ABSTRACT
The chapter explores the origins of the contemporary boy band to show how these groups evolved from a tradition of amateur choral singing to the commercial sphere in a history defined by regular cultural exchange between black and white communities in both Europe and the US. It illustrates how doo-wop and barbershop harmony groups provided a template for subsequent developments, shaping the direction and musical character of the groups we now refer to as boy bands. The influence of globalization is also considered to show how the model of the male pop/dance harmony group has surfaced in ways designed to suit local markets.
