Interview: BOYZ II MEN at NJPAC

It may be hard to believe for longtime fans, but it has been 25 years since Boyz II Men first graced airwaves with the unparalleled harmonies and smooth-as-silk vocals that helped them define 1990s R&B. And it certainly has been an eventful two and a half decades for the group, who went from singing in its high school bathroom to topping the charts with numerous groundbreaking hits. In fact, the 16 weeks "One Sweet Day" spent as No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 still holds the record for the longest duration on that list, while only the Beatles and Elvis Presley can also boast that they replaced themselves on top of the Hot 100 as the Boyz did when "On Bended Knee" overtook "I'll Make Love to You."

But it is far from the "End of the Road" for Shawn Stockman, Nathan Morris and Wanya Morris. The legendary boy band will join fellow 90s standout En Vogue for a double billing at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on July 24. And even though much time has passed, Stockman guaranteed that Audience members will enjoy themselves as much as they would have in 1991.

"We pride ourselves on creating timeless music that will resonate with our fans for years to come," Stockman told BroadwayWorld.com. "It is still a thrill to perform those classic songs today because they bring back nostalgia for our fans and remind them of some of the most important moments in their lives. It gives us energy on stage each night to perform the songs that the audience knows the lyrics to and can sing along with."

The fact that Boyz II Men can still sell out venues across the country is definitely a testament to the quality of their music. But their longevity is owed to more than just their songs. After all, countless hit-making groups of the 90s boy band era are currently either missing in action or recently reformed after years of extended hiatus. The Boyz, on other hand, have never suffered a complete break-up throughout its entire existence.

According to Stockman, the reason for this stems from the "amazing chemistry" that the group has developed after decades of creating music together. While clashing egos and desires for solo superstardom have been the downfall of other bands, he said Boyz II Men always puts the group first. And the band's music has benefited as a result.

"Each one of us brings something different to the table," Stockman said. "We all want each other to shine as we know that working together, the sum can be greater than the parts. At the end of the day that's why you perform in a group - you elevate each other, and the result is going to be bigger and more nuanced because you've combined your talents and your unique gifts."

Of course, some things have changed for the Boyz through the years. Health issues forced Michael McCary to exit the group in 2003. Plus, the passage of time has given the one-time teen heartthrobs a new perspective on the subject they are most known for singing about - love.

"When we were younger, we just loved getting attention from girls," Stockman said. "Now, we have experienced unconditional love with our children!"

So can fans expect a new kind of ballad from the makers of some of the most popular love songs in recent memory? Maybe one day. Right now though, Stockman said Boyz II Men are working on a doo wop project that will be released in 2017. When they are not on tour, they are also continuing their residency at the Mirage in Las Vegas, which Stockman said has been "a lot of fun" since fans from all over the world come to see them.

In the meantime, Stockman said the Boyz are looking forward to their show at NJPAC. He said being with En Vogue is like reuniting with old friends, so he knows they will have a blast together. He said the group has always loved performing in the New York area, as well.

Above all, Stockman said the group is eager to entertain their fans, who have made the past 25 years possible.

"It all comes back to the fans and our appreciation for them," Stockman said. "They are the reason we have set the records and won awards, so we truly owe it all to them."

To purchase tickets for Boyz II Men on July 24 at NJPAC and to learn more about their upcoming performances, please visit http://www.njpac.org/.

Photo courtesy of NJPAC.

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