98 Degrees
Encyclopedia
98 Degrees is an American
adult contemporary
boy band
consisting of four vocalists: brothers Nick
and Drew Lachey
, Justin Jeffre, and Jeff Timmons
. The group was formed by Timmons in Los Angeles
, California
.
Unlike most boy bands, they formed independently and were later picked up by a record label
, as opposed to being assembled by a label or a producer. They have sold over 10 million records worldwide and achieved eight top 40 singles
in the US.
native Jeff Timmons
decided to quit university and pursue a music career. He had been studying psychology at Kent State University
in his home state of Ohio, and was planning on a career playing football in the NFL. In 1995 he sang at a college party with three friends, and received a positive reaction from the female audience about his voice. The following day he left college and headed out to Los Angeles, California. "It was a pretty hasty decision, looking back, but I was young and dumb. Sometimes ignorance is bliss," he said in 2004. He met a former student of the School for Creative and Performing Arts
who passed his name on to another graduate, Nick Lachey
, who at the time was attending Miami University
to study sports medicine. Lachey flew to Los Angeles and after hitting it off, decided to form a boyband. Lachey suggested inviting one of his friends, Justin Jeffre, to join them. Jeffre, a history student at University of Cincinnati
, had attended SCPA with Lachey and they had performed together before in various outfits such as a barbershop quartet
at the amusement park Kings Island
and a cover band
. The final member to join the band was Lachey's younger brother, Drew, who was working in New York City as an emergency medical technician
.
After rejecting a series of names (including Just Us, Next Issue, and Verse Four), the group decided on "98 Degrees" after a suggestion from their manager, Paris Djon.
, Take 6, and Jodeci
for inspiration. The new group also made the rounds of auditions in Los Angeles
and gradually built up its contacts in the music industry. Fortunately, the group's wait for a manager and a recording contract would not take long, as they seized an opportunity to perform during a radio broadcast of a Boys II, which they had attended in the hope of passing a demo tape to the band. Paris D'Jon, the manager of hip-hop singer Montell Jordan
, heard the group during the broadcast and quickly arranged for 98 Degrees to open for Jordan on his tour. D'Jon also became the band's manager, and they were signed to Motown Records by the time they finished the tour.
The group's emergence at a time when teen-oriented acts like the Spice Girls
and the Backstreet Boys
were just hitting the top of the charts around the world compelled them to differentiate themselves from the mere "boy band" status that they derided. From the start, they emphasized that they wrote much of their own material, which reflected R&B influences more than mainstream pop roots. "There are major differences musically between groups, not to mention the fact that we were signed to Motown, which gives us a little more credibility as far as R&B and soul music goes.
covering the concert asked them to sing live on the air. Paris DJon, Montell Jordan's manager, was present during the impromtu broadcast and liked what he heard; he took the group under his wing, changed the group's name to 98 Degrees from its original Just Us and gave them the opening act spot on Montell Jordan's National tour. The group was originally signed to the Motown
label in the mid-1990s. At the time however, Scott Smith a deep bass Singer from Wisconsin was still with the band. Known as 99 degrees at the time Smith left the band citing "artistic differences". Smith would never publicly sing again due to a non compete clause all the original members signed.
With their debut single, "Invisible Man" which peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, achieving gold-record status after its July 1997 release, 98 Degrees was off to a promising start. Although critical reaction to the debut of the group was mixed, a Billboard review of their first single noted that their vocal abilities were the addition of a new track helped to keep the band in the public eye. The group also toured extensively, including concert dates in Asia
. In light of the success of the Backstreet Boys
, Hanson
, and 'N Sync
, however, even a popular debut album and a string of sold-out concert dates looked somewhat disappointing for 98 Degrees, if only by comparison to its rivals, who were astounding the music industry with their sales figures.
, and singing "True to Your Heart" (a duet with labelmate Stevie Wonder
), their album 98 Degrees and Rising
went 4× platinum
in 1998. Production credit included Atlanta based producer and Babyface co-writing partner Daryl Simmons
. Musician credits on the breakthrough album featured Atlanta based session musician and former Earth, Wind & Fire
guitarist Dick Smith
. After the first album, 98 Degrees left Motown for its parent company, Universal Records
. All three albums after their first went platinum.
