New Kids on the Block were one of the most successful teen pop groups of all time. They caught a lot of flak for being under the thumb of teen-act Svengali Maurice Starr; but nevertheless, they were the top-paid entertainers in the world during their heyday. Their records sales were through the roof, and their sold-out tours brought about many comparisons with the Beatles, as girls screamed and fainted when they passed. New Kids on the Block was comprised of Don Wahlberg (going by Donnie at the time), Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, and Danny Wood. At one point, Wahlberg's younger brother Mark (now a famous movie star) was in the group, but he left before the group released their first album. This self-titled album, released in 1986, failed to gain any kind of momentum, and it seemed that the group was finished. Not to be deterred, however, Starr brought the boys back into the studio to record 1988's Hangin' Tough. By 1989, the singles released from the album were at the top of the charts, and the band was touring with Tiffany, another teen pop sensation. 1989-2001 were the group's most successful years. They sold over eight million copies of Hangin' Tough, and were headlining major concert venues.
A media blitz followed with a Christmas album and another album, Step By Step. There were dolls, t-shirts, posters, books, pillowcases, and hundreds of other New Kids offerings. Though New Kids on the Block disbanded in 1994, their old albums and memorabilia are still very popular with collectors and fans worldwide.
|
