nkotb haven
1984-1985: early years
In the early 1980s, Maurice Starr discovered R&B/Pop quintet (later sextet) New Edition
and guided their early success. After breaking ties with them, Starr and his business
partner, Mary Alford, sought to create a white counterpart act. Auditions were held
around Boston, at which some five hundred teenaged boys auditioned. Among them
was 15-year-old Donnie Wahlberg, who immediately impressed Starr and Alford with
his dancing ability and showmanship, becoming the group's first member. Wahlberg
assisted in helping to recruit other members. Among them were his younger brother
Mark, and his best friend Danny Wood. He also coaxed one-time schoolmate Jordan
Knight, who sang an exceptional falsetto, into auditioning as well. Upon Knight's
passing the audition, his older brother Jonathan (also possessing a strong singing voice)
was accepted into the group as well.
As the group began to take shape, Mark became disillusioned with its bubble gum
direction, and opted to quit. Another one of Donnie's neighborhood friends, Jaime
Kelley, took his place. Kelley, though, would eventually be dismissed for lack of
concentration and discipline. Seeking a Michael Jackson-esque singer to sing the high
solos, Starr replaced him with 12-year-old Joey McIntyre—whom the other guys initially
resented for being the one to replace their friend. With the final line-up in place Starr
rehearsed the boys diligently, after school and on weekends, and eventually secured
the group (which was being called Nynuk) a recording contract at Columbia Records.
The label, however, demanded Starr change the name of the group. Subsequently they
settled on New Kids on the Block, after a rap song that Donnie had written and
arranged for their first album.
:: back to about nkotb