Jordan Knight
Jordan Knight (born May 17, 1970) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor best known as the falsetto lead vocalist of the boy band New Kids on the Block (NKOTB). Born in Manchester, England, and raised in the United States, Knight rose to international fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a member of NKOTB, a group formed in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1984 by producer Maurice Starr, which included Knight's older brother Jonathan along with Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. The band achieved massive commercial success with their second album, Hangin' Tough (1988), which featured the title track and other hits like "Please Don't Go Girl" and "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)," selling over 14 million copies worldwide and topping the Billboard 200 for 8 weeks.[1][2] Their follow-up, Step by Step (1990), also reached number one on the Billboard 200 and included the chart-topping single of the same name, contributing to NKOTB's total album sales exceeding 80 million records globally and establishing them as pioneers of the modern boy band era. The group disbanded in 1994 amid internal tensions and public scrutiny but reunited in 2008 for a comeback tour and album, The Block, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200; they have since continued performing, including a 2024 Las Vegas residency and the release of their seventh studio album, Still Kids.[3] Following NKOTB's initial split, Knight launched a solo career in 1999 with his self-titled debut album, Jordan Knight, which peaked at number 28 on the Billboard 200 and featured the lead single "Give It to You," which peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a gold certification from the RIAA. Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the album blended pop, R&B, and dance elements, showcasing Knight's distinctive falsetto and stage presence honed from years of choreography-intensive performances. He released subsequent solo projects, including the EP Unfinished (2011), which debuted at number 56 on the Billboard 200, and Love Songs (2022), a collection of romantic ballads; in 2018, Knight collaborated with Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter on the duo album Nick & Knight, which reached number 100 on the Billboard 200. Beyond music, Knight has appeared in television shows such as The Masked Singer (2019), where he competed as "Robot," and maintains a presence in fashion with his NKOTB-branded merchandise line. Knight has been married to Evelyn Melendez since 2005 and has two sons, Dante (born 1999) and Eric (born 2007).[2]Early life and entry into music
Childhood and family background
Jordan Knight was born on May 17, 1970, in Worcester, Massachusetts, as the youngest of six children to parents Allan Knight and Marlene Putnam.[4] His father, an Episcopal priest and musician, and his mother, originally from Canada, created a nurturing environment in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston where the family eventually settled after purchasing their childhood home in 1972.[5] The Knight household was marked by modest means, with Allan having transitioned from carpentry to the ministry, fostering a close-knit family dynamic amid financial challenges.[6] The family's musical atmosphere profoundly shaped Knight's early years, exposing Jordan to singing and performance from a young age.[7] Knight's siblings—older brother Jonathan, along with Allison, Sharon, David, and Chris—contributed to this vibrant setting, where music was a constant presence, often filling the home despite occasional sibling frustrations with his incessant singing.[4] This environment instilled in Knight an early passion for vocals, as he frequently joined family performances and emulated his father's musical pursuits. Knight's childhood also sparked an interest in dance and the performing arts, evident in his youthful energy and natural affinity for movement, which he practiced informally around the home and later honed through local activities.[7] Growing up in a religiously oriented family, these creative outlets provided a foundation for his expressive talents, blending the spiritual influences of his father's ministry with the rhythmic joys of performance.[7]Discovery and joining New Kids on the Block
In 1984, at the age of 14, Jordan Knight auditioned for producer Maurice Starr after learning of open calls through local promotions in the Boston area, accompanied by his older brother Jonathan. The brothers, both aspiring performers with a family background in music, impressed Starr during the summer auditions organized by him and talent agent Mary Alford, who had previously helped form New Edition. Jordan's exceptional falsetto and proficient dance moves, honed from breakdancing and school performances, stood out, leading to his immediate selection as a core member.[8][9] Starr envisioned a multi-racial boy band as a follow-up to New Edition, and Jordan was chosen as the primary lead vocalist for his high-pitched, versatile voice that fit the group's pop-R&B sound, complemented by his rhythmic dance skills. The initial group, tentatively named Nynuk (pronounced "na-nook") after a character from Maurice Starr's imagination, included Jordan, Jonathan Knight, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, and briefly Jamie Kelly before being finalized with Joey McIntyre replacing Kelly. This lineup was assembled to blend singing, rapping, and choreography, drawing from the diverse talents of the young Boston natives.[9][8] Following their selection, the group underwent intensive training and rehearsals in the Boston area, focusing on vocal harmonies, synchronized dances, and stage presence under Starr's direction. They signed with Starr's production company, effectively under Star Records, and began preparing material for their debut while performing at local talent shows and community events to build cohesion. These early sessions solidified the band's dynamic, with Jordan's vocal range often taking center stage in demos, setting the foundation before their name evolved to New Kids on the Block.[9][10]Career with New Kids on the Block
