The 1980s was an iconic era for boy bands, with the emergence of some of the most memorable and influential groups in music history. From New Kids on the Block to Wham!, these boy bands captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world with their catchy tunes, synchronized dance moves, and boyish good looks. The boy band phenomenon of the 1980s defined the sound of the decade and paved the way for future boy bands to come. In this article, we will take a look at the top 20 famous boy bands of the 1980s, exploring their rise to fame, their most popular hits, and the impact they had on the music industry. From the infectious pop beats of New Edition to the soulful harmonies of Boyz II Men, these boy bands have left an enduring legacy in music history, and their music continues to inspire new generations of fans. Join us on a trip down memory lane as we revisit the golden age of boy bands in the 1980s.
1. New Edition
New Edition is an American R&B group formed in Boston in 1978. The original lineup included Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill later joined the group in 1987. Their music is a blend of classic R&B, pop, and soul, and their smooth vocal harmonies and catchy hooks have earned them a place as one of the most influential groups in the genre. Their breakout hit “Candy Girl” propelled them to stardom, and they continued to produce hits throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including “Cool It Now,” “Mr. Telephone Man,” and “If It Isn’t Love.” New Edition has sold over 20 million records worldwide and has been credited with paving the way for other successful boy bands like New Kids on the Block and Boyz II Men.
2. New Kids On The Block
New Kids on the Block, also known as NKOTB, is an American boy band that was formed in Boston in 1984. The group consists of brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. They became popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like “Please Don’t Go Girl,” “You Got It (The Right Stuff),” and “Step by Step.” NKOTB is known for their upbeat, dance-pop sound and synchronized dance routines, which helped them become one of the most successful boy bands of all time. The group has sold over 80 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards throughout their career, including two American Music Awards and several Billboard Music Awards. NKOTB went on hiatus in the late 1990s but reunited in 2008 and have since released new music and embarked on several successful tours.
3. The Osmonds
A-ha is a Norwegian synth-pop band that formed in Oslo in 1982. The group consists of vocalist Morten Harket, keyboardist Magne Furuholmen, and guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy. A-ha is known for their catchy synth-pop sound and unique music videos, which helped them gain a following in the 1980s. Their biggest hit, “Take On Me,” topped the charts in several countries and has become a pop culture classic. A-ha has released 10 studio albums and has sold over 100 million records worldwide. They have also won numerous awards throughout their career, including eight MTV Video Music Awards.
4. A-ha
A-ha is a Norwegian synth-pop band that formed in Oslo in 1982. The group consists of vocalist Morten Harket, keyboardist Magne Furuholmen, and guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy. A-ha is known for their catchy synth-pop sound and unique music videos, which helped them gain a following in the 1980s. Their biggest hit, “Take On Me,” topped the charts in several countries and has become a pop culture classic. A-ha has released 10 studio albums and has sold over 100 million records worldwide. They have also won numerous awards throughout their career, including eight MTV Video Music Awards.
5. Hall & Oates
Hall & Oates are an American pop rock duo that formed in Philadelphia in 1970. The group consists of vocalist Daryl Hall and guitarist John Oates. They are known for their catchy pop songs and blue-eyed soul sound, which blends elements of R&B, rock, and pop. Hall & Oates have had numerous hits throughout their career, including “Rich Girl,” “Maneater,” and “Private Eyes.” The duo has sold over 40 million records worldwide and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They continue to tour and perform, and their music has influenced countless artists in the pop and rock genres.
6. Bros
Bros were an English pop group formed in 1986. The group consisted of twin brothers Matt and Luke Goss, and their friend Craig Logan. They became popular in the late 1980s with hits such as “When Will I Be Famous?” and “I Owe You Nothing.” Bros was known for their catchy pop songs and flashy style, which helped them gain a dedicated following of teenage fans. The group disbanded in 1992 but reunited in 2017 for a successful tour.
7. Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys are an English synth-pop duo formed in London in 1981. The group consists of vocalist Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe. They are known for their unique blend of dance and pop music, incorporating electronic and orchestral elements into their sound. Pet Shop Boys have had numerous hits throughout their career, including “West End Girls,” “It’s a Sin,” and “Go West.” They have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have won several awards, including four Brit Awards and three Ivor Novello Awards.
8. Guy
Guy is an American R&B group that was formed in New York City in 1987. The group consists of brothers Aaron and Damion Hall, and Teddy Riley. They were pioneers of the New Jack Swing genre, blending elements of R&B, hip-hop, and funk into their music. Guy is known for hits such as “Groove Me,” “Teddy’s Jam,” and “Let’s Chill.” The group has sold over 2 million records worldwide and has been credited with influencing the sound of R&B and hip-hop in the 1990s.
9. Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men are an American R&B vocal group that formed in Philadelphia in 1987. The group consists of Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman. They are known for their soulful harmonies and emotional ballads, which have made them one of the best-selling R&B groups of all time. Boyz II Men have had numerous hits throughout their career, including “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” and “One Sweet Day.” They have sold over 60 million records worldwide and have won four Grammy Awards.
