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Backstreet Boys

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The GRAMMY Museum Unveils 'Backstreet Boys: The Experience'

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The a one-of-a-kind, "ultimate fan experience" opens to the public on Wednesday, April 10 and runs until Sept. 2, 2019
Rachel Brodsky
GRAMMY Museum
Mar 6, 2019 - 9:24 am

The GRAMMY Museum has unveiled its latest exhibit: Backstreet Boys: The Experience.

Opening to the public on Wednesday, April 10 and running through Sept. 2, 2019, the "one-of-a-kind fan experience" celebrates the seminal boy band's three-decade career and features personal memorabilia, wardrobe, artwork and photography. It will also feature immersive photo and video interactive experiences that will allow their legion of fans to engage with the group’s music and history like never before, including a fan confessional booth that will allow fans to record a message directly to the group.

"From the beginning of our career, we have always made it a priority to interact with our fans," says band member AJ McLean. "This exhibition is a perfect way to share our favorite memories with the people who made our dreams a reality."

"The Backstreet Boys re-defined pop music as we know it creating a dedicated fan phenomenon that still exists almost 30 years later," says the Museum's Executive Director Michael Sticka. "We're thrilled to celebrate the group's unique commitment to their fans and vice versa while producing a one-of-a-kind immersive interactive environment."

On April 8, Backstreet Boys will take part in the Museum's Public Program series, where they will share never-before-heard stories from the past 25 years. JoJo Wright from KIIS-FM will be moderating the Program taking place at the Museum's Clive Davis Theater, and PEOPLE will exclusively live stream the event on Facebook.

Backstreet Boys have been nominated for eight total GRAMMY awards, including at the 61st GRAMMYs, for Best Pop/Duo Performance ("Don't Go Breaking My Heart"). 

Tickets to the GRAMMY Museum are available for sale at www.grammymuseum.org.

Backstreet Boys GRAMMY Museum 2019

Backstreet Boys

Photo: Rebecca Sapp | Design: F. Inomata

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Backstreet Boys Talk GRAMMY Museum "Experience," 'Millennium' Legacy & Touring

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As they unveil the interactive 'Backstreet Boys: The Experience' exhibit, we go behind the scenes with the GRAMMY-nominated boy band to look back on their 26 years together
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Apr 18, 2019 - 3:10 pm

On April 8, the Backstreet Boys visited the GRAMMY Museum for a very special evening; the preview night of the newest exhibit there, Backstreet Boys: The Experience. AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell all played a part in making the exhibit happen, sorting through old wardrobe trunks to choose which iconic '90s and '00s looks to put on display and sifting through the countless fan photos and homemade memorabilia they've been gifted over their 26-year career.

Backstreet Boys On New Exhibit, 'Millennium,' More

We went behind the scenes with the GRAMMY-nominated group right after they explored the newly set up exhibit for the first time, as they reflected on who BSB is today, their legacy, having fun in Las Vegas and their excitement for the DNA World Tour. Or, as McLean put it, their "biggest tour in 18 years," in support of 2019's DNA.

"I think [The Experience] is gonna surprise a lot of people, bring back a lot of memories…if you're a fan, this plays homage to you," Carter told us about the new exhibit. "[There's] a lot of things you can interact with, but just really cool things that remind people who the Backstreet Boys are and where we've come from, so it's a cool experience."

Speaking of looking back, the group also discussed the 20th anniversary of their record-breaking album Millennium, which was the best-selling album of 1999.

"Millennium is probably, to this day, one of the biggest album's we've ever had. I think if we weren't on the map by that time in most people's eyes and ears, we were definitely at that point," Dorough said. "I think that itself is what's continued the legacy of the Backstreet Boys."

Backstreet Boys: The Experience is currently on display at the GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles until Sept. 2. Learn how and when to have your special BSB experience on the Museum's website.

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GRAMMYs

Ricky Martin and the Blue Man Group performing at the 8th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards
Photo: courtesy of the GRAMMY Museum

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GRAMMY Museum To Celebrate 20 Years Of Latin GRAMMY Excellence With New Exhibit

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The inaugural exhibit on the Museum's newly constructed third floor will open with a special event and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 18 in Los Angeles
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Oct 21, 2019 - 3:19 pm

The GRAMMY Museum has teamed up with the Latin Recording Academy to present Latin GRAMMY: 20 Years Of Excellence, showcasing a variety of iconic moments and performances from two decades of the prestigious Latin GRAMMY Awards. 

From the tuxedo Juan Gabriel wore during his memorable 40-minute performance at the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards to the outfit Luis Fonsi wore during his performance of "Despacito" at the 18th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, Latin GRAMMY: 20 Years Of Excellence is the Museum's inaugural exhibit on its newly constructed third floor.

