November 8th:

Heart And Soul Of Nick Carter, The
Jane Carter
ONYX
Trade Paperback
0451408950
9.50

You know him as a superstar who's won awards and appeared in videos and pulls all those great moves onstage. But long before he was a Backstreet Boy, he was my boy--and I want to share his whole exctitng story with you.

I'll tell you about my favorite memories of Nick, as both a mom and a manager...what he was like as a little boy, his dreams, the early auditions and contests, the pain and the heartbreak along the way, the big break, and the behind-the-scenes entries that only an insider gets to see.

Since I've been in touch with so many of you, I know the kinds of things you really want to know. And just like you, I love him too--so let me share some secrets (and maybe brag just a little...after all, I am his mom).

Best,

Jane E. Carter

An excert written by Nick himself:

Did I sense that my destiny was different from other kids when I was younger? Good question. Before the age of eight or nine, I really didn't know what my destiny was. How could I? I just went to school and lived the normal, everyday life that boys that age live--except that I loved music, listening to it and making it, particularly by singing.

The turning point was one day when I serenaded my mom from a tree stump. (She'll tell you all about it.) My mom believed in me. I wish every child could have a mother or a father who cares enough to spot their talent and help them develop it the way mine did.

I didn't really know where my talent would lead me at first. When I started to follow the music inside of me, I took vocal lessons, but since I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to do, I tried not only singing, but also acting.

My mother chauffered me up and down from Tampa to Orlando, from Tampa to St. Petersburg, back and forth, more times than I can tell you. Often, my chances of landing a part were less than slim. Mom agreed to let me try anyway. She spent money on traveling, on lessons, when our family didn't have extra. Our family business supported us for the basics. Any extra money was almost always spent on me and my dream of becoming an entertainer.

When I became discouraged, Mom used to quietly ask me, "Nick, are you sure you want to do this?" Although it was hard work for a kid, I knew in my heart I did, so I always told her "Yes."

When you are ten or eleven or twelve, you may know what you want to do. You may know where you want to go, but without someone to to help you get there, you're stuck. I see many young people who don't do anything. They have no dreams. I had a dream and a mother who believed in me. I am living proof that with a belief in yourself and an adult to help, the sky's the limit.

My mom doesn't know this because I've never told her, but even though I was young, I realized what sacrifices she was making for me. I saw my mom and dad do without, so that there would be traveling money, money for vocal lessons, money for dance lessons. I wanted the day to come--someday--when I could make things better for them.

As you know, it has all worked out for the best. My mom has been very influential in my success. And so has my dad. I love my whole family--but I not only love, I like my parents and I'm very grateful to them, especially my mom. Without them, I might not have achieved my dream so young. Maybe I would have achieved it when I was much older. Nick Carter, rising thirty-year-old star? I don't think so.

I could go out to a mall, and purchase something to show my gratitude to my parents. But what amount do you spend to say thank you for faith, hope, and love--the things my mom gave me? No fancy car or piece of jewelry compares. So Mom, what I want you to know is that your love nourished me, your faith in me helped me focus--and my hope and yours paved my way. That's what I want you to know, from my heart to your heart.

I am very grateful to be in this position. I want to thank all my fans.

Thank You.

Love,

Nick

November 7th:

I just watched an hour of "A Night Out With The Backstreet Boys" because they aired it on a Canadian tv station called YTV. It's very good (except for the fect that Nick looks really bad). At the end of Quit Playing Games the band starts speeding up the music and all the Backstreet Boys get up and start dancing really weird. It's cute.

November 4th:

VH1'S "TONY BENNETT: STORYTELLERS FOR VH1 SAVE THE MUSIC FEATURING THE BACKSTREET BOYS" TO PREMIERE ON VH1 AND NICKELODEON SUNDAY, NOV. 29 AT 8:00 PM

VH1 and Nickelodeon will team up for their first-ever simulcast with the premiere of "Tony Bennett: Storytellers For VH1 Save The Music Featuring The Backstreet Boys," on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 8:00PM.

"Storytellers for VH1 Save The Music" is a special edition of the "Storytellers" series created to help further the goals of "VH1 Save The Music," a national campaign designed to restore music education to America's public schools and to raise public awareness about the benefits of music education. Each episode casts the artist(s) in the role of music teacher. Hanson was the first group to perform for "Storytellers for VH1 Save the Music."

