John Morrison is a writer, producer, and DJ from Philadelphia. For the last 25 years, Morrison has worked as an independent music journalist, documenting and reporting on Philly hip-hop culture. His writing has appeared in the Philadelphia City Paper, NPR Music, The Wire, Red Bull Music Academy, Bandcamp Daily, and more. An in-demand on-air personality, Morrison regularly appears on NPR’s All Songs Considered and The World Cafe as well as NPR’s Tiny Desk Top Shelf series.
In Boyz II Men 40th Anniversary Celebration, music journalist John Morrison delves into the band’s origins—from their beginning in high school and their earliest influences—to their biggest successes in the ’80s and ’90s, to their continued achievements today and the lasting legacy they’ve left in the boy-band canon. Along the way, readers will also explore the creation of Boyz II Men’s biggest hits, such as “End of the Road” and “Motownphilly”; the fan culture that built up around the band, from the small gigs and mall tours of their earliest years to their national anthem performance in 2022 and tour and album plans for their anniversary year in 2025; Boyz II Men’s influences, from R&B to a cappella, and their place in a boy-band history that begins with the Jackson 5 and continues in the modern day with bands like One Direction and BTS; and the lasting legacy of a band proudly celebrating their fortieth anniversary.
With more than sixty million albums sold worldwide, multiple Grammy, American Music, Billboard, and MTV Awards wins and nominations, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, few groups have reached heights of mainstream success comparable to Philly R&B legends Boyz II Men. With their soulful songs and complex vocal harmonies rooted in the great Black musical traditions of doo-wop and jazz, the group has been an ambassador for R&B music for the last three decades.
The book features interviews with icons of the music world and leading music historians and journalists, including:
Singer-songwriter and record producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds
Singer-songwriter Loren Davis-Stroud
Music journalist Michael Gonzales
Music producer Joe “The Butcher” Nicolo
Musician and studio manager Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou
Audio engineer George Hajioannou
Bassist Reggie Hamilton
Author and historian Dart Adams
Longtime music journalist and entertainment industry professional Karas Lamb
With stunning photographs and recollections from fans throughout, fans can relive their most precious memories of their favorite crossover band and learn about hidden gems and new tidbits from famous friends and collaborators. This is far from the end of the road for this groundbreaking group, and this book is the perfect companion to your everlasting love for “Nate, Mike, Shawn, and Wan”!
Publishing May 20, 2025 ∙ Hardcover, 256 pages ∙ $30.00 US. $40 CAN ∙ 9780760395028
© 2025, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