Rise to fame and peak success
The New Kids on the Block's debut album, released in 1986, achieved modest initial success but laid the groundwork for their breakthrough, eventually selling 3 million copies in the United States and earning triple platinum certification from the RIAA.[10] The lead single "Please Don't Go Girl" marked their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988, peaking at No. 10, with Jordan Knight sharing lead vocals alongside Joey McIntyre, helping to introduce the group's harmonious pop sound influenced by R&B and new jack swing.[11] This early momentum built anticipation for their sophomore effort, Hangin' Tough, released in August 1988, which propelled them to international stardom. Hangin' Tough became a commercial juggernaut, topping the Billboard 200 for 8 nonconsecutive weeks and selling over 14 million copies worldwide, certified 8x platinum in the U.S. by the RIAA.[11][12] Key singles like "You Got It (The Right Stuff)," where Knight delivered the primary falsetto lead vocals, and the ballad "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)," on which he sang lead, showcased the band's evolution toward incorporating hip-hop rhythms, funk basslines, and R&B harmonies under producer Maurice Starr.[11][13] Knight also fronted "Cover Girl," another Top 5 hit, solidifying his position as the group's charismatic lead singer and visual focal point with his signature curly hair, smooth dance moves, and heartthrob appeal that drove fan adoration. The album's success sparked widespread "Blockhead" mania, with teenage fans generating unprecedented hysteria at appearances and fueling a merchandising empire.[11] The 1989-1990 Hangin' Tough Tour amplified their global dominance, playing to sold-out arenas across North America and Europe with elaborate choreography that highlighted Knight's agile stage presence and falsetto runs.[11] Their momentum carried into 1990's Step by Step album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, sold 3 million copies in the U.S. (triple platinum by the RIAA), and nearly 20 million worldwide, featuring the title track as a No. 1 single led vocally by Knight.[14] By the early 1990s, the group had amassed over 80 million records sold globally, establishing NKOTB—and Knight's pivotal vocal and performative role—as pioneers of the modern boy band era.[15]Hiatus, reunion, and recent projects
New Kids on the Block entered a hiatus in 1994 following a period of declining commercial success and amid internal tensions, including lawsuits filed by the group against their former producer and manager Maurice Starr for breach of contract and creative infringement.[16][17][18] During this time, Jordan Knight briefly pursued solo endeavors, releasing his debut album Jordan Knight in 1999.[19] The group announced their reunion on April 4, 2008, during a surprise performance on NBC's Today show, marking the end of their 14-year break.[20] This led to the release of their seventh studio album, The Block, on September 2, 2008, via Columbia Records, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and sold 95,000 copies in its first week.[21] By 2013, the album had sold 332,000 copies in the United States.[10] The reunion was supported by the New Kids on the Block: Live world tour, which ran from September 2008 to March 2009 across North America and Europe, grossing over $50 million from more than 100 shows.[22] In 2010, New Kids on the Block formed the supergroup NKOTBSB with the Backstreet Boys, resulting in collaborative performances and joint tours from 2011 to 2013.[23] The inaugural NKOTBSB Tour in 2011 covered North America, earning $76 million across 51 shows and ranking eighth on Billboard's Top 25 Tours that year.[24] Subsequent legs in 2012 (Europe) and 2013 (additional North American dates) further solidified the partnership, with the combined tours grossing over $100 million overall and attracting a blend of fans from both bands.[25] Marking their 40th anniversary, the group released their eighth studio album, Still Kids, on May 17, 2024—coinciding with Jordan Knight's birthday—through BMG Rights Management.[26] The 14-track project explores themes of maturity, reflection, and enduring youthfulness through pop anthems and dance tracks, debuting at number four on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart with 14,000 copies sold in its first week.[27][28] The album supported the Magic Summer 2024 Tour, which emphasized the band's evolution while celebrating their legacy. In September 2024, New Kids on the Block announced The Right Stuff Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, beginning June 20, 2025, with initial dates through July 5, followed by November 1–15, 2025, and extending into 2026.[29] The shows feature high-energy performances of hits, aerial elements, and spotlights on individual members, including Jordan Knight's solo rendition of his 1999 hit "Give It to You" during select segments.[30] Since the 2008 reunion, the band's efforts have generated over $300 million in tour revenue, reflecting the evolution of their fanbase from predominantly teen "Blockheads" in the 1980s–1990s to a multi-generational, adult audience that includes original fans now in their 50s alongside younger enthusiasts drawn through nostalgia and family traditions.[31][10]Solo and collaborative musical career
