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New Kids on the Block

From Alfawiki
New Kids on the Block
Company typeBoy band
IndustryMusic
Founded1984
Headquarters
Dorchester, Massachusetts
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, tours, merchandise

New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) is a boy band originating from Dorchester, Massachusetts, consisting of siblings Jonathan and Jordan Knight, along with Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. They achieved significant popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s, having sold more than 80 million records worldwide. NKOTB is recognized for influencing subsequent boy bands such as Take That, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC. In 1990, the group earned two American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo, or Group and Favorite Pop/Rock Album.

Established in 1984, NKOTB rose to fame by 1989 and was ranked number 16 in Rolling Stone’s "Top 25 Teen Idol Breakout Moments". Although they disbanded in 1994, the group reunited in 2007, releasing a new album and embarking on a tour in 2008. They have since produced two more studio albums and maintained an active touring schedule.

In 2014, the band was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their fan community is widely referred to as "Blockheads."

1984–1985: Formation and early years

During the early 1980s, Maurice Starr discovered the pop/R&B group New Edition and played a key role in their initial success. After being dismissed due to embezzlement allegations, Starr and his business associate Mary Alford sought to form a white counterpart. Fifteen-year-old Donnie Wahlberg caught their attention with his rapping talent, becoming the first member of the new ensemble.[1] Initially, his younger brother Mark Wahlberg joined but departed within months.[1] Donnie then brought in schoolmates Jamie Kelly, Jordan Knight, and Danny Wood; Jordan was soon joined by his older brother Jonathan Knight, while Kelly left early on.[2][1]

To fill the vacancy left by Kelly, Starr added 12-year-old Joey McIntyre, who initially found it challenging to integrate.[1][3] With this finalized lineup, Starr organized rehearsals after school and on weekends, eventually securing a recording deal with Columbia Records.[1][4]

Originally named Nynuk (pronounced "na-nook"), Columbia insisted on a change. The group adopted New Kids on the Block as their official name, inspired by a rap Donnie Wahlberg wrote for their debut album.[1] Signed under Columbia's black music division, they were initially marketed toward black audiences.[1][5]

1986–1987: New Kids on the Block (debut release)

Columbia Records launched the group's self-titled debut album in April 1986. Primarily produced and written by Maurice Starr, it showcased mid-1980s bubblegum pop style. The lead single, "Be My Girl", gained some local airplay around Boston but failed to chart nationally. The follow-up single, "Stop It Girl", performed even less successfully. During this period, the band toured extensively across New England, accepting every opportunity to perform live. Despite modest initial results, Starr remained determined and persuaded Columbia to approve a second album.

1988–1989: Hangin' Tough

After their initial album failed to meet expectations, Starr brought the band back into the studio during 1987–88 to work on their sophomore release. Desiring greater influence over their sound and public persona, Wahlberg, Wood, and Jordan Knight secured credits as associate producers. When Hangin' Tough was released in September 1988, it initially received minimal attention. Its lead single, "Please Don't Go Girl", gained momentum only after a Florida radio station increased airplay, prompting Columbia to enhance promotional efforts with a new video directed by Doug Nichol. This single eventually climbed to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking their first major breakthrough.

The band broadened their visibility through appearances on national television programs such as Showtime at the Apollo and Soul Train. Starr organized a backing band featuring Greg McPherson and David Dyson for live performances. Initially serving as the opening act for teen-pop star Tiffany, their rising fame soon reversed this arrangement, with Tiffany opening for them. Follow-up singles "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" and "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)" reached the top five and No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 respectively, driving strong album sales.

Further successful tracks from Hangin' Tough included the title song and "Cover Girl". Columbia also re-released "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)" from their debut album, which peaked at No. 8, revitalizing earlier sales. By late 1989, Hangin' Tough had reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and earned an eight-times platinum certification, establishing them as the first teenage act to secure five top ten hits from a single album.

In autumn 1989, they issued the double platinum holiday collection Merry, Merry Christmas, featuring the top 10 track "This One's for the Children", with proceeds benefiting United Cerebral Palsy. The album Hangin' Tough remained on the charts for 132 weeks and garnered two American Music Awards for "Best Pop/Rock Album" and "Best Pop/Rock Group". At one point, the band simultaneously had three singles from different albums charting on the Billboard Hot 100.