The band's first major hit was "Because of You" (number three on the U.S. Hot 100
and number five on the Canadian Singles Chart
) and went platinum. Then "The Hardest Thing" followed the success by reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold.
's 1999 CBS Christmas special, A Christmas to Remember
. Nick Lachey was featured on Jessica Simpson's album on the track "Where You Are", which was released as a single and reached the top 40. The group appeared in the album called Jesus: The Epic Mini Series with their song "The Love That You've Been Looking For".
", a collaboration with Mariah Carey
and Joe
. The single went gold, selling 700,000 copies. It stayed at #1 on the Hot 100 for one week and the top 200 singles sales chart for 51 weeks. The single went to the top 10 in the UK charts and the group also received a Grammy Award
nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals
for the same song.
In the summer of 2000, 98 Degrees released the first single of their new album "Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)
", the single went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold
. In September 2000, the band's album Revelation was released. Revelation peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200
and went 2× Platinum. The band's next singles were "My Everything" and "The Way You Want Me To", both reaching the Top 40.
In September 2001 the band appeared at Madison Square Garden
alongside Luther Vandross
and Usher
singing Michael Jackson
's hit song "Man in the Mirror
". The performance was part of a show to celebrate Michael Jackson's 30 years as a solo artist.
The group decided to take a break to fulfill other ambitions and opportunities. Drew Lachey has stated on their website that 98 Degrees is not broken up, they are just on an extended hiatus. The site has not been updated since late 2004, casting doubt that the group is still together. During the hiatus, Drew and his wife had their first daughter shortly after he won the second season of Dancing with the Stars
. Nick Lachey married singer Jessica Simpson
and released two solo albums, SoulO
and What's Left of Me
. Timmons released a solo album, Whisper That Way
, and plans to release a second solo album. Jeffre ran for mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio
, and he currently works with area activists on independent media projects.
to support Jeffre in his candidacy for mayor of Cincinnati.
reality TV series, Mission Man Band. The news casts doubt over previous reports about 98 Degrees adding a new member and would consider recording a new album.
at his Minneapolis Super Rally on September 4, 2008. Nader's supporters held a live chat online during the rally, linking Nader's raiders across the country. Jeffre introduced Nader, saying "he is my hero."
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
adult contemporary
Adult contemporary music
Adult contemporary music is a broad style of popular music that ranges from lush 1950s and 1960s vocal music to predominantly ballad-heavy music with varying degrees of rock influence, as well as a radio format that plays such music....
boy band
Boy band
A boy band is loosely defined as a popular music act consisting of only male singers. The members are expected to dance as well as sing, usually giving highly choreographed performances. More often than not, boy band members do not play musical instruments, either in recording sessions or on...
consisting of four vocalists: brothers Nick
Nick Lachey
Nicholas Scott "Nick" Lachey is an American singer, songwriter, actor, producer and television personality. Lachey rose to fame as a member of the boy band 98 Degrees. He later starred in the reality television series Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica with his then-wife, Jessica Simpson. He has released...
and Drew Lachey
Drew Lachey
Andrew John "Drew" Lachey is an American singer and actor, known as a member of 98 Degrees, the winner of the second season of Dancing with the Stars, and the younger brother of Nick Lachey.-Early years:...
, Justin Jeffre, and Jeff Timmons
Jeff Timmons
Jeffrey Brandon Timmons is an American pop singer and producer and founding member of the Grammy-nominated pop group 98 Degrees.-98 Degrees:...
. The group was formed by Timmons in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
Unlike most boy bands, they formed independently and were later picked up by a record label
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
, as opposed to being assembled by a label or a producer. They have sold over 10 million records worldwide and achieved eight top 40 singles
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
in the US.