10. Jodeci
Jodeci is an American R&B group that formed in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1989. The group consists of two sets of brothers, Cedric “K-Ci” Hailey and Joel “JoJo” Hailey, and Donald “DeVante Swing” DeGrate and Dalvin DeGrate. They are known for their unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and gospel music, which helped them gain a dedicated following in the 1990s. Jodeci is known for hits such as “Forever My Lady,” “Come and Talk to Me,” and “Freek’n You.” The group has sold over 20 million records worldwide and has been credited with influencing the sound of R&B in the 1990s.
11. Tony! Toni! Toné!
Tony! Toni! Toné! is an American R&B group that formed in Oakland, California in 1988. The group consists of brothers D’wayne Wiggins and Raphael Saadiq, and their cousin Timothy Christian Riley. They are known for their soulful sound and incorporation of elements of funk and jazz into their music. Tony! Toni! Toné! is known for hits such as “Feels Good,” “Anniversary,” and “Lay Your Head on My Pillow.” The group has sold over 6 million records worldwide and has been credited with influencing the sound of neo-soul in the 1990s.
12. Bell Biv DeVoe
Bell Biv DeVoe is an American R&B group that formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1989. The group consists of three members of the popular R&B group New Edition: Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe. They are known for their unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and pop music, which helped them gain a dedicated following in the 1990s. Bell Biv DeVoe is known for hits such as “Poison,” “Do Me!,” and “B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me).” The group has sold over 5 million records worldwide and has been credited with influencing the sound of R&B and hip-hop in the 1990s.
13. Tears For Fears
Tears for Fears are an English pop rock band that formed in Bath in 1981. The group consists of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. They are known for their emotional lyrics and incorporation of synthesizers into their music. Tears for Fears is known for hits such as “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” “Shout,” and “Mad World.” The group has sold over 30 million records worldwide and has won several awards, including an MTV Video Music Award and two Brit Awards.
14. Duran Duran
Duran Duran is an English new wave band that formed in Birmingham in 1978. The group consists of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Andy Taylor. They are known for their innovative music videos and catchy pop songs. Duran Duran is known for hits such as “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Rio,” and “The Reflex.” The group has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has won several awards, including two Grammy Awards, two Brit Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
15. Dead Or Alive
Dead or Alive is an English pop band that formed in Liverpool in 1979. The group consists of lead singer Pete Burns, Steve Coy, Mike Percy, and Tim Lever. They are known for their energetic dance-pop sound and androgynous image. Dead or Alive is known for hits such as “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record),” “Brand New Lover,” and “Something in My House.” The group has sold over 20 million records worldwide and has been credited with influencing the sound of 1980s pop music.
16. Menudo
Menudo is a Puerto Rican boy band that was active from 1977 to 2009. The group went through several lineup changes over the years, but its most famous members include Ricky Martin, Robi Draco Rosa, and Xavier Serbia. They are known for their infectious Latin pop sound and youthful energy. Menudo is known for hits such as “Hold Me,” “If You’re Not Here (By My Side),” and “Like a Cannonball.” The group has sold over 60 million records worldwide and has been credited with helping to popularize Latin pop music around the world.
17. Wham!
Wham! is an English pop duo that formed in London in 1981. The group consists of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. They are known for their catchy pop songs and energetic performances. Wham! is known for hits such as “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Careless Whisper,” and “Everything She Wants.” The duo has sold over 25 million records worldwide and has won several awards, including two Brit Awards and an Ivor Novello Award. George Michael went on to have a successful solo career after the duo disbanded in 1986.
18. Madness
Madness is an English ska band that formed in Camden Town, London in 1976. The group consists of members such as Graham “Suggs” McPherson, Mike Barson, and Lee Thompson. They are known for their unique blend of ska, pop, and New Wave music, and their quirky, humorous lyrics. Madness is known for hits such as “Our House,” “It Must Be Love,” and “Baggy Trousers.” The band has sold over 15 million records worldwide and has won several awards, including a Brit Award for Best British Group.
19. Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Frankie Goes to Hollywood is an English band that formed in Liverpool in 1980. The group consists of members such as Holly Johnson, Paul Rutherford, and Peter Gill. They are known for their provocative lyrics and their mix of dance, pop, and rock music. Frankie Goes to Hollywood is known for hits such as “Relax,” “Two Tribes,” and “The Power of Love.” The band has sold over 10 million records worldwide and has been credited with popularizing the use of music videos in promoting their songs.
20. The Boys
The Boys is an English punk rock band that formed in London in 1976. The group consists of members such as Matt Dangerfield, Casino Steel, and Honest John Plain. They are known for their raw, high-energy sound and their politically charged lyrics. The Boys are known for hits such as “Brickfield Nights,” “First Time,” and “Kamikaze.” The band has influenced many other punk and alternative rock groups, and their music continues to inspire new generations of fans.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