Columbia Music Video released a documentary titled Hangin' Tough, directed by Nichol, which included music videos and live concert footage from their 1989 tour. The video achieved significant commercial success and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video.

Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis proclaimed April 24, 1989 as "New Kids on the Block Day".

1990–1993: Step by Step and lip synching allegations

By early 1990, New Kids on the Block had risen to become one of America’s leading musical acts. In May of that year, they launched Step by Step, an album featuring more than half of its tracks co-written and produced by members of the group themselves. The title track soared to number one on the Hot 100 Singles Chart and became their highest-selling single to date, followed by "Tonight", which marked their ninth consecutive top-ten hit. Globally, "Let's Try It Again" reached No. 8 in the UK charts, while "Baby I Believe in You" topped charts in Japan. The album achieved triple platinum status and sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide. By late 1990, David Dyson assumed the role of musical director.

Their annual touring schedule included approximately two hundred shows, notably headlining the lavish The Magic Summer Tour, sponsored by Coke. This tour generated $74 million in revenue ($133 million adjusted for inflation), making them the highest-grossing American act at that time and ranking among the decade’s most lucrative tours with an audience totaling 3.2 million attendees. Their 1990 pay-per-view event set new viewership records. NKOTB-branded merchandise flooded retail outlets—including lunch boxes, pins, t-shirts, comic books published by Harvey Comics, and dolls—and inspired a Saturday morning animated series produced by Pangea Corporation and animated by DIC Entertainment. Merchandise sales were estimated at $400 million in 1991.

Their official fan club boasted over 200,000 members, ranking among the largest in the United States. The NKOTB hotline received approximately 100,000 calls each week. In 1991, they topped Forbes list of highest-paid entertainers, surpassing icons such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Bill Cosby. Columbia released No More Games/The Remix Album, which included two singles that entered the UK top 15 accompanied by music videos.

Although no new studio material was released in 1991, they toured extensively across Europe and Asia. That summer saw Wood and Wahlberg co-writing and co-producing Music for the People, introducing Mark Wahlberg’s brother Mark's hip-hop group that went platinum with its chart-topping single "Good Vibrations". Additionally, NKOTB performed during halftime at Super Bowl XXV, becoming the first pop group to headline this event; however, their performance was not broadcast nationally due to President George H. W. Bush’s Gulf War address.

In early 1992, they released "If You Go Away", featured as the only new track on their compilation album H.I.T.S.. The single reached No.16 in the US and No.9 in the UK charts. Following widespread industry scrutiny after the Milli Vanilli lip-synching controversy, NKOTB faced similar accusations from Gregory McPherson—a credited associate producer and Berklee College music instructor—who alleged that Maurice Starr provided vocals while members lip-synched during live performances. McPherson filed lawsuits alleging breach of contract and creative infringement against Starr.

In response, NKOTB halted their Australian tour to appear live on The Arsenio Hall Show, performing a medley of hits along with their latest single. They acknowledged using backing tracks during concerts but affirmed that they sang live vocals alongside harmonies contributed by Starr on some recordings.

On February 10, 1992, NKOTB initiated a defamation suit against McPherson; by April he withdrew his claims against Starr and retracted his accusations, confirming that group members performed lead vocals themselves.

Despite ongoing commercial achievements, NKOTB encountered growing criticism as detractors questioned their urban music authenticity and use of backing vocals during shows. Their record sales declined amid shifting musical trends favoring gangsta rap and grunge music.

1993–1995: Face the Music and Disbandment

Following their departure from Maurice Starr in 1993, the group abbreviated their name to NKOTB. In January 1994, they unveiled their fourth studio album, Face the Music, marking their first release in almost four years. Demonstrating a notable change in their musical direction, the members took on writing and co-producing responsibilities for nearly every track. Although the album received some favorable critiques, it did not achieve significant commercial success. The last single to chart from the album, "Dirty Dawg" featuring Nice & Smooth, reached number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100. The subsequent single, "Never Let You Go", failed to enter U.S. charts but attained number 42 in the UK and number 18 in Canada.

To support the album, NKOTB opted for touring smaller venues such as clubs and theaters rather than large arenas or stadiums. Amid rising anxiety and panic attacks, Jonathan Knight exited the band, which led to the official dissolution of the group by the remaining four members.

