1. The band’s original name was Nynuk.
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The name (pronounced “Na-nook”) was chosen by the band’s manager, Maurice Starr. Nynuk is the name of the dog in the film The Lost Boys.
2. After a citywide talent search, Donnie was the first member to be recruited into the New Kids.
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He later recruited his brother Mark, his best friend Danny, and two former classmates Jordan and Jonathan Knight.
3. Mark Wahlberg quit the New Kids before recording began. He was eventually replaced by Joey McIntyre.
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4. Joey was only 12 years old when he joined the New Kids on the Block!
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5. The name “New Kids on the Block” was inspired by one of Donnie’s rap songs.
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6. In 1989, Massachussetts governor Michael Dukakis officially designated April 24 as “New Kids on the Block Day.”
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7. Jonathan dated fellow pop star Tiffany, but the two had to keep their relationship a secret to avoid upsetting fans.
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8. The New Kids rose in popularity as an opening act for Tiffany. A year later, Tiffany was opening for The New Kids!
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9. The song Hangin’ Tough was written for the Boston Celtics.
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10. In 1991, The New Kids topped Forbes‘ list of highest paid entertainers, beating out Madonna, Prince, and even Michael Jackson!
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11. In 2010, The New Kids joined forces with The Backstreet Boys to form a new supergroup, NKOTBSB.
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