In the twilight of the 90s, amidst the rise of boy bands, a quintet emerged from the heartland of Cincinnati, Ohio, destined to leave an indelible mark on the music industry. 98 Degrees, named after the temperature at which water reaches its maximum density, would become one of the most successful boy bands of all time.
Members:
* Nick Lachey (lead vocals) * Drew Lachey (vocals) * Justin Jeffre (vocals) * Jeff Timmons (vocals) * Chris Kirkpatrick (vocals, rapper)
98° burst onto the scene with their debut album, which featured the hit singles "Because of You" and "Was It Something I Said." The album topped the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 6 million copies worldwide. Their follow-up album, "98° & Rising," propelled them to even greater heights, with the single "The Hardest Thing" becoming their signature song.
Challenges and Controversies:
Despite their meteoric rise, 98° faced their share of challenges. In 2000, the band was embroiled in a legal dispute with their record label, which threatened to halt their career. However, they ultimately resolved the issue and continued to release music.
The band also faced criticism for their perceived lack of originality and reliance on formulaic pop songs. Some critics accused them of being manufactured and not possessing the authenticity of other boy bands like NSYNC and Backstreet Boys.
Legacy:
Despite the challenges, 98°'s legacy as a successful boy band remains undisputed. They sold over 20 million albums worldwide and achieved numerous award nominations, including a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album. Their music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the globe.
Post-Boy Band Era:
After the band disbanded in 2002, the members pursued solo careers with varying degrees of success. Nick and Drew Lachey both achieved success as reality television personalities, while Jeff Timmons continued to release music as a solo artist. Chris Kirkpatrick and Justin Jeffre faded from the spotlight.
In 2022, 98° reunited for a series of live performances, much to the delight of their loyal fans. The reunion tour was a testament to their enduring popularity and the lasting impact they have had on the music industry.