Boyz II Men
USA, 1988–now
Philadelphia vocal group formed in 1988, masters of lush R&B harmony. Record-breaking ballads 'End of the Road' and 'I'll Make Love to You' updated the doo-wop and Motown vocal-group tradition for the '90s.
MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Boyz II Men and 4 artists Boyz II Men influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced Boyz II Men?
- The Temptations — Boyz II Men update the Motown vocal-group harmony the Temptations perfected for the new jack swing era.
- Stevie Wonder — Stevie Wonder's soulful melodicism informs Boyz II Men's ballad craft — he even collaborated with them.
Which artists did Boyz II Men influence?
- Justin Bieber — Boyz II Men's close-harmony ballads are among Bieber's main musical influences growing up.
- Take That — Boyz II Men's lush vocal-group balladry is a clear model for Take That's harmony ballads like 'Back for Good'.
- Backstreet Boys — Boyz II Men's harmony-rich R&B ballads shaped the Backstreet Boys' vocal blend.
- NSYNC — Boyz II Men's vocal-group harmony is part of the R&B-pop template behind NSYNC's ballads.