Jordan Knight

Jordan Knight, the lead singer and heartthrob of New Kids on the Block, turns 50 this year. Does that make him officially old? I knew who the New Kids were when they became popular in the late 80’s, but I was in college and cool and hip. While I didn’t listen to them, it was hard to not know who the New Kids on the Block were. I think you had to be living under a rock to NOT have heard of them.

Born Jordan Nathaniel Marcel Knight on May 17, 1970 in Worcester, Massachusetts, Jordan will forever be known as the lead singer of NKOTB. He has done some other things (acting, writing, etc.) but I think most people only think of him as NKOTB lead guy.

Jordan Knight was only 14 when he joined New Kids on the Block. Shortly after, he began teaching himself piano and writing songs. The band began their huge success in the late 80’s. They had tons of merchandise for the young girls to buy. There were shirts, pillow cases, lunch boxes, dolls, folders, posters, puzzles, trading cards, and so much more. They also had a cartoon, best-selling books, a comic strip, and video collections. They were the genesis for the many boy bands to come after them, and they were huge.

Fellow NKOTB Donnie Wahlberg was the one who coaxed Jordan (who went to school with him at one point) to audition for the group. Jordan impressed producer Maurice Starr with his girly falsetto voice (think Bee Gees……or a girl) and was immediately signed.

Trivia

• Jordan is the youngest of six kids.
• His father was a priest.
• Has two sons, born in 1999 and 2007.
• Wore clear braces on his teeth for two years during his NKOTB time.
• Was chosen by People Magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World in 1990.
• Both he and his brother Jonathan have panic attacks which they talked about on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2001.
• He dropped out of the Surreal Life Fame Games cast because his grandma died.
• He collected hotel room keys when he was on the road with NKOTB.
• Is left-handed.
• Was bullied as a child for his lack of athleticism.
• While growing up, he considered becoming a counselor or a doctor.

Break Up

NKOTB broke up in 1995 and Jordan got to work on his solo career. He released his first solo album in 1999 which reached number 29 in the US and was certified gold. Jordan released his second solo album, Love Songs, in 2006. His most recent solo album, Unfinished, was released in 2011.

Jordan appeared on VH1’s Surreal Life in 2004 which was kind of known for signing washed up celebrities. Jordan did nothing to help establish himself as a cool dude. He seemed very withdrawn and basically hid in his own room (other contestants had to share rooms). He seemed sad and kind of fluffy/out of shape. I wonder if that was a low point in his life. That must be hard to go through things and be in the public eye. I did enjoy his scenes with Charo when they wrote music. He seemed to come alive then.

Together Again

Jordan Knight is still continuing his success with New Kids on the Block as the group still records and tours. They have done very successful cruises as well as combining with former boy band Backstreet Boys for a tour. In 2015, Jordan teamed up with the lead singer of Backstreet Boys, Nick Carter, for an album called Nick & Knight. NKOTB just recently finished their Mixtape Tour. They seem to never really ever go away.

I believe Jordan Knight is still married to his wife though there have been rumors. Whatever. Hopefully everything is going well for this former teen idol. Wait. Is he considered a former teen idol? I think there are plenty of girls/women who will still croon over Jordan Knight. Check out my croon worthy Jordan pinups in my eBay store.