The Backstreet Boys (or as they are commonly called by fans the "BSB"'s) do not only have the most beautiful voices out of many "boy groups", but have a true talent in harmonising, instrument-playing and even dancing! And the whole time of being busy doing all the above-stuff, they still manage to look gorgeous, and remain polite to screaming mobs of fans and the people they associate with!

But who are the Backstreet Boys?

Kevin Scott Richardson is the eldest in the group, being 26. Kevin has a beautiful deep voice, and often is the rock-solid base for the group's harmonising. Some of Kevin's nick names are "Train", "Kev", "Boo", "Pumpkin" and "Mr Body Beautiful" (coz in case you didn't know, he does a lot of body-building). Just before he became a BSB, he was working at Disneyland as "Aladdin" and a "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle". He's also Brian's cousin.

Howie Dwaine Dorough is the second eldest in the group, being 24. Howie gives depth and interest to the harmony parts by singing with access to 'falsetto' parts (eg. the really high [like Mariah Carey high] parts). Howie is commonly called by his nick-names "Howie D", "D" and "Sweet D". Howie was one of the first BSBs, along with Nick and A.J., but before becoming a BSB, he did a fair bit of acting, and appeared in films such as "Cop and a Half", "Parenthood" and "Edward Scissorhands".

Brian Thomas Littrell is the middle BSB and is 23 years old. Brian has a really strong variable voice, and often sings the harmony parts in their songs. When Brian was very young, he contracted a fatal blood infection (a staph infection) and he had a zero chance of living. Miraculously, he recovered extremely well, and is now a vital member of the BSB's (well, obviously!). His nick names consist of "B-Rok™", "Frick" and "Bri". He is Kevin's cousin, and before they became BSB's, they often performed at family parties singing Barbershop quartet pieces together. Brian was the fifth member of the BSB's after being introduced to the group by Kevin.

Alexander James McLean is 20 years old, and the second youngest member of the group. He has what is described as a rich voice, perfect for sweet romantic solos, but also the talent for fast "rap" kinda parts in songs (such as "Get Down (You're the One For Me)"). He is known to the world as "A.J.", but to the 'Boys his nick names are "Bone", "Boner" and "Mr Cool". He is also well known by his trademark sunglasses, and his "Da Bone" tattoo on his right upper-arm. He was one of the first BSB's, being part of the trio involving Nick and Howie (and A.J., of course!).

Nicholas Gene Carter is the youngest in the group, being only 18 years old. He has an extraordinary voice for his age, with really strong vocals. He often sings the first or second verses in songs (or so we've noticed) which draws the listeners right in. His nick names include "Nick" (which he is commonly known as), "Frack", "Messy Marvin" and "Kaos", plus many others. Being the youngest in the group, he is often 'picked on' by the older BSB's and was once even thrown out of the dressing room wearing only his green undies! (now that's a sight most girls would die to see!). As already mentioned, Nick was involved in the trio of himself, Howie and A.J., making him one of the first Backstreet Boys.

After A.J., Howie and Nick formed a trio, they decided that before going any further, they wanted to make the "harmonies richer" and set off in search for two more members. They met up with Kevin (who was working at Disneyland), and Kevin then became the fourth member. Kevin then called Brian (who was in Lexington, Kentucky at the time), and then the Backstreet Boys legend was born.

The name "Backstreet Boys" was not actually solidly decided on… they were 'named' after their 'local hangout', (in Tampa, Florida) called the 'Backstreet Market', and the name just sort of 'stuck'.

The group has been together as a five for approximately 5 years, and since then has released two albums: "Backstreet Boys" and "Backstreet's Back", which have taken the world (and particularly my household!) by storm.

The phenomenon everyday grows bigger and better…

Written and designed by Laura, August 26, 1998