Taking visitors on a walk through two decades of unforgetable moments that shaped our culture, the exchibit will also feature instruments played by Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winners, including Lila Downs, Alejandro Sanz, Julieta Venegas, and more, plus the paint-stained shirt Ricky Martin wore at his performance with the Blue Man Group at the 8th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards.

“Latin music is a worldwide influence and we are honored to partner with the GRAMMY Museum to showcase the talented musicians, monumental Latin music moments, and significant milestones that have contributed to its popularity,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “With the exhibit opening the week after this year’s Latin GRAMMY Awards, we can’t think of a better way to highlight the importance of our 20th anniversary celebration and look to the future to showcase our beautiful art form.”

The exhibit serves as the first in the new Latin music gallery, which is a result of The Latin Recording Academy committing more than half a million dollars over a three-year period to expand the Museum's Latin music-focused exhibits and education programs and toward the hiring of a Latin music curator.

"Our expanded partnership with The Latin Recording Academy will significantly increase the GRAMMY Museum’s impact by creating a consistent presence dedicated to celebrating the many genres of Latin music," said Michael Sticka, President of the GRAMMY Museum. "Latin GRAMMY, 20 Years Of Excellence and our newly renovated third floor will greatly amplify the Museum's mission to educate, inspire, and share the significance of all forms of music."

The new exhibit will kick-off with a full day of programming on Nov. 18, including an education program for students, live performances and special ribbon-cutting ceremony with Abaroa Jr. and Sticka. The evening portion of the event is free to the public, including entry to the Museum on a first-come, first-served basis.

The GRAMMY Museum's new third floor also includes a refreshed On The Red Carpet exhibit, including GRAMMY Awards fashion articles from BTS, Rihanna, Nipsey Hussle, Alicia Keys, Miranda Lambert, Lang Lang, Maren Morris, Michelle Obama, Rita Ora, Carlos Santana, Kanye West, and Amy Winehouse. Additionally, the Mono To Surround interactive will be upgraded to a Mono To Immersive experience and the interactive GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY timeline will now have user-controlled capabilities, giving new and treturning music fans many resons to visit.

Latin GRAMMY: 20 Years Of Excellence will open to the public on Nov. 20 and run through spring 2020. For tickets and more info, visit the Museum's website.

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GRAMMY In The Schools Live!

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GRAMMY In The Schools Live! 2019 Celebrates The Power Of Music & Educators

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The lively GRAMMY Week event celebrated its 10th year with performances from GRAMMY Camp alumni and moving speeches from Music Educator Award honoree Jeffery Redding
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Feb 8, 2019 - 7:32 pm

On Thursday, Feb. 7, The Montalbán in Hollywood was filled with music, laughter, cheers and plenty of inspiring stories as GRAMMY In The Schools Live! celebrated its 10th annual GRAMMY Week event. The evening's music was provided by the talented GRAMMY Camp Alumni Band, who not only wowed the packed theater with show-stopping covers but poignantly answered high school students' questions about being an artist in the real world.

One of the highlights of the night was meeting Music Educator Award honoree, choir teacher Jeffery Redding, and hearing his passion for music and how uses it to inspire his students at West Orange High School in Florida. "Your job is to maximize the gifts that have been given to you," he said during his speech.

GRAMMY In The Schools Live! 2019

The band brought together nine young musicians from across the U.S., all of whom were once aspiring musicians honing their skills at one of the GRAMMY Museum's student-focused offerings: GRAMMY Camp, GRAMMY Camp—Jazz Session, or the GRAMMY Museum Summer Session. In addition to tearing up the stage covering hits from the likes of GRAMMY winners Justin Timberlake and The Weeknd, they answered students' questions, fielded by David Sears, the museum's Executive Education Director.

The talented group showcased not only their musical prowess on stage, but also their insight into how to successfully navigate the music industry. Luca Mendoza, a pianist and college sophomore, poignantly answered a question about balancing music, school and social life.

"I think the one thing that has stayed with me is to really listen to myself and be honest with myself with what I need in the moment. It's really easy to get caught up in 'work, work, work,'" Mendoza said. "It's easy to forget that that’s what this is really about, about playing music for people, to connect with people."

These artists are shining examples of the power of music education to touch lives and allow young people the platform on which to explore their unique identities and skillsets. Programs like GRAMMY Camp, a five-day summer intensive with eight tracks spanning potential music industry careers, from audio engineering to vocal performance to music journalism, offer participants practical experience and advice to help them dive deeper into their passions, and allows them to connect with other young aspiring artists.

Thoughtful educators also play a huge role in helping students to find their joy—Music Educator Award honoree Redding is one such teacher. A powerful segment from "CBS This Morning" offered a look into how the choir teacher has made a meaningful impact on all his students.

