Alexander James McLean, who's known to his buds' as AJ, Mr. Cool and Bones, was born on January 9, 1978 in Florida. An only child whose parents were divrced when he was four, Alex was raised by his mom Denise, who sometimes accompanies him on tour.

Despite his sunny disposition and tender age, Alex is no stranger to tragedy. His childhood girlfriend Christie, whom he dated when he was just 13, was killed in a car accident. Another girlfriend broke his hear by keeping time with another guy, complaining that Alex was "boring."

Now single, he enjoys some rather typical teenage pursuits, like scarfing burgers from McDonald's, shopping at the mall, going to dance clubs, watching sports and flirting - his favorite passtime. He readily admits that his dreamgirl is model/actress Live Tyler, sultry daughter of Aerosmith lead madman Steven. Alex also has a deep, introspective side, which he explores through writing poetry, and reading.

He has a pet - a dachshund named Toby, and loves old Motown tunes as well as blues bands. His secret passion is puppets.

Brian

Brian Thomas Littrell was born on February 20, 1975 in Lexington, Kentucky, although he now lives in Orlando, Florida with his parents and an older brother. (Kevin, by the way, is his cousin.)

Although he could have his pick of babes, BRian admits that he hasn't been in a ralationship for two years. And he wasn't exactly the high school Romeo - a girl he really liked blew him off.

Brian, who plays the trumpet, loves anything that contains cheese, from macaroni and cheese toe xtra cheese pizza. He also loves sports, and spends his spare time swimming and playing basketball. He also happens to be a big fan of golf.

He has one really gross habit - he bites his nails. He admits he's terrified of heights.

His most endearing trait is his sense of humor. In fact, the other guys in the group consider him their resident comedian.

His favorite color is blue.

He has one pet - a cat named Missy.

His dream date is Pamela Lee, "for obvious reason," he says.

Nick

Nickolas Gene Carter, the baby of the group, was born on January 28, 1981 in Jamestown, New York.

Now a resident of Tampa, Florida the blue-eyed blond lives with his parents and four younger siblings; two of whom are twins. The family shares their home with three cats and one dog.

Nick, who plays the drums, is philosophical about romance - he admits he's never been in love, and it's too young to even be thinking about that stuff. He also admits that he's painfully shy around girls.

When not busy working with the group, Nick can be found glued to a Nintendo game, a pastime that earned him the title "Mr. Nintendo Freak" among the other guys. He's also an avid sports nut who loves basketball, football and speed boating.

If you want to get him a gift, you can't go wrong with Gravity cologne, which he practically bathes in.

For direct route to his stomach, pizza will do the trick every time.

And it won't hurt to look like Christina Ricci, who's his dream date.

Howie

Howard Dwaine Dorough was born on August 22, 1974 in Orlando, Florida, where he still lives. He has an older borther and three older sisters, the eldest of whom is 38. He was very close to his grandmother, and was heartbroken when she passed away several months ago.

The sophisticated man-about-town of the group, Howie has a passion for exotic foods like Asian cuisine, and loves to read thought - provoking thrillers like The Firm.

He's also deeply in touch with his inner child - "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" is his all-time favorite flick.

He's also extremely romantic, and is known to treat his dates in grand style.

Howie also is extremely physically fit and buffed, thanks to an exercise regimen that includes weight training, water skiing and racquetball.

His favorite music artists are Jon Secada, Boyz II Men and Bobby Brown.

He won't reveal who his dream date is. He says "all women are beautifula in their own way." But if you do land a date with Howie, better put on your dancing boots because he loves to cut a rug.

Kevin

Kevin Richardson, better known as Kevvy, was born on Oct. 3, 1972 in Lexington, Kentucky, but now lives in Orlando, Florida with his mom and two older borthers. Sadly, his dad died in 1991 following a bout with cancer.

Not only are he and Brian cousins, they also claim to be best friends. The old man of the group, whom the others consider their resident big brother has led a very interesting life. In fact, he lived in a log cabin for eight years.

Like Howie, he has a passion for Asian cuisine. But when push comes to shove, he prefers his mom's old-fashioned homecooking any day.

A devoted feline-ophile, Kevvy has a black cat named Quincy, reportedly named after veteran music producer Quincy Jones. (But Kev's not saying.)

Like the other guys, he's also very physically active, particulary when it comes to such a water sports as water skiing, swimming and surfing. Kev is also an avid hockey, basketball and football fan.

Although he won't reveal if he has a steady gal pal in his life at the moment, Kev is curiously shy around girls. So your best bet is to put your most demure foot forward if you happen to cross his path.

- Alissa Wolf, Teen Dream

August 1998