After disbanding, most members concentrated on family life and solo endeavors. Jonathan Knight and Danny Wood maintained relatively low public profiles, while Jordan Knight, Donnie Wahlberg, and Joey McIntyre pursued individual careers—Wahlberg notably following his brother Mark's path into acting. Jordan Knight and McIntyre both released solo albums in 1999. MTV attempted to orchestrate a reunion for the 1999 VMAs; however, Jonathan Knight's refusal prevented this from happening. In 2004, VH1's Bands Reunited aimed for a one-time get-together; although Jonathan agreed, McIntyre, Wahlberg, and Wood declined participation—McIntyre expressed willingness only if a permanent reunion was planned.

2008–2012: Reunion, The Block and NKOTBSB Collaboration

In April 2008, Donnie Wahlberg confirmed that the group was reuniting with intentions to produce new music and embark on a tour. The next month saw the release of their first single since reuniting, "Summertime", which reinstated their full name "New Kids on the Block" instead of NKOTB.

On August 12, 2008, they released "Single", their second single featuring R&B artist Ne-Yo. This was followed by their first studio album in fourteen years, The Block. Released in September 2008, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Pop Albums Chart and number two on the Billboard 200. By October, it had earned Gold certification in Canada.

Their reunion tour titled New Kids on the Block: Live commenced in Toronto on September 18, 2008, covering venues across North America and Europe with Natasha Bedingfield and Lady Gaga as opening acts. In 2009, they launched a fan-centric concert cruise and announced the Full Service Tour alongside Jesse McCartney and Jabbawockeez.

Jordan Knight announced plans for another concert cruise in 2010. Subsequently, individual members engaged in solo projects: McIntyre collaborated with producers like Drew Ryan Scott and Gabe Lopez; Wahlberg released singles featuring Aubrey O'Day and Roscoe Umali.

Tickets for the third annual NKOTB cruise aboard Carnival Destiny sold out swiftly in May 2011. After a surprise joint performance with Backstreet Boys at Radio City Music Hall in June 2010, both groups officially announced a collaborative tour for summer 2011 including Jordin Sparks and Ashlyne Huff; Matthew Morrison later joined as well. The NKOTBSB Tour spanned from May 2011 through June 2012 and coincided with a compilation album containing two new tracks.

On June 22, 2012, NKOTB was honored with selection for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame set for 2013.

During the Summer Mixtape Festival, McIntyre disclosed that they were developing a new album without guest collaborations, differing from The Block approach.

2013–2023: 10, Thankful, and Battle of Boston with New Edition

On January 22, 2013, the group revealed on The View their upcoming single, "Remix (I Like The)" (set for release on January 28), along with a new album titled 10 scheduled for April 2, 2013, distributed through Kobalt Label Services. They also announced a North American tour for the summer of 2013, featuring 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men as supporting acts. The album 10 entered the Billboard 200 chart at number 6, becoming their fifth studio album to reach the US top 10. Their promotional efforts included appearances on programs such as The Today Show, The View, and an iHeartRadio concert. Additionally, they performed alongside Boyz II Men during the Boston Strong telethon in May 2013.

On February 3, 2014, the band announced plans for a European Tour in 2014, playing smaller venues from Stockholm to Glasgow between May and June. Following this, they hosted their sixth annual NKOTB Cruise departing from New York. In July 2014, they initiated a limited residency in Las Vegas called New Kids on the Block After Dark at The AXIS within Planet Hollywood.

The group was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 9, 2014.

In January 2015, they publicized The Main Event (tour), a summer tour co-headlined with TLC and Nelly. They also starred in Pop’s reality series Rock This Boat: New Kids on the Block, which chronicled their Bermuda cruise experience and was renewed for a second season.

In December 2016, they appeared as themselves in an episode of Fuller House, performing several songs.

November 2016 brought the announcement of The Total Package Tour, featuring Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men, covering 44 cities across North America from May through July 2017. During a guest spot on The Late Late Show with James Corden, they performed "One More Night" from their EP Thankful, released May 12 to coincide with the tour.

In December 2017, they released Thankful (Unwrapped), an expanded version of the EP including a Target-exclusive track with DMX and three new holiday songs—their first seasonal recordings in nearly three decades. Alongside this release, they announced a brief documentary filmed during their summer tour.

