It all started in Orlando, FL(1993) when Nick, AJ, and Howie continually ran into each other at local acting auditions. They became friends and discovered that they all enjoyed singing. So they formed a singing group. They soon decided they needed two more voices. A friend introduced them to Kevin, who had been working at Disneyworld. Kevin joined and became the forth member of the group. Recruiting a fith member wasn't so easy. They scanned Orlando for a potential future member with no success. Kevin then contacted his cousin Brian in Kentucky. Brian relocated and the group was completed.
Getting a Record Deal:
The Boys started out by singing their fav. cover tunes. After awhile, they found their own sound - pop and R&B mix. They began the search for a record deal. They would sing anywhere and after 6 months, were the hottest live act. Their manager pleaded with Jive's David McPherson to listen to the Boys. David signed them right after hearing them sing over the manager's cell phone.
The Backstreet Boys went over to Europe where boy bands were allready popular. Being Americans, the Boys had a fresh new sound. Europeans gladly welcomed them to the music sceene.
The US:
When the Boys came over to the US, no one knew them. They had to start all over again, promoting themselves. The Boys say that it was a good expirience because it kept them level headed.
The Boys got the idea for their name from a local hangout called the Backstreet Market.