A genre of their own

Boyz II Men has sold 64 million records, making them the bestselling R&B group ever. But Nathan Morris says their sound doesn't fit any label.

“It's not new jack swing or soul or whatever. It's just a combination of four guys creating a sound that they enjoy.”

Three Philly shows in two months

The group plays the Mann Center Friday with the Philly Pops. They also sang at the MLB All-Star Game in July and will appear in a Mural Arts project.

CAPA wasn't the plan

Morris never wanted to attend the High School for Creative and Performing Arts. He wanted to play professional football, but his parents pushed him toward music.

“My goal was not to go to (CAPA). I didn't want to go and sing and be famous and be in a band. I wanted to play sports.”

Music was always there

Morris played trumpet, French horn, and trombone throughout school. But he didn't take music seriously until CAPA had no football team.

Joined the group from boredom

Without football at CAPA, Morris joined what would become Boyz II Men. The band, originally called Unique Attraction, was formed out of his restlessness.

They beat the Roots

Boyz II Men won CAPA's annual talent show over an early version of the Roots. Questlove still contests the victory, claiming they cheated with glitter and smoke.

Morris defends the win

When told Questlove says they cheated with theatrics, Morris pointed to their vocal talent. They're still singing the same way decades later.

“Well, I mean, we're still singing the way we do, so I think that might have a little something to do with it, too.”

Motown signed them after graduation

The group changed their name and signed with Motown Records. Their debut album 'Cooleyhighharmony' went nine times platinum.

They beat Elvis's record

'End of the Road' from the 'Boomerang' soundtrack spent 13 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. That broke a record previously held by Elvis Presley.

McCary left in 2003

Michael McCary departed after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The remaining trio still refers to their 'fourth member' and includes him in tributes.

McCary in the mural

The Mural Arts project at 1122 Broad St. will include all four members. Morris says having McCary represented was one of their few requests.

A docuseries is coming

The group announced a docuseries in 2024 that's been slow-going because of how much ground they need to cover about their lives and careers.

The real story behind the music

Morris says many Philly fans don't know their whole story. Some had difficult home lives, and the group was an escape from tough circumstances.

“Some of our reasons for being in the group was an escape. There's a lot of stuff we really dig into.”

Philly handled the spotlight

Morris was impressed with how Philadelphia managed its busy summer with the World Cup, semiquincentennial, and MLB All-Star Game all happening at once.

“There was definitely a spotlight on the city, and I think they represented it very well.”