remix Collection
• Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya
• Full Circle
• Throwback
• The Remedy
• Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA
• Love
• Twenty
• Collide
• Under the Streetlight
• Snowy Day
• If You Leave Me Now
• Love Struck

Net Worth

Boyz II Men has accumulated an estimated net worth of $200 Million.