Formation
The founding members of 98 Degrees met after Canton, OhioCanton, Ohio
Canton is the county seat of Stark County in northeastern Ohio, approximately south of Akron and south of Cleveland.The City of Caton is the largest incorporated area within the Canton-Massillon Metropolitan Statistical Area...
native Jeff Timmons
Jeff Timmons
Jeffrey Brandon Timmons is an American pop singer and producer and founding member of the Grammy-nominated pop group 98 Degrees.-98 Degrees:...
decided to quit university and pursue a music career. He had been studying psychology at Kent State University
Kent State University
Kent State University is a public research university located in Kent, Ohio, United States. The university has eight campuses around the northeast Ohio region with the main campus in Kent being the largest...
in his home state of Ohio, and was planning on a career playing football in the NFL. In 1995 he sang at a college party with three friends, and received a positive reaction from the female audience about his voice. The following day he left college and headed out to Los Angeles, California. "It was a pretty hasty decision, looking back, but I was young and dumb. Sometimes ignorance is bliss," he said in 2004. He met a former student of the School for Creative and Performing Arts
School for Creative and Performing Arts
The School for Creative and Performing Arts is a magnet arts school in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, and part of the Cincinnati Public Schools...
who passed his name on to another graduate, Nick Lachey
Nick Lachey
Nicholas Scott "Nick" Lachey is an American singer, songwriter, actor, producer and television personality. Lachey rose to fame as a member of the boy band 98 Degrees. He later starred in the reality television series Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica with his then-wife, Jessica Simpson. He has released...
, who at the time was attending Miami University
Miami University
Miami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
to study sports medicine. Lachey flew to Los Angeles and after hitting it off, decided to form a boyband. Lachey suggested inviting one of his friends, Justin Jeffre, to join them. Jeffre, a history student at University of Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a part of the University System of Ohio....
, had attended SCPA with Lachey and they had performed together before in various outfits such as a barbershop quartet
Barbershop music
Barbershop vocal harmony, as codified during the barbershop revival era , is a style of a cappella, or unaccompanied vocal music characterized by consonant four-part chords for every melody note in a predominantly homophonic texture...
at the amusement park Kings Island
Kings Island
Kings Island is a amusement park located northeast of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio. Opened in 1972 by Taft Broadcasting Company and now owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, Kings Island is the most visited seasonal amusement park in the U.S...
and a cover band
Cover band
A cover band , is a band that plays mostly or exclusively cover songs. New or unknown bands often find the cover band format marketable for smaller gigs, and these bands may be known as a wedding band, party band and function band. A band whose covers consist mainly of songs that were chart hits is...
. The final member to join the band was Lachey's younger brother, Drew, who was working in New York City as an emergency medical technician
Emergency medical technician
Emergency Medical Technician or Ambulance Technician are terms used in some countries to denote a healthcare provider of emergency medical services...
.
After rejecting a series of names (including Just Us, Next Issue, and Verse Four), the group decided on "98 Degrees" after a suggestion from their manager, Paris Djon.
Signing to Motown Records
Taking a series of jobs including landscaping, working as club security officers, and delivering take-out food, and as a stripper, the band continued to refine its harmonies and presentation, looking to groups such as Boyz II MenBoyz II Men
Boyz II Men is an American R&B vocal group best known for emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies. They are the most successful R&B group of all time, having sold more than albums worldwide. In the 1990s, Boyz II Men found fame on Motown Records as a quartet, but original member Michael McCary...
, Take 6, and Jodeci
Jodeci
Jodeci is an American band, whose repertoire includes R&B, soul music, and new jack swing. The group consists of two pairs of brothers from Hampton, Virginia and Charlotte, North Carolina: Cedric & Joel Hailey and Donald & Dalvin DeGrate, all respectively known by their stage names: K-Ci & Jojo,...
for inspiration. The new group also made the rounds of auditions in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
and gradually built up its contacts in the music industry. Fortunately, the group's wait for a manager and a recording contract would not take long, as they seized an opportunity to perform during a radio broadcast of a Boys II, which they had attended in the hope of passing a demo tape to the band. Paris D'Jon, the manager of hip-hop singer Montell Jordan
Montell Jordan
Montell Jordan is a former American R&B singer-songwriter and record producer. Jordan became the main solo male artist on its Def Soul imprint until leaving the label in 2003. Of his live performances it is often regarded that he is a rock oriented musician, with Jordan even going as far as to...