Debut solo album and early releases
Following the hiatus of New Kids on the Block in 1994, Jordan Knight signed a solo recording contract with Interscope Records in the late 1990s to pursue an independent music career. His self-titled debut album, Jordan Knight, was released on May 25, 1999, and achieved commercial success by earning a gold certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies in the United States.[32] The album peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Knight's first solo entry into the top 40 of that ranking.[33] The lead single, "Give It to You," was released on February 16, 1999, and became Knight's highest-charting solo track, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. This upbeat track, co-written with Robin Thicke, earned a platinum certification from the RIAA and helped propel the album's visibility amid the late-1990s pop revival. Follow-up singles included "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man," a cover of Prince's 1987 hit released on July 20, 1999, which further showcased Knight's vocal range in a more ballad-oriented format. Knight's overall solo recordings have sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide, establishing his viability as an artist beyond the boy band era.[34] Musically, Jordan Knight blended new jack swing influences with pop-R&B elements, reflecting the production expertise of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who handled several tracks alongside Knight's co-production on eight songs.[35] The album's sound drew from Knight's R&B roots while incorporating contemporary dance-pop grooves, as heard in tracks like "A Different Party" and "Change My Ways." To promote the release, Knight produced music videos for key singles, including a visually striking clip for "Give It to You" directed with urban dance sequences, and embarked on a brief promotional tour in Asia alongside 98 Degrees, performing to enthusiastic crowds in support of both acts' albums.[36]Later albums and collaborations
In 2006, Knight released his second solo album, Love Songs, through Trans Continental Records on September 12.[37] The project consisted of covers of classic romantic pop ballads, including tracks like "Careless Whisper" and "Waiting for a Girl Like You," with the lead single "Say Goodbye" featuring a duet with Deborah Gibson. It peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart, highlighting Knight's affinity for intimate, heartfelt interpretations.[34] Knight's third solo album, Unfinished, arrived on May 31, 2011, via eOne Music, marking his return to original material after a five-year gap.[38] Self-produced in part, the record explored themes of personal growth and resilience through upbeat pop tracks, with the debut single "Let's Go Higher" emphasizing uplift and momentum.[39] Additional singles included "Stingy" featuring his brother Donnie Wahlberg; the album reached No. 48 on the Billboard 200, reflecting Knight's evolving artistry beyond his boy band roots.[34] In 2014, Knight collaborated with Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter on the duo project Nick & Knight, releasing their self-titled debut album on September 2 through Mass Appeal Entertainment and BMG Rights Management.[40] The pop-rock effort debuted at No. 24 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Independent Albums chart, driven by the lead single "One More Time."[40] The partnership extended to a 39-city North American tour starting September 15 in Nashville, blending their respective hits with new material to celebrate '90s nostalgia.[41] During New Kids on the Block's 2025 Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live from June to November, Knight incorporated minor solo performances, including his 1999 hit "Give It to You," to showcase his individual evolution amid the group's shows.[30]Television and media appearances
Early television roles and guest spots
During the height of New Kids on the Block's fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Jordan Knight contributed to the group's high-profile television appearances on major music and late-night programs, which helped solidify their teen pop dominance. The band performed on The Arsenio Hall Show in February 1989, marking an early showcase of their rising energy amid growing popularity.[42] In December 1989, they returned to the show to perform "Funky, Funky Christmas" from their holiday album Merry, Merry Christmas, engaging in festive banter with host Arsenio Hall.[43] By 1990, amid their world tour, New Kids on the Block appeared again on The Arsenio Hall Show, delivering hits like "Call It What You Want" and interacting with the audience in their signature high-energy style.[44] After the group's 1994 hiatus, Knight transitioned to solo endeavors, leveraging television for promotion of his self-titled 1999 debut album. On May 25, 1999, he performed the lead single "Give It to You" live on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, captivating viewers with his falsetto-driven pop-R&B sound during the morning talk show's music segment.[45] That same year, Knight staged a mini-concert on MTV's Total Request Live, performing tracks from the album to connect with a younger audience and capitalize on the late-1990s boy band resurgence.[46] In 2003, Knight expanded his television presence by serving as a guest judge on American Juniors, Fox's singing competition spin-off from American Idol, where he evaluated young contestants in episodes 11 and 12 alongside judges like Gladys Knight and Deborah Gibson.[47] His role drew on his experience as a former teen idol to mentor emerging talent, emphasizing vocal performance and stage presence.[48] Knight continued music-focused guest spots into the mid-2000s, appearing on the UK series Hit Me, Baby, One More Time on April 28, 2005, in Manchester. There, he performed his solo hit "Give It to You" and covered Mario's "Let Me Love You," competing in a format that blended original tracks with contemporary interpretations to appeal to nostalgic and new viewers.[49] These appearances underscored Knight's adaptability in television, bridging his New Kids on the Block legacy with solo artistry during a period of career reinvention.Reality TV and home renovation shows
