Legendary R&B group Boyz II Men are taking their 30-year story to the big screen. The four-time Grammy-winning trio, consisting of Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris, is partnering with Compelling Pictures and Primary Wave to develop a narrative feature film chronicling their journey.
The group, known for chart-topping hits like End of the Road and I’ll Make Love to You, will serve as executive producers on the project. “We’ve been waiting to find the right partners who understand our story and are willing to tell it all,” Nathan Morris said in a statement. “Denis and Jeff at Compelling Pictures understood us from day one.”
According to Variety, Compelling Pictures, led by Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri (I Wanna Dance With Somebody), is also producing a long-form documentary about Boyz II Men’s dominance in the 1990s and 2000s and their enduring success. The team is in early talks with writers and directors to fast-track the biopic, featuring the group’s iconic music catalog.
“Having grown up as huge fans of Boyz II Men, and having spent the past couple of years getting to know the guys and become friends with them, it’s a tremendous honor to help bring their unique and untold story to the big screen,” said O’Sullivan and Kalligheri. “We’re excited to show the brotherhood and comradery, as well as the challenges and strife, humor and heartbreak, that has accompanied the unparalleled success that Nate, Shawn, Wanya, and Mike have worked so hard to achieve. And we think the global audience will want to sing along to a sexy, funny, aspirational, uplifting celebration of friendships and artistic partnerships that have stood the test of time. Doom-doom-doom-da-da….”
Larry Metsel is in the production for Primary Wave, Joe Mulvihill is in for the Mulvi Group, and Jeremy M. Rosen is in on behalf of Roxwell Films.
For the third year in a row, a bunch of big fellas associated with the Philadelphia Eagles will raise some money during the holiday season by releasing an album. A little later this year, A Philly Special Christmas Party will hit streaming services, with Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailta showing off their musical chops.
The first track from this year’s album came out on Friday, and features Kelce with a few guests. The first is his brother, Travis, who has hopped on tracks with him in the past for this project and presumably has a pretty good vocal coach. The other is Philly institution Boyz II Men.
It’s called “It’s Christmas Time (In Cleveland Heights),” and features both Kelce bros singing verses — Travis, in particular, does a sensational job with his. You can listen to the entire track at the top of this post. And if you follow the project on Instagram, you saw it get teased a little earlier this week, which showed some of work that went into making the song.
As for when you can get your hands on a copy of the latest charity album from The Philly Specials, A Philly Special Christmas Party will come out on Nov. 22, 2024.
49 is big number. Tonight (May 18), Saturday Night Live closed out its 49th season with a bang. Though finishing 49 seasons is a huge milestone, tonight’s host Jake Gyllenhaal was seemingly hoping to be in the running to host the premiere of season 50, which will take place later this year.
But of course, Gyllenhaal was determined to make this finale special. Near the end of his opening monologue, Gyllenhaal broke out into song — a special rework of Boyz II Men‘s ’90s classic, “End Of The Road.”
During his cover, Gyllenhaal surprised the audience with his pipes, delivering strong vocals as he hilariously jokes that Pedro Pascal and Ryan Gosling were asked to host this episode before him (even though they have both previously hosted this past season).
While Gyllenhaal was captivating the audience with his singing, a few of the cast members elevated the performance.
Punkie Johnson, Ego Nwodim, Kenan Thompson, and Devon Walker joined in, giving the song additional harmonies, taking it to the next level.
Although a hosting slot for the season 50 premiere of SNL is highly coveted, the quality of this opening monologue is going to be hard to match.
You can watch Gyllenhaal’s full opening monologue above.
Michael McCary is a former member of the renowned R&B group Boyz II Men. He has a reported net worth of $20 million as of 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Known for his deep bass voice that distinctly contributed to the group’s harmonious blend, McCary’s career with Boyz II Men saw them becoming one of the most successful R&B groups of all time. After leaving the group in 2003 due to health issues, McCary has ventured into solo projects and other endeavors that have both sustained and expanded his legacy in the music industry.
Peak Days With Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men (Photo by Chris Carroll/Corbis via Getty Images)
Michael McCary was instrumental in Boyz II Men’s rise to fame in the early 1990s. The group’s debut album, Cooleyhighharmony, was a commercial success, driven by McCary’s deep bass and the quartet’s smooth harmonies. Their follow-up albums produced classic hits like “I’ll Make Love to You” and “One Sweet Day,” with McCary’s voice providing a unique depth that became a signature sound for the group. During his time with Boyz II Men, the group set records for their chart-topping tracks and won numerous awards, including Grammys, solidifying their place in music history.
