Also naming Broad Street from Christian Street to Carpenter Street "Boyz II Men Boulevard" to recognize and honor of Boyz II Men's legacy as an iconic R&B group and an example to Philadelphia's aspiring musical artists.

WHEREAS, Boyz II Men, comprised of Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris, began their career rehearsing and performing in talent shows at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, which is located on the 900 block of South Broad Street, between Christian and Carpenter Streets; and

WHEREAS, Boyz II Men’s first album, “Cooleyhighharmony”, featured the single “Motownphilly”, which topped the Pop and R&B charts and became their first certified Platinum single, selling over one million copies. The album also included the chart-topping and certified Gold ballad, “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday”; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, Boyz II Men released their single “End of the Road”, which would sit atop the

Billboard

Hot 100 chart for a record-setting 13 weeks, breaking a decades-old record held by Elvis Presley. “End of the Road” garnered international success, elevating the up-and-coming group to celebrity status; and

WHEREAS, Boyz II Men proceeded to break their own record with the releases of “I’ll Make Love to You” and “One Sweet Day”, topping the charts for 14 and 16 weeks, respectively. “One Sweet Day” continues to this day to hold the record for most weeks at number one. Further, the group has the distinction of being only one of three artists to replace themselves at number one when “On Bended Knee” replaced “I’ll Make Love to You” and is one of four artists to have held the number one spot for at least 50 cumulative weeks; and

WHEREAS, Boyz II Men is the best-selling R&B group of all time, with 64 million records sold worldwide. The group has been awarded four Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Awards, and three Billboard Awards. Further, the Record Industry Association of America has called Boyz II Men “the most commercially successful R&B group of all time,” considering their more than 60 million albums sold and seven platinum singles; and

WHEREAS, Boyz II Men started their own charity, Boyz II Men House, which is dedicated to giving support to individuals and organizations that focus on improving quality of life for those less fortunate,

and have returned to their

alma mater

to perform and to inspire current CAPA students; and

WHEREAS, Boyz II Men performed at the Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July Festival concert in 1998 and 2011, and will perform again this summer. The group will also be honored at the “Celebration of Freedom Ceremony” on July 4th at Independence Hall, where the City of Philadelphia will officially recognize their historic achievements in music and philanthropy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the achievements and service of Boyz II Men are honored and Broad Street from Christian Street to Carpenter Street shall henceforth be also known as “Boyz II Men Boulevard”.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Boyz II Men as evidence of the sincere respect and appreciation of this legislative body.

End