What’s the secret of the Backstreet Boys’ success? Well, aside from the amazing a capella harmonies they create in songs such as “We’ve Got It Goin On” and “Anywhere for You,” the bandmates Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Howie Dorough, and Kevin Richardson —bring  strong personalities to the BSB, which put together create a perfect balance of seriousness and silliness, fun and focus on success .

As the oldest members of the Backstreet Boys, 24-year-old Kevin and 23-year-old Howie bring maturity and responsibility to the band. “Being older, Howie and I are the ones who have to say, ‘Let’s stop goofing off because we’ve got a lot to do,’” Kevin explains. Howie helps him out by smoothing over disagreements when the BSB’ exhausting schedule makes them tense and irritable, especially during their tiring promotional tour for their due-in-April album. “I’m the peacemaker,” Howie says. “I’m always saying, ‘Hey, guys, stop fighting . Let’s make peace here.’”

When the bandmates are looking for laugh, they turn to 22-year old Briand and 17-year old Nick. As the self-proclaimed  “Jim Carey” of the BSB, Brian brings a good sense of humor to the band. With Nick, who loves playing practical jokes on people, he makes sure things doesn’t get too serious. As AJ tells us, “They’re always amusing—they keep our spirits up.”

And AJ? He brings the soul to the group,” Nick says. A sensitive guy who writes romantic poetry in his spare time, 19-year-old AJ’s the one ho makes sure the band’s soulful love ballads are filled with sincerity. With sould, humor, and maturity, no wonder the BSB have it goin on!
source: (BOP April 1997)