Boyz II Men, Philly, and the Power of Harmony with John Morrison

Queue Points

DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray sit down with Philadelphia DJ, radio host and music journalist John Morrison to talk about his new book, Boyz II Men 40th Anniversary Celebration (Epic Ink/Quarto). Morrison breaks down the group’s deep Philly roots, from doo-wop and Gamble & Huff to the rise of 90s hip-hop, and explains how Boyz II Men’s sound and image bridged R&B and rap during a pivotal moment in pop culture.

The conversation digs into Black masculinity and emotional vulnerability as they discuss why singing Black men together matters and what we’ve lost as vocal groups have faded from the mainstream.

Morrison also shares surprising stories from the book, including a pre-fame Britney Spears recording at Boyz II Men’s studio and early NSYNC history. If you love Black music history, Philly soul, and 90s R&B, this episode is for you.

Purchase Boyz II Men 40th Anniversary Celebration: https://amzn.to/3V8C7rZ **

About John Morrison

John Morrison is a DJ, radio host and music journalist from Philadelphia. For over 25 years, he has worked as a writer covering local and global music scenes. Morrison got his start in the late 90s as a teenager writing for independent hip-hop and punk zines. Since then, his work has appeared in The New York Times, Complex, NPR Music, Spin Magazine, Red Bull Music Academy, and more. An in-demand on-air personality, Morrison regularly appears on flagship NPR music programs like All Songs Considered and The World Cafe as well as NPR’s Tiny Desk Top Shelf series. As a DJ, Morrison’s music-making and performance practice has greatly informed his writing. Decades of digging in the crates for rare records to spin and sample has enhanced Morrison’s expertise in music culture and his ability to write in-depth, expertly researched essays on music history. Morrison is also the author of Boyz II Men 40th Anniversary Celebration, a comprehensive book on Philly R&B legends, Boyz II Men. Published in Spring 2025 by Quarto Books/Epic Ink.

Chapter Markers

00:00 Intro Theme

00:16 Introduction to Today's Show

00:47 Introducing the Special Guest: John Morrison

01:37 John Morrison's Background and Career

04:17 The Inspiration Behind the New Book

09:13 Boyz II Men and Their Impact on Black Masculinity

15:12 Comparing Boyz II Men and Jodeci

20:12 Boyz II Men's Musical Versatility and Legacy

25:15 The Decline of Vocal Groups in American Music

25:47 The Importance of Singing Together

25:57 Personal Musical Journey and Church Influence

27:01 Boyz II Men: Harmony and Impact

28:37 Black Men and Emotional Vulnerability

30:44 Lessons from Boyz II Men for Black Men Today

32:51 The Role of Music in Emotional Growth

37:22 Insights from the Book on Boyz II Men

41:29 Encouraging Support for the Book

42:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

46:42 Outro Theme

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