Solo Career & Personal Ventures
Singers Nate (Nathan Bartholemew Morris), Shawn (Shawn Patrick Stockman), Wanya (Wanya Jermaine Morris) and Michael (Michael Sean McCary) of Boyz II Men poses for photos during ‘Motown Soul By The Sea II’ at the Wyndham Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica in December 1989. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
After he departed from Boyz II Men, Michael McCary pursued various solo projects, including a brief attempt at a solo music career. Although these ventures did not reach the heights of his success with the group, they allowed him to explore his musical talents independently. Additionally, McCary has appeared in films and TV shows, which helped him maintain a presence in the public eye. His openness about his struggles with multiple sclerosis and how it impacted his career with Boyz II Men has also been a significant part of his life post-group, bringing attention to the condition and advocating for awareness.
Legacy & Current Involvement In Music
HOLLYWOOD, CA – JANUARY 05: Musicians Nathan Morris, Michael McCary, Michael Bivins, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men Honored On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame held at 7060 Hollywood Blvd on January 5, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
Despite the challenges and the quieter solo career, Michael McCary’s contribution to Boyz II Men and the music industry remains significant. He occasionally appears in music-related events and nostalgia tours, celebrating the legacy of 90s R&B music. These appearances help keep the memory of his contributions alive and introduce his talents to new audiences, securing his place in the annals of music history.
Shawn Stockman is a notable figure in the music industry, primarily recognized as a member of the iconic R&B group Boyz II Men. He has expanded his career to include solo projects and television appearances. His ventures have not only showcased his versatile talents but have also built a significant financial portfolio. By 2024, Stockman’s engagements in music production, performance, and media have amassed a net worth of $60 million, as reported by CelebrityNetWorth.
Founding Member Of Boyz II Men
American R&B vocal group Boyz II Men, featuring baritone Nathan Morris alongside tenors. Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman, circa 1988. (Photo by Eric Fougere/Sygma via Getty Images)
Shawn Stockman’s journey to fame began with Boyz II Men: R&B excellence in the 1990s. Their smooth harmonies and emotive ballads, such as “End of the Road” and “I’ll Make Love to You,” broke records and dominated charts. They also cemented their place in music history. Stockman’s role in the group highlighted his vocal abilities and skills in songwriting and production. This contributed significantly to the group’s success and longevity.
Further, Stockman has pursued a solo career, exploring different musical styles and taking more personal artistic risks. His solo albums and singles reflect his growth as an artist and have allowed him to connect with audiences on a new level. Additionally, his music producer work has allowed him to collaborate with other artists and influence the industry behind the scenes, further diversifying his income sources.
Television & Media Appearances
PASADENA, CA – FEBRUARY 05: (L-R) Singers Wanya Morris, Nathan Morris and Shawn Stockman of. Boyz II Men attend the 47th NAACP Image Awards Presented By TV One After Party at the. Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 5, 2016, also in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for NAACP Image Awards)
Stockman has also made his mark on television, serving as a judge on NBC’s The Sing-Off, a role that utilized his expert knowledge of vocal harmonies and group performances. His television appearances have added to his income and kept him relevant in the entertainment industry, expanding his fan base and providing new opportunities for brand partnerships and endorsements.
Shawn Stockman’s career evolution from a celebrated R&B vocalist with Boyz II Men to a solo artist and television personality reflects a dynamic and successful journey in the music industry. His ongoing contributions to music and media continue to enhance his legacy and financial well-being, ensuring his place as a significant and influential figure in the entertainment world.
Emerging from Philadelphia’s vibrant music scene, Nathan Morris co-founded Boyz II Men. It was a group that would redefine the sound of R&B in the 1990s and become one of the best-selling music acts of all time. Their blend of harmonies delivered numerous hits that resonated worldwide. Beyond his illustrious music career, Nathan has expanded his professional endeavors to include real estate and television production. These ventures, coupled with his musical legacy, have culminated in a personal net worth of $60 million by 2024, as reported by CelebrityNetWorth.
Formative Years & Boyz II Men’s Rise To Fame
American R&B group Boyz II Men (American singer Michael McCary, American singer Nathan Morris, American singer Wanya Morris. American singer and songwriter Shawn Stockman) in the press room of the 35th Annual Grammy Awards, held at the. Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, 24th February 1993. The band received the ‘Best R&B Performance by a. Duo or Group with Vocal’ award for their song ‘End of the Road.’ (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)
Born on June 18, 1971, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Nathan Morris co-founded Boyz II Men at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Alongside his classmates, he helped the group ascend to international fame in the early 1990s with their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony. This album included the hit single “Motownphilly.” Later, it was followed by a string of successful records like II, which featured timeless classics such as “I’ll Make Love to You” and “On Bended Knee.” These tracks dominated the charts and secured the group’s place in music history. It significantly boosted Morris’s career earnings.