In October 2018, New Kids unveiled plans for the MixTape Tour, featuring prominent artists from the ’80s and ’90s such as Salt-N-Pepa, Naughty by Nature, Debbie Gibson, and Tiffany; this tour ran from May to July 2019. On December 13, 2018, they confirmed their participation in Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2019 held in Times Square.

On March 2, 2019, they debuted the music video for "Boys in the Band (Boy Band Anthem)", which included appearances by Lance Bass, Debbie Gibson, Naughty by Nature, members of New Edition, and references to numerous boy bands spanning several decades.

The MixTape Tour commenced on May 2, 2019, with New Kids headlining alongside Salt-N-Pepa, Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, and Naughty by Nature. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, NKOTB released "House Party," which reached number five on Billboard's Digital Songs chart; the track featured collaborations with Naughty by Nature, Boyz II Men, Big Freedia, and Jordin Sparks. On August 6, 2021, they performed at Boston’s Fenway Park accompanied by special guests Bell Biv Devoe and D-Nice.

On March 3, 2022, NKOTB premiered the video "Bring Back the Time," showcasing Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley, and En Vogue. Directed by John Asher, it humorously pays homage to iconic ’80s music videos by artists including Journey, Devo, Madonna, Duran Duran, and Michael Jackson.

2024–present: Still Kids, Magic Summer Tour, and Las Vegas Residency

In March 2024, the band revealed plans for their eighth studio album, Still Kids, scheduled to be released on May 17, 2024. This album arrives after an eleven-year hiatus, with the lead single "Kids" and its accompanying video debuting on March 5, 2024. Following this, they kicked off The Magic Summer Tour (2024) in June 2024, featuring support from Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Their first-ever Las Vegas residency, titled New Kids on The Block: The Right Stuff Las Vegas Residency, commenced on June 20, 2025, at Dolby Live within Park MGM. The residency is set to continue until February 2026 and has garnered acclaim for combining dynamic concert performances with the quintessential Las Vegas entertainment experience.

Current

  • Jordan Knight – lead vocals and backing vocals (1984–present)
  • Donnie Wahlberg – secondary lead vocals, rap segments, backing vocals (1984–present)
  • Joey McIntyre – secondary lead vocals and backing vocals (1985–present)
  • Danny Wood – tertiary lead vocals and backing vocals (1984–present)
  • Jonathan Knight – tertiary lead vocals and backing vocals (1984–present)

Former

Discography

Studio albums

Videos

  • Hangin' Tough (1989)
  • Step by Step (1990)

TV Specials

New Kids on the Block: Live from New York: A pay-per-view event recorded at Nassau Coliseum during the Hangin Tough Tour in 1990.

No More Games Tour: A pay-per-view special filmed in Providence, Rhode Island, December 1990.

New Kids on the Block: Magic Summer Tour (1990): A pay-per-view production captured at the Florida Suncoast Dome during their August 1990 Magic Summer Tour.

New Kids on the Block at Disney MGM Studios: Wildest Dreams (1991): A concert special highlighting each member’s personal aspirations—ranging from acting and singing to basketball and stunt performances.

Headlining

Co-headlining

Residencies

  • New Kids on The Block: The Right Stuff (2025–26)

Awards and nominations

Year Organization Category Work nominated Outcome
1990 Grammy Awards Best Long Form Music Video "Hangin' Tough" Template:Nom
1990 American Music Awards Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group Template:Won
Favorite Pop/Rock Album Hangin' Tough Template:Won
1991 Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group Template:Nom
1990 Billboard Music Awards Top Pop Artist Template:Won
1989 Boston Music Awards Outstanding R&B Single You Got It (The Right Stuff) Template:Won
Outstanding Video Template:Won
1990 Artist of the Year Template:Won
Outstanding Pop/Rock Single I'll Be Loving You (Forever) Template:Won
Outstanding Video Hangin' Tough Template:Won
1991 Artist of the Year Template:Won
Outstanding Pop Single Step by Step Template:Won
Outstanding Video Template:Won
2008 National Act of the Year Template:Won
1989 MTV Video Music Awards MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography in a Video You Got It (The Right Stuff) Template:Nom

External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Biography.com
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Encyclopedia Johnson
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named heartthrobs
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named pop bonanza
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Ten Things
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