The audience for "Tony Bennett Storytellers for VH1 Save The Music Featuring The Backstreet Boys" is composed entirely of children, and Bennett performs songs from his newly-released album, "The Playground," a collection of children's songs. The Backstreet Boys perform "Swingin' On A Star" with Bennett, as well as by themselves.

Launched in January 1997 and expanded earlier this year, VH1 Save The Music has brought music programs to 57,000 children in 15 cities. The program will grow to 25 markets in 1999. All "VH1 Save The Music" programs are conducted in partnership with affiliates around the country.

Review copies of "Tony Bennett: Storytellers for VH1 Save The Music Featuring The Backstreet Boys" will be available as of Nov. 13.

November 3rd:

NEW YORK, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- In an exciting new book to be published by New American Library, Jane Carter, famed mom of Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, tells all about her son, his childhood, the secret to his success, and his rise to the top of the charts. The book will go on sale just before Thanksgiving.

``THE HEART AND SOUL OF NICK CARTER - SECRETS ONLY A MOTHER KNOWS,'' an Onyx paperback, will be rushed to press to meet the demand of Nick's legions of fans. ``Spin Magazine'' raves, ``Eighteen-year old Nick Carter is by far the most popular Boy -- he's the youngest and looks a lot like Leonardo DiCaprio.'' And ``Teen People'' has recently dubbed the charismatic Nick ``a girl magnet.'' Nick Carter is hot, and his fans are burning up for anything and everything on this Backstreet Boy.

Including a special introduction from Nick, ``THE HEART AND SOUL OF NICK CARTER'' is the only book written by someone who was there with Nick every step of the way. Early manager, mentor, and number one fan, mother Jane Carter reveals Nick's dreams and shares the stories of the early auditions and contests, the pain and heartbreak along the way, the big break, and the trials of being a stage mom.

THE HEART AND SOUL OF NICK CARTER will include:

Many never-before-seen photographs from the Carter family photo album
The story of how Jane Carter had a vision of her son's stardom
A quiz: ``Are you a real Nick-O-Phile?''
Never-before-seen memorabilia

Jane Carter has been instrumental to the success of her son. Managing his early career, keeping a close watch over him, and forever reminding him to keep the values with which he was raised, Jane Carter has been sought out by the media for interviews for years. Now, in ``THE HEART AND SOUL OF NICK CARTER,'' she tells all -- as only a mother can.

New American Library is a division of Penguin Putnam Inc., part of Pearson plc, the international media group, and encompasses the imprints Signet, Signet Classics, Onyx, and Roc.

November 2nd:

ORLANDO--Lawyers for the Backstreet Boys are asking U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway to hold off on a crucial decision in their $10 million fraud lawsuit, because all sides are near a settlement.

Conway had cautioned the plaintiffs she would dismiss Johnny Wright, Donna Wright and their management company, Wright-Stuff Management Inc., "for lack of prosecution" against them.

Four of the five Backstreet Boys charged the Wrights and their firm, as well as Louis J. Pearlman, Robert Fischetti and four Pearlman-directed companies, defrauded them out of millions in revenues.

In its first formal reply to the suit, the defendants are asking the judge to dismiss the entire complaint on numerous grounds, including the omission of band member Nicholas G. Carter as a plaintiff.

The defendants call Carter "an indispensable party" to the suit, but Carter personally decided not to join his colleagues in the litigation, according to the plaintiffs' lawyers.

Pearlman contends he founded the five-member male vocal group six years ago and that their charges of fraud and mismanagement are nothing more than interfamily squabbles.

The Wrights say they provided "personal manager services" to the band members and know nothing about the fraud charges.

(Case No. 98-599-CIV-ORL-22A)

October 29th:

Backstreet Boys did a great performance of "I'll Never Break Your Heart" on the Rosie O'Donnell show. Did anyone notice that Brian's holding his cute dog, Little Tyke, during the interview?? =)

October 25th:

The following was written by a friend of mine about the new BSB video and CD set "A Night Out With The Backstreet Boys":

