Seven years ago, five guys came together with one main thought, which is to sing and perform. Seven years later, these five guys have a string of awards and albums under their belt in what could be only described as a phenomenal rise to fame and fortune.

The Backstreet Boys named after an Orlando teen hangout called “Backstreet Market”, did not start out having a silver spoon in their mouths. The beginnings of the group date back all the way to 1993, Orlando, where then-high school students AJ McLean, Howie Dorough and junior high Nick Carter often bump into each other during acting auditions. Finding that they had a common love in music and performing, the three boys then roped in Kevin Richardson, who eventually asked his cousin, Brian Littrell to join the group. The group began performing in many local gigs that slowly, but surely built up awareness for them. Soon enough, there was that fateful phone call to Jive Records that resulted in the Backstreet Boys signing up under them.

The five members released their self-titled debut album in 1996, with the first single, “We've Got It Going On” hitting the hearts of those in Europe, especially in Germany. Their very first UK hit came when “Get Down (You're The One For Me)” was released in mid-1996, climbing to No. 14. The Backstreet Boys then broke into the UK Top 10 with “We've Got It Goin' On” hitting No. 3 and the ever-romantic “I'll Never Break Your Heart” at No. 8 later that year. Other hit singles included “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” and “Anywhere For You”.

The following year, 1997, saw the Backstreet Boys continue this success with their follow-up album, “Everybody (Backstreet's Back)” being released only in the UK. But they were still not breaking any ground in their home soil, the United States. Finally, in mid-1997, the group released their self-titled debut US album, which included many of the singles that were included in the European versions. This “gamble” paid off; “Backstreet Boys” was the third-best selling record of 1998, with total sales of over 8 million copies.

The Boys then took time off to release the highly successful “Millennium” album. Comprising of the enduringly popular hit, “I Want It That Way” as well as the futuristic “Larger Than Life”, this album signified the change in music style that the Boys were heading as well as more involvement where writing and producing for the album were concerned. “Millennium” also scored two more hits, the slow but heart wrenching “Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely” as well as “The One”, which was selected by the group's fans. So it was to no one's surprise when “Millennium” broke the record set by Garth Brooks for the most number of albums sold in a week.

Amassing a total of almost 40 awards since 1997 that includes four Billboard Music Awards, and five Grammy nominations, the Boys have definitely made it big in US finally. “Backstreet Boys” and “Millennium” were certified “Diamond” status by R.I.A.A. in March and December 1999 respectively, for sales of 10 million copies and more.

In the midst of all these hit making, Kevin married his longtime girlfriend, Kristin Willits on 17 June 2000 and Brian exchanged vows with Lieghanne Reena Wallace on 2 September 2000. Brian also underwent a successful open-heart surgery in May 1998 that was depicted in the music video for “Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely”.

The Backstreet Boys also had a massive sell-out “Millennium” tour in the US in 1999. The two-hour concert included close to 20 songs and had amazing pyrotechnics as well as futuristic outfits, to go with the theme of the album. As the Boys step into the new millennium, they will round off the year with the release of their third album, “Black & Blue” on November 20. Like “Millennium”, “Black & Blue” includes many of the Boys' very own compositions.

As part of their promotional plans for this new album, the Boys set off on a 100-hour world tour on 17 November to Stockholm, Tokyo, Sydney, Cape Town and Rio before ending in New York just in time for the launch of “Black & Blue”. All eyes will be on this particular album release, to see whether it could beat the single-week sales record that was set by label mates N'Sync album, “No Strings Attached”. The world awaits with bated breath as the world's biggest selling group sets out to show that they are the true kings of the industry.

	Full Name : Brian Thomas Littrell Birthdate : 20 February 1975
	Full Name : Kevin Scott Richardson Birthdate : 3 October 1971
	Full Name : Alexander James McLean Birthdate : 9 January 1978
	Full Name : Howard Dwaine Dorough Birthdate : 22 August 1973
	Full Name : Nicklolas Gene Carter Birthdate : 28 January 1980

Shape Of My Heart
The Call
What Makes You Different (Makes You Beautiful)

Music Videos -
The One
High | Low

Secret Diary (Bonus VCD)
Part 1
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Part 2
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