Boys To Men

Album: Heart Break (1988)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the closing track of Heart Break, New Edition's first album to feature Johnny Gill as a member of the group. Gill took lead vocals on the song, but hated it when he first heard it. Co-writer Jimmy Jam recalled on the 2017 BET mini-series The New Edition Story: "He felt like 'Why are you guys giving me this wack song?' and whatever. And of course now it's one of the staples of their shows."
  • The song became one of Heart Break's most renowned tunes, despite it never being officially released as a single. Four schoolboys from Philadelphia were huge fans of the track and it ended up becoming the name of their group - Boyz II Men.

Comments: 1

  • Javontae Williams Yes from Donaldsonville,laNew edition reunion
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.