Home: The Guys:
Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: January 31, 2003
History
Where did the group get their name?
After rejecting a series of names (including Just Us, Next Issue, and Verse Four), the group decided on "98 Degrees" because they felt it conveyed the same atmosphere of heat and romance present in their music.
How long has the group been together?
Founding member Jeff hooked up with Nick and Justin in August 1995. Drew joined the group in November of that year. The four of them performed for the first time together at the House Of Blues in L.A. on November 15, 1995. They signed their first record deal with Motown on April 8, 1996.
Why isn't the group on Motown Records anymore?
When Universal and Polygram (which owned Motown) merged in December 1998, 98 Degrees decided it was a good time to move to Universal Records, which they felt had a better understanding of pop music.
Music
Why don't they write their own music?
Actually, they have written and produced a great deal of their music, especially for 98 Degrees And Rising and Revelation. Check out the Discography for details.
Why don't they play their own instruments?
98 Degrees is not a band, it's a vocal group, in the tradition of Boyz II Men, The Temptations, Jodeci, Color Me Badd, The Four Tops, etc. Their voices are their instruments. Incidentally, each of the guys can play instruments (Drew - drums and percussion, Jeff - trumpet, Justin - trombone, Nick - sax).
What albums have they released?
- 98 Degrees
- 98 Degrees And Rising
- This Christmas
- Revelation
What singles have they released?
- Invisible Man
- Because Of You
- The Hardest Thing
- I Do (radio only)
- This Gift (radio only)
- Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)
- My Everything (radio only)
Why are there two versions of their debut album?
After 98 Degrees was released, the group had an opportunity to record a ballad by Diane Warren called "Was It Something I Didn't Say" for the soundtrack of the short-lived TV series "Fame L.A." In March 1998, 98 Degrees was reissued to include that song (replacing "You Are Everything").
When is 98 Degrees coming to _____?
If it's not on the Schedule, we don't know about it. All concert, TV, chat, and personal appearances are posted there as soon as they are confirmed by 98 Degrees' management and/or Universal Records.
What do they think about being called a "boyband?"
Short answer: They aren't crazy about it, but they tolerate it.
Long answer: It really depends on what you mean by "boyband." If you mean a clean-cut group of young men singing pop/R&B music targeted largely to a young audience, then, yes, they can be described as a boyband (as can other talented groups like 'N Sync and the Backstreet Boys) and they accept that. If you mean a pre-fabricated, marginally talented group of guys who lip synch their concerts, have little or no creative input, and dance better than they sing, then, no, 98 Degrees is not a boyband.
Does the group get along with 'N Sync and the Backstreet Boys?
Yes, they do. They are particularly friendly with 'N Sync.
Has 98 Degrees performed on any other artists' albums?
Yes, they were guest vocalists on "Thank God I Found You" with Joe and Mariah Carey for Mariah's Rainbow album. They also performed a song called "The Love That You've Been Looking For" for the soundtrack of the Jesus miniseries.
Have they been nominated for a Grammy?
Yes, their collaboration with Mariah Carey and Joe ("Thank God I Found You") was nominated for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals in the 2001 Grammy Awards.
Videos
For which of their songs has 98 Degrees made videos?
- Invisible Man
- Was It Something I Didn't Say
- True To Your Heart
- Because Of You
- The Hardest Thing
- I Do (Cherish You)
- This Gift
- Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche)
- My Everything
Have they released a home video I can buy in stores?
Yes, it's called Heat It Up: The Official 98° Home Video. It includes lots of behind-the-scenes clips, personal interviews with the guys, exclusive concert footage, and all of their videos from "Invisible Man" to "The Hardest Thing."
Who plays the bride in the "I Do" video?
Ali Landry, who was named one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" in 1998 and was crowned Miss USA in 1996. She is currently the co-host of Farmclub.
Fans
Why can't I email the guys?
The members of 98 Degrees cannot currently receive fan mail through this site. The reason is that they would never have time to read even a fraction of the messages. We feel that it's important to be honest with you about that. For now, we're working on ways to make the site more interactive and to help you connect with the group online, such as the On The Spot feature. Thanks for understanding.
Where can I send fan mail?
98 Degrees
P.O. Box 31379
Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
How can I join the Fan Club?
Check out the Fan Club information page for details.
Why does it cost money to be a member of the Fan Club?
Members receive exclusive merchandise, quarterly newsletters, and lots of other perks that are only available through the Fan Club. Unfortunately, it costs a lot of money to produce and mail all of that stuff. A Fan Club membership is really just like a CD, book, or any other 98 Degrees product that you can choose to purchase. Remember, it doesn't cost anything to be a 98 Degrees fan. But, if you want all the extras that come with being part of the Official Fan Club, there's an annual membership fee.
Someone contacted me online (via email, chat, IM, etc.) claiming to be one of the members of 98 Degrees. Was it really them?
No. The guys do have private email addresses, but they only share them with their family and friends.
