Nathan Morris
The foundational bass voice and savvy businessman who helped steer Boyz II Men to become the best-selling R&B group of all time.
Born 1971 (age 55)·American singer·Birthday: June 18·Generation X
Biography
Nathan Morris provided the deep, resonant anchor for the harmonies that defined a generation. Growing up in Philadelphia, he formed the unique vocal blend that would become Boyz II Men with school friends Michael McCary and Shawn Stockman, later joined by Wanya Morris. His vision extended beyond the microphone; as the group's de facto manager in its early days, he was instrumental in their strategic rise, including the legendary encounter with Michael Bivins that led to their Motown signing. Morris's steady presence and business acumen helped navigate the group through the stratospheric success of the 90s, enduring line-up changes and shifting musical trends. He ensured that the smooth, soulful sound they pioneered remained a timeless fixture in popular music.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Nathan was born in 1971, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Nathan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1971
#1 Movie
Fiddler on the Roof
Best Picture
The French Connection
#1 TV Show
Marcus Welby, M.D.
Nathan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1971Born
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1976Started school
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1984Became a teenager
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1987Could drive
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1989Could vote
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Turned 21
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2001Turned 30
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2011Turned 40
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 50
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 55 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-founded Boyz II Men, which sold over 64 million records, making them one of the best-selling groups ever.
- Won four Grammy Awards with the group, including for the record-breaking single "End of the Road."
- Helped Boyz II Men set a Billboard Hot 100 record by spending 13 consecutive weeks at number one with "I'll Make Love to You."
- Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004.
Did You Know?
He is the only original member of Boyz II Men who is not a blood relative of the other Morrises in the group.
He famously negotiated the group's first contract with Motown in a hotel room, with Michael Bivins writing the terms on a napkin.
He is a licensed pilot and enjoys flying in his spare time.
Morris served as the group's primary spokesperson and business strategist from its inception.
“We just wanted to sing songs that would last, that felt real.”
