A boy band is a musical group made up of at least three young men who perform choreographed dances and sing in harmony. The members usually do not play instruments as part of their act, which sets them apart from a traditional band. Boy bands usually belong to the pop, hip hop, or R&B genres, and their fans are mostly young women.
These bands are frequently chastised for being largely produced by producers and for having essentially talentless members chosen solely for their appearance. The majority of the group’s members, on the other hand, are gifted singers and dancers, many of whom can also play an instrument, and many of whom go on to pursue solo careers in music after the group disbands. While these bands are known for lip-syncing during performances and using session singers on studio recordings, it is not cost effective for a producer to invest in an entire band of non-singing members.
A boy band, almost by definition, has a short shelf life; boys can only be boys for so long, and as fans grow older than the demographic that these bands are meant to appeal to, they frequently lose interest. This, combined with the fact that most bands do not form independently or write their own music, has contributed to the public perception that they are not genuine.
Whether or not one admires boy bands, their popularity, albeit fleeting, cannot be denied. To appeal to a wider audience, the members are frequently portrayed as different types, such as the “bad boy” or the “baby.” These bands frequently have a much larger fan base than other types of bands, but they rarely last more than five years. However, some bands, such as the Jackson 5, have lasted much longer.
New Kids on the Block, the 1980s brainchild of music producer Maurice Starr, is often credited with being the first boy band, but the trend dates back further. For example, the Jackson 5 debuted in 1962, and Menudo, a Puerto Rican band, debuted in 1977. This type of performance has roots in even older forms of music, such as a cappella harmony acts and gospel music, both of which include choreography.