Entrepreneurial Ventures & Diversification
HOLLYWOOD, CA – JANUARY 05: (L-R) Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris of. Boyz II Men attend the ceremony honoring them with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame held on. January 5, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic)
Moreover, Nathan Morris has diversified his interests to include various business ventures. Notably, he ventured into real estate and appeared on the DIY Network with his show Hit Properties with Nathan Morris, where he renovated and flipped houses. This move into television and real estate investment exemplified his entrepreneurial spirit and contributed to his financial portfolio.
Legacy & Influence In Music
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 19: Members of Boyz II Men Shawn Stockman, Nathan Morris and. Wanya Morris pose for a group photo with actress Melissa Joan Hart at. SiriusXM Studios on October 19, 2017, also in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images)
Nathan Morris’s influence extends beyond album sales and concert performances. He has also played a key role in the evolution of R&B music. His work with Boyz II Men has been credited with shaping the sound of contemporary R&B, blending classic soul influences with modern pop elements. His commitment to maintaining high artistic standards and his involvement in philanthropic efforts have also enhanced his public image and legacy. With a net worth of $60 million in 2024, Nathan Morris’s career spans significant musical achievements with Boyz II Men and successful forays into business and television. His enduring impact on the music industry and his financial success are a testament to his talent, hard work, and business acumen, ensuring his status as a pivotal figure in the world of music.
Wanya Morris is hailed as a key member of the iconic R&B group Boyz II Men. He’s reportedly earned a net worth of $60 million as of 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. His journey through the music industry has seen him achieve remarkable success. This is as a performer and in his entrepreneurial ventures. It further helped to cement his financial status and lasting influence in music.
Rise With Boyz II Men
American R&B group Boyz II Men (American singer Michael McCary, American singer. Nathan Morris, American singer Wanya Morris, and American singer and songwriter Shawn Stockman) attend the. 1992 MTV Video Music Awards, held at the Pauley Pavilion, UCLA in Los Angeles, California, 9th September 1992. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)
Born July 29, 1973, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wanya Morris rose to fame in the early 1990s as part of Boyz II Men. The group quickly became synonymous with R&B excellence, known for their smooth harmonies and ballads. Their breakthrough album, Cooleyhighharmony, was a critical and commercial success. It also featured timeless hits such as “End of the Road” and “I’ll Make Love to You.” These tracks topped the charts and set new records for longevity at the number one spot. This confirmed the group’s dominant place in music history.
Solo Projects & Musical Endeavors
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 03: Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men performs onstage at. The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre on September 03, 2023, also in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
Beyond his achievements with Boyz II Men, Wanya has explored various solo projects and collaborative ventures. His solo efforts allowed him to experiment with his musical style and reach new audiences. Additionally, his role as a producer and mentor to younger talents has expanded his influence within the industry, showcasing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists. These endeavors have enriched his career and been instrumental in maintaining his relevance and financial success in the ever-evolving music landscape.
Philanthropy & Personal Life
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Singers Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men discuss their album “Under the Streetlight” at Build Studio on October 19, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
Morris’s impact extends beyond the music scene through his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in various charitable causes, focusing particularly on music education and support for underprivileged youth. His personal life, marked by his role as a family man and a mentor, reflects his dedication to giving back to the community that has supported his career. This aspect of his life adds depth to his public persona, enriching his legacy as more than just a musician but also a benefactor. Overall, Wanya Morris’s significant net worth reflects a career that spans hit records with Boyz II Men, solo musical pursuits, and a thoughtful engagement with philanthropy. His continued presence in the music industry, business acumen, and charitable work ensure that his impact will be felt for years to come.
When Philadelphia named part of Broad Street after its own R&B superstars Boyz II Men in June 2017, it felt like a long time coming. How Philadelphia Magazine remembers it, Boyz II Men’s arrival on the music scene shifted the era. They called it “a time of giant, lumbering record labels, inescapable pop stars, and enormous record sales that seem utterly impossible today.” The beginning of their career can be distilled by a key line from “Motownphilly”: “Back in school we used to dream about this every day.“
Boyz II Men linked up as teenagers from different neighborhoods. They attended the esteemed Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, where they began their musical genesis in the hallowed halls of artistic education. Since their graduation, the school has relocated to Broad Street. It is that area that has been rechristened Boyz II Men Blvd.