Knight's foray into reality television began with his participation in the third season of VH1's The Surreal Life in 2004, where he lived in a shared Hollywood mansion with fellow celebrities including Flavor Flav, Brigitte Nielsen, and Charo.[50] During the season, Knight engaged in the show's signature mix of interpersonal drama and collaborative challenges, such as group performances and household tasks, which highlighted his laid-back personality amid the eccentric cast dynamics.[51] In 2019, Knight competed on season 2 of Fox's The Masked Singer as "The Boyfriend," performing songs including a cover of the Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way" before being unmasked and eliminated in the quarterfinals.[2] Knight's transition to home renovation programming came through guest appearances on HGTV shows tied to his brother Jonathan's hosting role, marking his entry into the network's lifestyle format. In 2022, he made a cameo as a guest judge on Rock the Block Season 3, offering insights on renovation designs during the competition series featuring HGTV stars.[52] He also appeared in episodes of Farmhouse Fixer, Jonathan's series that premiered in 2021 and focused on restoring historic New England farmhouses, including a 2022 installment where the brothers collaborated on relocating and renovating a 110-year-old family home to create a gathering space.[53] This involvement evolved into co-starring alongside Jonathan and Jonathan's husband Harley Rodriguez in the 2024 spin-off Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp, where they transformed a dilapidated New England campground into modern vacation cabins, blending Knight's familial ties with hands-on design elements like rustic-modern interiors.[54] In 2025, the Knight brothers expanded their HGTV presence by competing as a team on Rock the Block Season 6, where they designed a modern farmhouse-themed property but did not win the season.[52] Media coverage that year portrayed their HGTV endeavors as a "second life" beyond music, with features emphasizing their shared passion for Massachusetts-based renovations rooted in their Dorchester upbringing.[55] In a Boston Globe interview, they discussed how these projects allowed them to channel their love for historic New England properties while balancing band commitments like an upcoming Vegas residency.[56] Despite the success, Farmhouse Fixer faced challenges when HGTV announced in June 2025 that the series would not return for additional seasons, citing a shift in programming priorities.[57] In subsequent interviews, Knight reflected on the show's lasting impact, noting how it revitalized interest in preserving regional architecture and strengthened family bonds through collaborative work, even as he and Jonathan explored future opportunities in the genre.[58]Personal life and business ventures
Marriage and family
Jordan Knight began a long-term relationship with Evelyn Melendez in the early 1990s after meeting through mutual friends.[59] The couple dated for over a decade before marrying in a private ceremony on September 12, 2004, in Florida, attended only by close family and friends.[60][61] They have maintained a low public profile throughout their marriage, with neither Knight nor Melendez active on social media, and Evelyn rarely appearing alongside him at events.[62] Knight and Melendez have two sons: Dante Jordan Knight, born on August 25, 1999, and Eric Jacob Knight, born on February 21, 2007.[61][4] Knight has prioritized fatherhood, often describing himself as a dedicated stay-at-home parent during periods away from performing, such as driving his sons to hockey practices and emphasizing a low-profile upbringing to shield them from fame's pressures.[63] Following the peak of New Kids on the Block's success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Knight shifted toward a family-first lifestyle during the band's hiatus, balancing occasional tours and solo projects with home responsibilities in their Milton, Massachusetts residence, where the family has lived since 1997.[64][65] This approach has allowed him to foster a stable, private family environment amid his career demands.[66]Other business interests
