Questions
When and where did 98 Degrees form?
The group formed in 1996 in Los Angeles, California, though all of the members were originally from Ohio.
Who are the members of 98 Degrees?
The lineup is Nick Lachey, his brother Drew Lachey, Jeff Timmons, and Justin Jeffre.
How did the band get its name?
They rejected names like "Just Us" and "Next Issue" before their manager Paris D’Jon suggested "98 Degrees" to describe body temperature and their music.
How did the group get started?
Jeff Timmons reportedly left Kent State University to pursue music in LA after a positive reaction at a 1995 college party, then connected with Nick Lachey through Cincinnati School for Creative and Performing Arts alumni networks.
How were they discovered?
At a Boyz II Men concert they reportedly seized a chance to perform during a radio broadcast and were discovered by music manager Paris D’Jon, who was co-managing Montell Jordan at the time.
What was their first single and how did it chart?
"Invisible Man," released in June 1997, peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
What was their only No. 1 single?
"Thank God I Found You," a collaboration with Mariah Carey and Joe, was their only single to reach No. 1.
Which album was their big breakthrough?
98 Degrees and Rising (1998) was their breakthrough album and eventually went 4x platinum.
How many records have they sold?
The group has sold over 15 million records worldwide and landed eight top 40 singles in the US.
Did they record for any Disney movies?
Yes, they performed "True to Your Heart" as a duet with Stevie Wonder for Disney’s Mulan in 1998.
Did 98 Degrees release Christmas music?
They released This Christmas in 1999, which was certified platinum within a month, and Let It Snow in 2017 for their 20th anniversary.
What happened with Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson?
Nick Lachey married Jessica Simpson in October 2002, released two solo albums, and the couple divorced in 2006.
Did a founding member ever leave the band?
Founding member Jonathan Lippman departed before the group signed to Motown, reportedly due to religious beliefs, and later formed the Christian group True Vibe.
Did the band break up, and did they reunite?
They went on hiatus from 2003 to 2012, then reunited in August 2012 at the Mixtape Festival in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Did they put out new music after reuniting?
Yes, they released 2.0 in May 2013, their first studio album in 13 years.