, heard the group during the broadcast and quickly arranged for 98 Degrees to open for Jordan on his tour. D'Jon also became the band's manager, and they were signed to Motown Records by the time they finished the tour.
The group's emergence at a time when teen-oriented acts like the Spice Girls
Spice Girls
The Spice Girls were a British pop girl group formed in 1994. The group consisted of Victoria Beckham , Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm and Geri Halliwell. They were signed to Virgin Records and released their debut single, "Wannabe" in 1996, which hit number-one in more than 30...
and the Backstreet Boys
Backstreet Boys
The Backstreet Boys are an American vocal group, formed in Orlando, Florida in 1993. The band originally consisted of A. J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter and Kevin Richardson. They rose to fame with their debut international album, Backstreet Boys...
were just hitting the top of the charts around the world compelled them to differentiate themselves from the mere "boy band" status that they derided. From the start, they emphasized that they wrote much of their own material, which reflected R&B influences more than mainstream pop roots. "There are major differences musically between groups, not to mention the fact that we were signed to Motown, which gives us a little more credibility as far as R&B and soul music goes.
1997: First album
After sneaking backstage to a Backstreet Boys concert, the group did not succeed right away, but a local radio stationRadio station
Radio broadcasting is a one-way wireless transmission over radio waves intended to reach a wide audience. Stations can be linked in radio networks to broadcast a common radio format, either in broadcast syndication or simulcast or both...
covering the concert asked them to sing live on the air. Paris DJon, Montell Jordan's manager, was present during the impromtu broadcast and liked what he heard; he took the group under his wing, changed the group's name to 98 Degrees from its original Just Us and gave them the opening act spot on Montell Jordan's National tour. The group was originally signed to the Motown
Motown Records
Motown is a record label originally founded by Berry Gordy, Jr. and incorporated as Motown Record Corporation in Detroit, Michigan, United States, on April 14, 1960. The name, a portmanteau of motor and town, is also a nickname for Detroit...
label in the mid-1990s. At the time however, Scott Smith a deep bass Singer from Wisconsin was still with the band. Known as 99 degrees at the time Smith left the band citing "artistic differences". Smith would never publicly sing again due to a non compete clause all the original members signed.
With their debut single, "Invisible Man" which peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, achieving gold-record status after its July 1997 release, 98 Degrees was off to a promising start. Although critical reaction to the debut of the group was mixed, a Billboard review of their first single noted that their vocal abilities were the addition of a new track helped to keep the band in the public eye. The group also toured extensively, including concert dates in Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
. In light of the success of the Backstreet Boys
Backstreet Boys
The Backstreet Boys are an American vocal group, formed in Orlando, Florida in 1993. The band originally consisted of A. J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter and Kevin Richardson. They rose to fame with their debut international album, Backstreet Boys...
, Hanson
Hanson (band)
Hanson are an American pop rock band formed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by brothers Isaac , Taylor , and Zac Hanson . They are best known for the 1997 hit song "MMMBop" from their major label debut album Middle of Nowhere, which earned three Grammy nominations...
, and 'N Sync
'N Sync
N Sync was an American boy band formed in Orlando, Florida, in 1995 and launched in Germany by BMG Ariola Munich, *NSYNC consisted of JC Chasez, Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick...
, however, even a popular debut album and a string of sold-out concert dates looked somewhat disappointing for 98 Degrees, if only by comparison to its rivals, who were astounding the music industry with their sales figures.
1998: Breakthrough
After building popularity with their appearance in the movie MulanMulan
Mulan is a 1998 American animated film directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook, with story by Robert D. San Souci and screenplay by Rita Hsiao, Philip LaZebnik, Chris Sanders, Eugenia Bostwick-Singer, and Raymond Singer. It was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney...
