We had a discussion at work the other day about “boy bands.” What defines one? Where did this type of music originate from? Which band was the first? And who really cares?
A boy band is typically a vocal group of teenage male singers who sing sappy love songs marketed to teenage girls and dance in highly choreographed performances. That sound about right?
A few online searches on the subject of boy bands show there were three general eras when these types of musicians were most popular.
The first was in the 1960s and early 1970s with groups like the Jackson 5, The Bay City Rollers and the Osmonds. The second was in the 1990s when acts such as New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys and NSYNC dominated the pop charts. The last era was in the 2010s up to the present with the emergence of groups such as One Direction and BTS.
Some groups such as Backstreet Boys and LFO have expressed their dislike for the term “boy band” and prefer to be known as a “male vocal group.” Can you blame them? Boy bands have been scathingly accused of prioritizing their appearances more than the quality of their music in efforts to appeal to preteen audiences. I don’t know anyone who would argue with that.
Many boy bands formed on their own with some evolving out of church or gospel groups. Others are created by “talent managers” who hold auditions with young boys who mostly do not play musical instruments.
In the midst of this boy band discussion, a younger staff member said, “Surely you had boy bands in the 1980s.” My response was, “Not really. I don’t think anyone called Van Halen, Motley Crue or Quiet Riot boy bands.” Milli Vanilli doesn’t count. Thank goodness.
Were you a fan of boy bands? Did I miss your favorites? Send me a note and let me know.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com | 
