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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