, and singing "True to Your Heart" (a duet with labelmate Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
), their album 98 Degrees and Rising
98 Degrees and Rising
-Holland Edition:-Singles:*True to Your Heart – July 21, 1998*Because of You – September 15, 1998*Hardest Thing – June 8, 1999*I Do – July 24, 1999-Chart positions:...
went 4× platinum
RIAA certification
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards...
in 1998. Production credit included Atlanta based producer and Babyface co-writing partner Daryl Simmons
Daryl Simmons
Daryl Simmons is an American Grammy Award winning R&B songwriter, musician and record producer who is best known for his association with the LaFace Records production duo of Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds....
. Musician credits on the breakthrough album featured Atlanta based session musician and former Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire is an American soul and R&B band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1969 by Verdine and Maurice White. Also known as EWF, the band has won six Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards. They have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of...
guitarist Dick Smith
Dick Smith (musician)
Dick Smith is a musician who has mostly worked as a guitarist and has played with* 98 Degrees Guitarist 1998* Air Supply Guitarist 1993* Donny Osmond* Dru Hill Guitarist 1998* Earth, Wind & Fire Lead guitarist 1987 - 1993* Emmanuel...
. After the first album, 98 Degrees left Motown for its parent company, Universal Records
Universal Records
Universal Records was a record label owned by Universal Music Group, and it is now owned by Manny Patino and Michael Jackson, and operated as part of the Universal Motown Republic Group.-History:...
. All three albums after their first went platinum.
The band's first major hit was "Because of You" (number three on the U.S. Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
and number five on the Canadian Singles Chart
Canadian Singles Chart
The Canadian Singles Chart is currently compiled by the U.S.-based music sales tracking company, Nielsen SoundScan . The chart is compiled every Wednesday, and is published by Jam! Canoe on Thursdays....
) and went platinum. Then "The Hardest Thing" followed the success by reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold.
1999: Christmas album
In 1999, 98 Degrees released their Christmas album This Christmas, which spawned the top 40 single "This Gift". Within a month after its release the album was certified platinum. The group appeared as featured guests on Amy GrantAmy Grant
Amy Lee Grant is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, media personality and actress, best known for her Christian music. She has been referred to as "The Queen of Christian Pop"...
's 1999 CBS Christmas special, A Christmas to Remember
A Christmas to Remember
-Charts:Album – Billboard -End of year charts:...
. Nick Lachey was featured on Jessica Simpson's album on the track "Where You Are", which was released as a single and reached the top 40. The group appeared in the album called Jesus: The Epic Mini Series with their song "The Love That You've Been Looking For".
2000-2001: Revelation album and collaboration
The group scored a Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit in the U.S. with the single "Thank God I Found YouThank God I Found You
"Thank God I Found You" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey. It features guest vocals from R&B singer Joe and American boy band 98 Degrees. Written and produced by Carey along with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the song was released on January 25, 2000, through Columbia...
", a collaboration with Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993...
and Joe
Joe (singer)
Joseph Lewis Thomas , usually credited simply as Joe, is an American R&B singer and record producer.-Early life:Joe is a native of Cuthbert, Georgia and later moved to Opelika, Alabama. The son of two preachers, Joe spent much time in church singing, playing guitar, and even directing the choir...
. The single went gold, selling 700,000 copies. It stayed at #1 on the Hot 100 for one week and the top 200 singles sales chart for 51 weeks. The single went to the top 10 in the UK charts and the group also received a Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals
Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals
The Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals was an honor presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, to recording artists for quality pop songs on which singers collaborate...
for the same song.
In the summer of 2000, 98 Degrees released the first single of their new album "Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)
Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)
"Give Me Just One Night " is the first single released by American adult contemporary boy band, 98 Degrees, from their third studio album Revelation...
", the single went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold
Music recording sales certification
Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,...
. In September 2000, the band's album Revelation was released. Revelation peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
and went 2× Platinum. The band's next singles were "My Everything" and "The Way You Want Me To", both reaching the Top 40.