In between classes in German and classical music, the boys crystallized into a group that would be esteemed in the music world, making them as known for their collaborative fashion as for their sound, turning them into a unit that would stand the test of time, creating an illustrious legacy in the world of R&B.
“Motownphilly” (1991)
The first song released from their 1991 Cooleyhighharmony, “Motownphilly” demonstrated that the Boyz were not a typical pop or R&B group. While there was a syncopation in their look and style, their sound was old school. It was a soulful harmony that demonstrated that they were musicians of the most superlative kind. Additionally, experimenting with sounds from the 1960s and 1970s, the music video had the band moving through their home city of Philadelphia. They moved through the City of Brotherly Love with a carefree belief in themselves and their music.
The lyrics mention two other New Jack Swing groups: Another Bad Creation and Bell Biv Devoe. The genre was a cacophony of sampling, swing, and other production elements that had been innovated since the 1980s. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis championed the sound and further etched their legendary status. These cameos also helped certify that Boyz II Men were part of a new musical renaissance.
“It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” (1991)
This signature ballad from their debut album Cooleyhighharmiony reached No. 2 on the charts. It solidified their reputation as a group that could deftly handle difficult vocals and entrancing harmonies. This song was a cover of G.C. Cameron’s 1975 hit. The album also alluded to the 1975 filmCooley High, whose story centered on two Black high school students from Chicago.
“End Of The Road” (1991)
Recorded in 1991 and released in 1992, the song resulted from a collaboration with Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. Babyface is a producer and songwriting legend in his own right. “End of the Road” was also created for the classic Eddie Murphy film, Boomerang. It stayed at the coveted No. 1 position on Billboard’s Hot 100 for a record-setting 13 weeks, starting on August 22, 1992.
“I’ll Make Love To You” (1994)
Another number written and produced by Babyface, this song was one of their longest enduring No. 1s. However, in the beginning, Boyz II Men didn’t want to do the ballad. They were concerned that the song sounded too much like “End of the Road” in terms of word choice and instrumental build-up. Further, in a 2019 interview with Entertainment Weekly, they recalled they were grateful to producers and managers. Essentially, they seemingly forced the group to record the song. The team also recognized that it would resonate with a youthful audience in an atypical way to love songs. The single stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 Weeks, tying with Whitney Houston’s 1992 record set with “I Will Always Love You.”
“One Sweet Day” (1995)
Any collaboration with Mariah Carey is almost guaranteed to stay in the upper stratosphere of musical hits. Boyz II Men’s collaboration with Mariah Carey on “One Sweet Day” in 1995 was no exception. Landing on Billboard’s Hot 100 for 16 weeks was an epic milestone. No other song in the chart’s 54-year history had ever done so. The track was written by Mariah and the Boyz after the death of one of Mariah’s dear friends. The song was her homage to him, his friends, and his family.
All of that came to fruition in the above clip, in which Amber Ruffin’s crew lost to the Boyz, who then proceeded to blow their Fast Money opportunity in terrifyingly hilarious fashion. And, as is often the case, Harvey let the Boyz know exactly how badly they messed up.
Our first contestant, Wanya, actually does pretty well in his Fast Money round. Though there was one potentially fatal flaw: he did answer “July” when asked to name a month that has five letters in it. If you’re comprehending this paragraph, you know that “July” has four letters in it, not five. But even with the zero on that last answer, he took a cool 130 points into the second half of the contest. And you only need 200 to win, so the Men are more than halfway there.
“You smarter than me, Shawn,” Wanya says as his partner reappears on stage. “You smarter than me.”
And then disaster strikes.
Things go pretty well, more or less, until that final question comes up once more. Name a month with five letters in it.
“August,” Shawn says after a moment’s incorrect thought.
The audience actually laughs a bit, and Shawn realizes soon enough that he made a big mistake here.
“He’s not smarter than me, Steve!” Wanya yells. “He’s not smarter than me!”
Oh, but the worst was yet to come. Because while the first four answers were once again pretty solid, the Boyz were short of their goal by nine as the penultimate answer came across the board. What’s something people put on top of oatmeal? As it turns out, in the opinion of 100 people surveyed, they can’t believe it’s not butter.
It’s worth watching the full clip for Harvey’s rant before “August” comes up, as this is truly where the longtime host shines. But if you can’t watch it, for some reason, here’s a brief summary in three images.
