Remember New Kids on the Block?

Once upon a time back in 1984, producer/songwriter Maurice Starr (best known for discovering and producing New Edition) had a vision to bring five good looking kids on board and create the next "Jackson 5". Maurice was convinced that his group would be sure to bring in a frenzy of girl fans which in turn would be more than profitable to him. Maurice started on his quest by recruiting local Boston boys by word of mouth. 

The first kid recruited was Donnie Wahlberg . Donnie was recruited when a neighbor told them that a talent scout by the name of Mary Alford was searching for kids to try out for a musical group. Even though Donnie had no prior experience, both he and his brother Mark Wahlberg auditioned and got into the group. After Donnie made the cut, he asked his friend Danny Wood to audition. Danny, who also had no previous experience also made it into the band. After recruiting one friend, Donnie then recruited Jordan Knight and Jonathon Knight . 

Jordan did have some choir experience and was immediately accepted into the band. Jon, on the other hand, was shy and set off but managed to get into the group as well. Mark Wahlberg was the youngest of the guys and decided that the group was not for him. After his departure, a very young Joe Mcintyre was brought on board. Now that the group was complete, it was time to make some music.

New Kids on the Block were nothing close to an overnight sensation. Originally named Nynuk , the kids went through years and years of practice and many failures before making a name for themselves. Their first album titled New Kids on the Block flopped miserably and almost made the group break up. It had been four hard years and everyone was tired of all the promises that never came true. However, they all stuck together and in 1988 released an album that would spread the groups name all across the world. The album is titled Hanging Tough .

Hangin' Tough