‘Motownphilly’, co-written by Michael Bivins and featuring his rap cameo, utilised the upbeat, hip-hop-influenced New Jack Swing genre that had dominated the charts that year, while ‘It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday’ was a spine-tingling a cappella cover of GC Cameron’s 1975 hit, perfectly showcasing each member’s stunning vocals and close harmonies. It was a sparkling debut that mixed old-school R&B with contemporary influences its two lead singles showcased their varied style. 1991’s Cooleyhighharmony was written largely by the band and produced by Dallas Austin, who’d later oversee some of TLC’s biggest hits. With Bivins’ influence, they scored a deal with Motown and began work on their debut album. All set to record their debut album, however, delays and personality clashes led to founding member Marc Nelson’s departure, leaving the group a quartet. There Boyz II Men sang an a cappella version of New Edition’s ‘Can You Stand The Rain’, impressing Michael Bivins so much that he agreed to manage them. Soon, their idols would have an even more pronounced impact on their career…Īfter performing at a well-received school Valentine’s Day party in 1989, the band managed to sneak backstage at a Philadelphia show by New Edition offshoot Bel Biv DeVoe.

With a permanent line-up cemented, the five-piece changed their name to Boyz II Men in 1988, after the track ‘Boys To Men’ on New Edition’s 1988 album Heart Break. Next was bass vocalist Michael McCary, who joined in an impromptu singing session in the school bathroom and found himself swiftly recruited. Shawn Stockman was the first replacement, snapped up after the remaining members saw him perform a solo with the school choir. The following year saw them splinter, however, as Baldi, Shoats and Walker left following their graduation.

Schoolmates George Baldi, Jon Shoats and Marguerite Walker completed the original line-up, joined in 1987 by freshman Wanya Morris. The group began life as Unique Attraction, founded by friends Nathan Morris and Marc Nelson at Philadelphia’s High School For The Creative And Performing Arts, in 1985.

Boyz ii men greatest hits