Jordan Knight expanded into the restaurant business by co-owning Novara, a Northern Italian restaurant located in East Milton, Massachusetts, which opened in January 2016 in a former cinema space.[64] As an investor and partner alongside chef Tony DeRienzo, Knight has taken an active role in the restaurant's management and promotion, drawing from his long-time patronage of the adjacent Abby Park eatery.[67] Novara specializes in modern interpretations of classic Italian dishes, such as handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas, and has weathered challenges including a 2022 kitchen fire before reopening later that year.[68] Knight's involvement extends to partnerships in Abby Park, another Milton-based spot known for Asian-inspired cuisine, and the forthcoming Marbella restaurant in the same area, reflecting his commitment to local culinary ventures.[56] In real estate, Knight has pursued personal property investments and renovations in Massachusetts, owning multiple homes in Milton where he resides.[56] His hands-on approach includes flipping and updating properties, such as a recent kitchen redesign in one of his residences and ongoing explorations of renovation opportunities in the region, often collaborating with his brother Jonathan on these projects.[69] This interest builds on his on-screen renovation work featured on HGTV shows like Rock the Block.[55] Knight keeps other business pursuits relatively private, with no major public endorsements or side projects in music production highlighted beyond his core music endeavors, allowing him to prioritize family and long-term investments.[56] As of 2025, Knight's ventures, including his restaurants and real estate holdings, have maintained stability amid New Kids on the Block's extensive touring schedule and ongoing Las Vegas residency, which began in November 2025, a balance he attributes to his deep-rooted love for Massachusetts as "the best place to live on Earth."[56][70]Discography
Solo studio albums
Jordan Knight's solo studio albums consist of three releases spanning from 1999 to 2011, each showcasing different facets of his pop and R&B influences. His debut album, Jordan Knight, was released on May 25, 1999, via Interscope Records. The project contains 11 tracks, with Knight co-producing eight of them alongside notable contributors including Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who handled production on several songs such as the lead single "Give It to You."[35] The album debuted and peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard 200 chart.[71] It achieved gold certification from the RIAA in July 1999 for sales exceeding 500,000 units in the United States.[72] Standout tracks include the Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 single "Give It to You" and "Broken Your Heart." In 2006, Knight issued Love Songs, an independent release on Trans Continental Records consisting of 12 cover versions of classic romantic pop tunes.[73] Recorded primarily in New York and Orlando, the album highlights Knight's vocal interpretations of songs like "Careless Whisper" and "Tender Love." It reached No. 8 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. Notable selections include the duet "Say Goodbye" with Deborah Gibson and "Two Young Hearts."[34] Knight's third studio album, Unfinished, arrived on May 31, 2011, as a self-released effort through his JK Music imprint in partnership with eOne Music.[74] Featuring 10 original tracks, the record emphasizes upbeat dance-pop elements and includes collaborations such as with bandmate Donnie Wahlberg on "Stingy."[75] It debuted at No. 48 on the Billboard 200.[34] Highlights encompass the lead single "Let's Go Higher" and "One More Night," produced by Jordan Knight along with collaborators such as Colby O'Donis and Marcus Siskind.[76]Singles and collaborations
Jordan Knight launched his solo career with the single "Give It to You," released on February 16, 1999, from his self-titled debut album, which peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, featured a music video directed by Jonathan Beswick that showcased Knight's dance moves in a vibrant, urban setting.[77] Follow-up singles from the same album included "Is It the Same" in 1999, a mid-tempo R&B track that received radio play but did not enter the Hot 100.[1] In 2000, Knight released "Where Do I Go from You" as a promotional single tied to his early solo promotions, though it saw limited commercial release and no major chart entry.[78] His 2011 single "Let's Go Higher," the lead from the album Unfinished, was co-written with Colby O'Donis and aimed at dance-pop audiences, debuting on iTunes but failing to chart significantly on Billboard rankings.[79] Knight's notable collaborations include the 2014 duo project Nick & Knight with Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter, where their debut single "One More Time" blended pop-rock elements and was released ahead of the album, peaking outside the Hot 100 but gaining traction on adult contemporary radio. The album Nick & Knight peaked at No. 100 on the Billboard 200. The track's music video, directed by Cameron Duddy, featured the duo in a nostalgic, high-energy performance.[40] Other collaborative efforts include features on remix singles, such as the 1999 "Give It to You (10º Below Remixes)" EP, which included club-oriented versions by producers like 10° Below for dance charts.[80] From his debut album, tracks like "If You Were My Girl" were highlighted in promotional contexts, co-written by Knight and Lewis, though not issued as a standalone single. During New Kids on the Block's 2025 Las Vegas residency "The Right Stuff" at Dolby Live, Knight performed an exclusive solo rendition of "Give It to You" in a Ferris wheel-inspired stage setup, nodding to the original video and adding fresh choreography for live audiences.[81]| Single | Year | Peak Position (Billboard Hot 100) | Album/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Give It to You" | 1999 | 10 | Jordan Knight; Gold-certified by RIAA |
| "Is It the Same" | 1999 | — | Jordan Knight; R&B follow-up |
| "Where Do I Go from You" | 2000 | — | Promotional release |
| "Let's Go Higher" | 2011 | — | Unfinished; Dance-pop lead |
| "One More Time" (with Nick Carter) | 2014 | — | Nick & Knight; Duo debut |