THE VIDEO

The Video starts off with an inteview with Howie D and Kev talking about the show. Then the live session begins. The Boys sit on bar stools in a half circle looking good! The great thing about live singing is that you can really hear the voices.That can also be a bad thing, but not for the Backstreet Boys! Howie D's beautiful voice really came to life. Hey, they can sing! (No big surprise). And the harmonies are so lovely!
In "10.000 Promises" you really forget the bad lyrics when the Boys do their thang! Each boy has a solo piece. That's a chance to hear their voices. WOW!!!!!!!That's all I can say. Besides, you get good close-ups, and that's GOOOOOOD. It also provides us with the proof that Nick's a man. He needs a shave! Oh,and I think he needs a girlfriend, too. Darn, he almost makes love to that microphone! In the start of Howie's piece he gives a little speech. That's the only part of the video we could do without. YUK! But the song makes up for it. Go Howie!!!!!
Kevin's piece is an instrumental. He plays the piano and looks great at the same time. Way to go Kev!!! The song itself reminds me a little of R Kellyin in some places. We look forward to some words. The rest of the video is just pure enjoyment. I LOVE IT! Look forward to"Quit....." It has a great turn in the end. "Party" is just totally transformed! It's played during some rehersal shots so you might not notice it, but you should! Anyway it's on the CD in full length. At the end of the vid they show the videos for "All I Have....." and "I'll Never......" It's the first chance we Europeans have to see the new "I'll Never.......", and we love it!

THE CD

The CD has 6 tracks, all from the live session. In between songs you can hear the Boys chat and joke with each other and the audience. On the songs you can really hear how much their voices have developed, esp. Nick's. He does a great job, were he shows just how strong his voice really is. Brian also gets a chance to show what a beautiful voice he has.The Cd actually has a hidden track, no. 7, where you get to hear bits of their next album.
The first song, "I'll Be The One", is very catchy. It has a sorta dancy, beachy feel, if you know Mr. President you'll know what I mean. Maybe kinda latin rythyms. The next song, "Show Me The Meaning" is a sad, pain filled song and starts off with a No Mercy type of guitar, and leads on to a beat that reminds me of Tina Turners "Goldeneye". Nick sings the last song with feeling, and there's a piano in the background. Very beautiful. These previews have really made me exited about the next album. It's gonnabe great.
All together, this is a great set, the video being SO much better than Live In Concert, and it's good to show to any doubting friends or family members that the Backstreet Boys are very talented.

October 24th:

The Backstreet Boys announced the postponement of their German/Austrian/Swiss Tour today.
The tour originally scheduled for December has been put back to May 1999 to allow more time to record their new album. New dates are being announced in the press and on TV/Radio in the concerned countries today. The new rescheduled dates are as follows:
APRIL: 26 Bielefeld, 27 Frankfurt, 28 Muenster, 30 Berlin
MAY: 3 Leipzig, 4 A-Wels 5 Muenchen, 6 Stuttgart, 7 Oberhausen, 8 Bremen, 10 Rieden, 11 Friedrichshafen, 12 CH-Zurich, 13 Mannheim, 14 Koeln.

Just because BSB postponed their tour, doesn't mean that little Aaron won't be there! He'll be touring Germany and Switzerland in December.

See a picture of the guys when the recieved the Orlando City Key:
http://www.intranet.ca/~jmw/bsb/bulletin/bsbday.jpg

October 23rd:

Nick's very sick. He had to cancel going to MTV for Total request. The other guys went of course, and they talked to Nick over the phone. He sounded very stuffed up!

Johnny and Donna Wright are no longer BSB's managers. Currently Kevin and Howie are in charge of the business side of the BSB. The group meets every week to discuss business matters. They are thinking of getting new managers or a consultant.

October 22nd:

The inside scoop from BSB keyboardist Tommy Smith
Thanks to BSB keyboardist Tommy Smith for providing this "inside" information. Tommy is working on the Official Backstreet Boys Band Site which will be ready for previewing in the next couple of days. The addy will be: www.babband.com
The schedule for this week and next (October 22, '98):
Thursday the 22--morning departure for New York.
Afternoon appearance on MTV.
We will be performing "I'll never break your heart" and "All I have to give."
Friday the 23--off in NY (!!!).
Saturday--rehearsal for VH-1 special.
Sunday- Record "Storytellers" for VH-1 with Tony Bennett and his orchestra. We will be doing new, unplugged versions of "All I have to give" and possibly a jazz (!) version of "As long as u love me." Sunday night off. Monday AM-- taping for "The Rosie O'Donnel show" with "I'll never break you heart" again.
Monday PM-- Back in Orlando.
The Boys are busy recording the new album in Orlando right now.
We are also going to do the make-up show in Minneapolis November 18 (I think) and also do a couple of shows in Vegas somewhere around there. ( You guys probably know more that I do about this).
Dennis is playing at the Clarion in Orlando. I saw him last night. Some of the guys played in Jacksonville last weekend under the name "Hey Eddie".
There is talk about some sort of charity event in Germany, I don't know when.
The Boys will be on the Billboard music awards and the American Music awards in January. I don't know if we are performing yet but Howie seems to think so.
Nick stubbed his toe.
The third Backstreet Boy's album is about two weeks into production.
The band have a short list of material they are currently recording for the record but a definite tracklisting is yet to be decided.
Both Diane Warren and The Bee Gee's are said to have contributed to the release, as well as the late Denniz Pop.
Pop wrote Quit Playing Games With My Heart, Backstreet's Back and As Long As Your Love Me for the band but recently died of cancer.
Some of his new songs may be included on the album. The album is due April '99.