In September 2001 the band appeared at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
alongside Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross
Luther Ronzoni Vandross was an American singer-songwriter and record producer. During his career, Vandross sold over twenty-five million albums and won eight Grammy Awards including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance four times...
and Usher
Usher (entertainer)
Usher Terry Raymond IV , who performs under the mononym Usher, is an American singer-songwriter, and actor. He is considered around the world to be the reigning King of R&B. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100...
singing Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
's hit song "Man in the Mirror
Man in the Mirror
"Man in the Mirror" is a song recorded by Michael Jackson and written and composed by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett. It peaked at number one in the United States when released as a single in January 1988 off his seventh solo album, Bad. It is one of Jackson's most critically acclaimed songs and...
". The performance was part of a show to celebrate Michael Jackson's 30 years as a solo artist.
2002: 10 million records sold and The Collection
In 2002, 98 Degrees released a compilation album called The Collection, with the new single "Why (Are We Still Friends)". The single reached the top 40; at that point the group had sold over 10 million records and released 12 singles.The group decided to take a break to fulfill other ambitions and opportunities. Drew Lachey has stated on their website that 98 Degrees is not broken up, they are just on an extended hiatus. The site has not been updated since late 2004, casting doubt that the group is still together. During the hiatus, Drew and his wife had their first daughter shortly after he won the second season of Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars (US TV series)
Dancing with the Stars is a reality show airing on ABC in the United States, and CTV in Canada in 2011. The show is the American version of the British BBC television series Strictly Come Dancing...
. Nick Lachey married singer Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson
Jessica Ann Simpson is an American recording artist, actress, television personality, and fashion designer whose rise to fame began in 1999. Since that time, Simpson has achieved many recording milestones, starred in several television shows, movies, and commercials, launched a line of hair and...
and released two solo albums, SoulO
SoulO
SoulO is Nick Lachey's debut album as a solo artist, after leaving the boy band 98 Degrees. The album was released in the US on November 11, 2003 on Universal Records.-Track listing:...
and What's Left of Me
What's Left of Me (album)
What's Left of Me is Nick Lachey's second album, released on May 9, 2006. The CD includes the hit ballad "What's Left of Me", which to date is Lachey's most successful single as a solo artist. Other singles included are titled "I Can't Hate You Anymore" and "Resolution"...
. Timmons released a solo album, Whisper That Way
Whisper That Way
Whisper That Way was the first solo album released by 98 Degrees founding member Jeff Timmons in 2004. Every song on the album was written and arranged by Jeff Timmons...
, and plans to release a second solo album. Jeffre ran for mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, and he currently works with area activists on independent media projects.
2004-2005: Reunions
The band came together in 2004 to sing on Nick & Jessica's Family Christmas TV special. In September 2005, 98 Degrees performed at Club Purgatory in Over-the-RhineOver-the-Rhine
Over-the-Rhine, sometimes shortened to OTR, is a neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is believed to be the largest, most intact urban historic district in the United States. Over-the-Rhine was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 with 943 contributing buildings...
to support Jeffre in his candidacy for mayor of Cincinnati.
2006: Mission Man Band
In October 2006, it was announced that Timmons would participate in the new VH1VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
reality TV series, Mission Man Band. The news casts doubt over previous reports about 98 Degrees adding a new member and would consider recording a new album.
2008: Ralph Nader Super Rally
Jeffre and Timmons performed in support of Ralph NaderRalph Nader
Ralph Nader is an American political activist, as well as an author, lecturer, and attorney. Areas of particular concern to Nader include consumer protection, humanitarianism, environmentalism, and democratic government....
at his Minneapolis Super Rally on September 4, 2008. Nader's supporters held a live chat online during the rally, linking Nader's raiders across the country. Jeffre introduced Nader, saying "he is my hero."
Albums
- 1997: 98°98 Degrees (album)-Re-released Version:* The album was re-released on March 10, 1998, and "You Are Everything" was replaced with "Was It Something I Didn't Say".-Singles:* "Invisible Man", the first single from the group was released on June 24, 1997...
- 1998: 98° and Rising98 Degrees and Rising-Holland Edition:-Singles:*True to Your Heart – July 21, 1998*Because of You – September 15, 1998*Hardest Thing – June 8, 1999*I Do – July 24, 1999-Chart positions:...