"I stand here humbly as a music educator here to serve," Redding declared as he took the stage. After sharing how music had helped both him and so many others he's worked with overcome live's challenges, he encouraged the students in the audience to share their talents with the world. "Your job is to maximize the gifts that have been given to you."

When we asked Redding why music education was so important to him, his passion was palpable in every word.

"Music education touches and changes lives, it inspires. In a classroom it provides a safety from the world. There's a song for everything that you're going through. It teaches community…it deals with vulnerability, with a transparent heart," Redding told us.

As the recipient Of the 2019 Music Educator Award he is recognized for his "significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education" and will receive a $10,000 honorarium, plus a matching grant for his school.

These programs would of course not be possible without one of the GRAMMY Museum's longest-standing partners, The Ford Motor Company Fund. We also spoke to Pamela Alexander, Director of Community Development for the Fund, about what the partnership means to her.

"Music education is an opportunity for a student that has the talent, or even just the interest, to really express themselves and explore themselves and grow as a person. It also means achievement, because know that schools with music education programs have higher graduation rates and higher test scores," Alexander explained.

Nominations for the for the 2020 Music Educator Award are open until March 15. Click here to nominate a well-deserving teacher in your community.

The GRAMMY Camp 2019 summer session in L.A. is also currently accepting applications until March 31. For more information, click here.

Finally, GRAMMY Week concludes this Sunday on Feb. 10 with the 61st GRAMMY Awards—be sure to catch the show live on CBS, beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT from the STAPLES Center.

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Boyz II Men's golden suits on display at the Motown exhibit

Boyz II Men's suits at the Motown exhibit

Photo: Rebecca Sapp/GRAMMY Museum

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GRAMMY Museum's New Motown Exhibit Showcases Gems From Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Boyz II Men & More

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"Motown: The Sound Of Young America" is on display at the GRAMMY Museum in Downtown Los Angeles, which opens its doors to the public on May 21, 2021
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMY Museum
Apr 29, 2021 - 11:22 am

This week, the GRAMMY Museum announced it will be reopening to the public on May 21 with four new exciting exhibits on view. Today, April 29, the Downtown Los Angeles space revealed details for the "Motown: The Sound Of Young America" exhibition.

The exhibit—which has been in the works since last fall and premiered at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas in 2019—celebrates the history and evolution of the iconic music label, highlighting its legendary artists and musical milestones, and the impact it still imparts on artists today.

The Supremes' butterfly gowns on display at GRAMMY Museum

The Supremes' gowns at GRAMMY Museum | Photo: Rebecca Sapp/GRAMMY Museum

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"Motown: The Sound Of Young America" will invite visitors up close to outfits worn by The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Miracles, and The Supremes, and to listen to exclusive interviews with many Motown legends, to witness the creative process perfected at Motown over 60 years ago. Museum guests will also experience interactive displays, including an opportunity to perform The Supremes' GRAMMY nominated hit "Stop! In The Name Of Love" and learn the Temptations' signature dance moves.

The Motown exhibit is presented by City National Bank and will be the Museum's main second floor exhibit through winter 2021. 

Exhibit highlights include:

  • Berry Gordy's $800 loan contract (facsimile) used to start the Motown record label
  • "Butterfly" gowns worn by The Supremes
  • Harmonica and keyboard played by Stevie Wonder
  • Ray Parker Jr.'s Gretsch guitar
  • Recording Academy Hall Of Fame Awards for the Miracles
  • Full set of Jackson 5 outfits
  • Full set of Boyz II Men outfits
  • Full set of The Four Tops outfits
  • Full set of The Temptations outfits
  • Blazers from Migos' "Stir Fry" music video 
  • And more! 

"The music of Motown, especially in the 1960s, represents a high-water mark in American music," Bob Santelli, the exhibition's curator and Founding Executive Director of the GRAMMY Museum, said in the press release.

"The long list of No. 1 hits, the incredible stable of stars, and the genius of Berry Gordy Jr., both as a businessman and nurturer of talent, made Motown one of the most successful and impactful record companies of all time."

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Ethiopia Habtemariam, Chairman/CEO of Motown Records added her excitement about the new Museum offering:

"We're honored that the GRAMMY Museum is bringing this vital exhibit to Los Angeles. In the past 60 years, Motown has repeatedly proved itself as a galvanizing musical and cultural force, amplifying the voice of Young America. Providing a firsthand view of the development of artists like Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men, Ne-Yo, Lil Baby and Migos will, I hope, spark the dreams of a new generation."

To book your ticket reservations and to learn more about the Museum's new COVID-19 safety protocols, please visit www.grammymuseum.org.

The GRAMMY Museum Reopens In May With Exhibits On Dave Mathews Band, Marco Antonio Solís, Motown & Nat King Cole