October 17th:

Backstreet Boys' firm sues N.Y. record company
Alex Finkelstein Staff Writer
ORLANDO -- Trans-Continental Records Inc., a recording firm headed by embattled entrepreneur Louis J. Pearlman, has filed a $100 million trademark infringement lawsuit against New York's Zomba Recording Corp. Pearlman's company is asking Zomba for payment of all revenue generated to date by his client, the Backstreet Boys musical group of Orlando, an amount alleged by Trans-Continental to exceed $100 million. The Boys' songs have been recorded on Zomba's Jive Records label since 1993. The Zomba suit is related to but not tied in with a pending $10 million fraud suit the Boys filed in Orlando federal court against Pearlman and two other Orlando managers. The group, which recently won an MTV award for Everybody (Backstreet's Back) in the Best Group Video category, allege their three managers and longtime friend spocketed $10 million in recording revenue while giving the singers only $300,000 since 1992.
Through a spokesman, Pearlman says, "This litigation represents what can best be described as a family disagreement." Adds John Wright, "Like all family disagreements, once in awhile there has to be a scapegoat. And sometimes those closest to the family are made the scapegoat." But in a recent court filing, attorneys for the Boys allege, "Unlike the typical artist-manager relationship where the manager works for the artist, under the contracts created by these defendants, the plaintiffs are essentially their managers' indentured servants." All of the parties in both suits are trying feverishly to avoid a jury trial by settling the issues out of court. Meanwhile, a new controversial element has surfaced. John Wright, one of the The Backstreet Boys' three personal managers, denies street talk that Pearlman has fired him and his wife, Donna Wright, or that a $10 million lawsuit has been filed by Pearlman and the singers against the Wrights. "Here is what's happening," John Wright told Orlando Business Journal in a telephone interview. "We are in the middle of negotiations on our five-year contract which has another year to go." "There are certain conditions that we have been asked to concede or give up. How we approach and respond to those conditions will determine if we may or may not continue" with The Backstreet Boys. Wright, who managed the New Kids on the Block vocal group years ago and currently manages the N'Sync musical group, says "for better or for worse, we will be with The Boys for at least another year. We will be there for the Boys at the end of the day." Wright and his wife operate Wright International Records and Entertainment Inc., Wright-Stuff Productions Inc. and Wright-Stuff Management Inc. The Wrights, along with Pearlman and Robert Fischetti, a director of Trans-Continental, are defendants in The Backstreet Boys' pending management suit which seeks to overturn all of the existing contracts between the singers and their managers and management companies. The six-count trademark suit alleges Zomba, which recorded and distributed the Boy's two best-selling CDs, Backstreet Boys in the United States and Backstreet's Back in Europe, infringed on exclusive rights and ownership to the Backstreet Boys' trade name and trademark -- trademarks allegedly owned by Trans-Continental Records. The suit also charges Zomba with false designation of origin; unfair competition; rescission based on "international misrepresentation"; tortious interference with contractual relationships; and breach of contract. Zomba, however, argues TCR and Pearlman "relinquished their trademark rights" when they signed separate consulting and recording contracts with the New York recording firm. At stake are millions of dollars in royalties to the performers and their manager, and the right by the Backstreet Boys to control their own destinies and name. To date, with over 20 million records sold worldwide, Zomba has yet to pay royalties, contending that they have not yet recouped their investment, says Jay Marose, vice president/public relations for Trans-Continental. "Mr. Pearlman and the Boys have yet to see a dime" in royalties from Zomba. "This simple fact should also go a long way toward addressing the actual distribution of funds between Mr. Pearlman and The Boys," says Marose. Behind the new legal jockeying are the separate recording and consulting contracts whose validity is being challenged in the two pending suits. In September 1993, singers Brian Littrell, Howard "Howie" Dorough, Alexander "A.J." McLean and Kevin Richardson signed a recording agreement with TCR. Six months later, TCR and Zomba signed a consulting contract at the same time the Boys signed a recording agreement with Zomba. The recording contract allegedly gives Zomba the exclusive rights to sell recordings produced by Backstreet Boys Inc. of the Backstreet Boys. The consulting contract provides Zomba with TCR's consulting services. "According to the performers, their act has since generated revenue in excess of $10 million," under Zomba's Jive Records label, states an unsuccessful motion by Pearlman and his management firms to consolidate the two suits. "Ultimately, all the parties to both actions are vying for control to the rights of the Backstreet Boys' trademarks and, therefore, the right to control and profit from the various merchandising and exploitation of the marks," the motion says. Zomba's request to have the suit transferred to New York's federal court has been approved by Orlando federal Judge Anne C. Conway. Zomba argued successfully that contract clauses stipulate disputes among the parties should be heard first in the New York area.
© 1998, Orlando Business Journal

