New Kids On the Block: MAGIC SUMMER TOUR 2024

New Kids On the Block: MAGIC SUMMER TOUR 2024

A massively successful boy band, New Kids on the Block emerged in the late ’80s combining R&B grooves, infectious pop hooks, and a dynamic, dance-oriented image. Guided by their producer Maurice Starr, the group built upon the popularity of Starr’s previous protégé ensemble New Edition, helping lay the groundwork for the teen pop boom of the late ’90s. During the New Kids’ heyday, the group reportedly earned over one million dollars per week, and their string of hit songs — the bulk of which reinterpreted R&B-styled street music for a young female audience — made them one of the era’s most commercially prosperous acts. Both 1988’s Hangin’ Tough and 1990’s Step by Step topped the Billboard 200 chart, spawning singles like “You Got (The Right Stuff),” “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever),” “Hangin’ Tough,” “Step by Step,” and “Tonight.” Though they disbanded after 1994’s Face the Music, they reconvened 14 years later, landing at number two on the Billboard 200 with their mature 2008 comeback album The Block. Continued fan support has kept the group touring and releasing material, including 2013’s 10 and 2017’s Thankful EP.

About Paula Abdul

In the wake of Madonna’s success, many dance-pop divas filled the charts, but out of them all, Paula Abdul was the only one who sustained a career. The former L.A. Lakers cheerleader and choreographer scored her first hit in 1989, when “Straight Up” shot to Billboard’s number one spot, becoming the first of four U.S. chart-toppers from her 1988 debut, Forever Your Girl; the others were “Forever Your Girl,” “Cold Hearted,” and “Opposites Attract,” each earning a gold certification from the RIAA. This success laid the groundwork for her second act as a judge on American Idol, the televised singing competition that began in 2002 and kept Abdul in the spotlight throughout the decade.

About DJ Jazzy Jeff

The accomplishments of Jeff Townes pre-date and extend far beyond his partnership with Will Smith as DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. Although the duo’s prominent role in hip-hop history is secure with five gold and platinum albums and two Grammys, including the first award for Best Rap Performance with “Parents Just Don’t Understand” (1988), Townes is a major figure for his individual work. A pioneering turntablist acknowledged for his development of the Transformer scratch, as well as a veteran global club DJ, Townes has also led the production house A Touch of Jazz, executive-produced Jill Scott’s multi-platinum debut (2000), and released numerous DJ sets and studio albums, including multiple volumes of Hip Hop Forever (2004-2006) and the Magnificent trilogy (2002-2018).