- 1999: This Christmas
- 2000: Revelation
- 2002: The CollectionThe Collection (98 Degrees album)The Collection is the only compilation album released by the late 1990s teen pop boy band, 98 Degrees. It was released on May 7, 2002. The greatest hits album includes some songs from their old albums, and the smash Mariah Carey hit "Thank God I Found You", on which 98 Degrees collaborated with Joe...
Singles
| Year | Title | Chart positions | Album | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
US AC |
US Hot AC |
Top 40 Mainstream Mainstream Top 40 (Pop Songs) The Mainstream Top 40 is an airplay chart from Billboard magazine, and is also known as Pop Songs on billboard.com. It was often mistaken for and confused with the now discontinued Pop 100 Airplay chart... |
Rhythmic Top 40 Rhythmic Airplay Chart The Rhythmic Airplay Chart is an airplay chart that is featured weekly in Billboard Magazine. The chart tracks and measures the airplay of songs played on Rhythmic stations, whose playlist includes mostly hit-driven R&B/Hip-Hop, Rhythmic pop, and some Dance tracks... |
UK Singles Chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
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| 1997 | "Invisible Man" | 12 | 26 | - | 10 | 4 | 66 | 98 Degrees |
| 1998 | "Was It Something I Didn't Say" | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| "Because of You Because of You (98 Degrees song) "Because of You" is a 1998 song by 98 Degrees, released as a single from their album 98 Degrees and Rising. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum in December 1998.-Track listings and formats:CD5/Cassette single... " |
3 | - | - | 13 | 19 | 36 | 98 Degrees and Rising | |
| 1999 | "True to Your Heart" (with Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist... ) |
- | - | - | 38 | - | 51 | |
| "The Hardest Thing The Hardest Thing (98 Degrees song) "The Hardest Thing" is the third single released by American boy band, 98 Degrees, from their second studio album, 98 Degrees and Rising. "The Hardest Thing" peaked at #5 in the US and also experienced moderate success in Oceania, peaking at #24 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, and #5 on the... " |
5 | 4 | 16 | 4 | 5 | 29 | ||
| "I Do (Cherish You) I Do (Cherish You) "I Do " is a song written by Keith Stegall and Dan Hill. It was first released in 1998 by country music artist Mark Wills. The first single from his second album Wish You Were Here, it became his third top ten hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts that year.-98 Degrees... " |
13 | 4 | 18 | 5 | - | - | ||
| "This Gift This Gift (song) "This Gift" is the first single released by American boy band 98 Degrees from their third studio album, This Christmas.The song was released during Christmastime of 1999 where it peaked at #49 in the US and #6 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart.-Charts:... " |
40 | 6 | - | 23 | - | - | This Christmas | |
| 2000 | "Thank God I Found You Thank God I Found You "Thank God I Found You" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey. It features guest vocals from R&B singer Joe and American boy band 98 Degrees. Written and produced by Carey along with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the song was released on January 25, 2000, through Columbia... " (with Mariah Carey Mariah Carey Mariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993... and Joe Joe (singer) Joseph Lewis Thomas , usually credited simply as Joe, is an American R&B singer and record producer.-Early life:Joe is a native of Cuthbert, Georgia and later moved to Opelika, Alabama. The son of two preachers, Joe spent much time in church singing, playing guitar, and even directing the choir... ) |
1 | - | - | 28 | 4 | 10 | The Collection |
| "Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche) Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche) "Give Me Just One Night " is the first single released by American adult contemporary boy band, 98 Degrees, from their third studio album Revelation... " |
2 | - | 19 | 7 | 9 | 61 | Revelation | |
| "My Everything My Everything (98 Degrees song) "My Everything" is the second single released by American adult contemporary boy band, 98 Degrees, from their third studio album Revelation. "My Everything" did not achieve the success of their previous single "Give Me Just One Night " for the group, but the song did reach the top 20 on the U.S.... " |
17 | 13 | - | 10 | 11 | - | ||
| 2001 | "The Way You Want Me To" | - | - | - | 37 | - | - | |
| 2002 | "Why (Are We Still Friends)" | - | - | - | - | - | - | The Collection |