October 15th

BSB TV Appearances:

10/22/98 - Total Request (The BSB will co-host), MTV (3:30 PM, repeated at 9:00PM)
10/24/98 - Much USA's Intimate and Interactive (repeat) 6PM and 11PM
10/26/98 - Backstreet TV, MTV
10/27/98 - The Sabrina Show will use a BSB song for an episode.
10/27/98 - 1998 VH1 Fashion Awards
10/28/98 - Teen Idols, VH1 (8:00PM EST)
10/29/98 - Rosie O'Donnell Show
11/?/98 - BSB will appear on Rockin' Rollin' Saturday (Fox)
11/6/98 - BSB will be hosting ABC's TGIF!
11/12/98 - MTV Europe Awards (MTV Europe)
11/13/98 - MTV Europe Awards (MTV USA) 8PM

October 12th

The new BSB single in the US is going to be "All I Have To Give".

October 11th

Jumbo, a games manufacturer recently put out a Backstreet Boys game! But I think it will only be released in Germany. Perhaps it will be released in North America soon!

October 10th

This is a statement that Howie put out about the death of his sister, Caroline:

Regarding the recent passing of my sister, Caroline Cochran.

The outpouring of emotion and sympathy I have received from the fans and the media has been overwhelming. Caroline was only 37 when she lost her battle with the disease called Lupus. This disease effects the immune system, often striking young people like my sister, in their prime.

I would request that instead of sending card and gifts in memory of my sister, a donation could be made to the fund I have established in her name. This donation would help towards the research of Lupus with hope a cure could be found, and no family would have to suffer a loss such as ours.

You can send any donations to:

Caroline Cochran- Lupus Fund at Florida Hospital
c/o Florida Hospital Foundation
616 E. Rollins St.
Suite 103
Orlando, FL 32803

Thank you.

Howie D. of the Backstreet Boys

October 9th

The next new BSB thing is going to be "A Night Our With The Backstreet Boys" which is a video, CD, calendar and fake backstage pass. It's already out in Germany and overseas, but in Canada it will be released on November 10th. I still don't know for sure if it will be released in the States, but I heard that it will be released there on Novemebr 10th as well.

October 7th

Today is Officially BSB Day. They were presented the "key to the town" (Orlando) today in a 20-minute ceremony. It was very short because the fans were pushing through the barricades. They sang a bit of All I Have To Give then had to leave.

October 6th

Did I mention yet that the Backstreet Boys are going to be featured on the "Sabrina The Teenage Witch" Official Soundtrack for the show? They guest appeared on it a while back and they are going to be on the soundtrack. Cool? For more info, go here.

October 5th

I heard this awhile ago, but I didn't have time to say anything about it until now. AJ is supposedly dating Amanda Latona from the Orlando-based girl group called Innosence.

Quote straight from AJ: "We were with each other every minute of everyday for the month before the tour."

October 3rd

Happy birthday to our Mr. Body Beautiful, Kevvy Kev, Kevin Richardson! =) Kevin spent the day with his family in Lexington (as did Brian) while Nick is in Florida with his family, AJ is in Florida with his mom and Howie (that sweet guy) is in Puerto Rico.

Back home.