Jeff Timmons is the founding member of the internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum, Grammy Nominated selling group 98 Degrees, which has sold over 15 million albums with 4 Top 5 radio singles. The group produced mega-hits such as “The Hardest Thing”, “I Do (Cherish You),” “Because of You”, and the number one hit single featuring Mariah Carey called, “Thank God I Found You.” The group also collaborated with Stevie Wonder on the song, “True to Your Heart”, on the soundtrack for Disney’s hit animated feature Mulan. 98 Degrees’ albums have reached gold or platinum status in more than 60 countries around the world.
After his success with 98 Degrees, Jeff embarked on his solo career by touring with Jim Brickman. Jeff has performed at the White House twice, and has made appearances on The Grammy’s, The Tonight Show, The American Music Awards, The Teen Choice Awards, MTV’s Total Request Live, Dick Clark’s “Rockin New Year’s Eve, and many more.
This Christmas Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey and Justin Jeffre, of the internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum, Grammy Nominated selling group 98 Degrees, team up with members from All-4-One and O-Town for A Boy Band Christmas, releasing a cover of the holiday classic, “O Holy Night.”
Last year 98 Degrees headlined the 32 city, 98 Degrees at Christmas Tour. Selling out shows across the nation in support of their 2nd successful Christmas album “Let it Snow,” released by Universal Music Group. The Christmas Tour was such a success, that the group has decided to do it again this year.
With over 80 million combined albums sold, a billion combined online streams and countless awards, A BOY BAND CHRISTMAS “O Holy Night” is a can’t miss, feel-good holiday staple!
LEG: First off, BIG tour coming up! A Boy Band Christmas is coming to a city near you with some of your fellow members of 98 Degrees, O-Town, All-4-One and you also have Ryan Cabrera jumping on as well. How did the idea for this tour come about?
JT: 98 Degrees was originally slated to go on tour this holiday season. We had a couple of successful holiday tours in recent years, but unfortunately Nick couldn't make it work with his schedule. We didn't want to abandon the idea, so we recruited some of our friends to join us, and fortunately for us the idea has been embraced by our fan bases with open arms!
LEG: What can we expect on this tour? Will it be all holiday music to set the festive seasonal mood or other surprises?
JT: We'd be remiss if we all didn't sing our hits, so those will be a part of the show. We've got some holiday classics in store, as well as a couple of other fun surprises.
LEG: How special is it to see fans who still have so much passion about you and your music from 20+ years ago? Did you ever think what you were doing throughout the late 90s and early 2000s would have such a lasting impact?
JT: None of us take what we do for granted. Every second we get to share with our fans is a blessing. We all aspired to be around this many years later, but I don't think we ever imagined our fans would still be there for us with the zest and enthusiasm that they still are.
(Photos courtesy of 98 Degrees Instagram)
LEG: You’ve sold millions of albums worldwide. People would have to go and wait in line to pick up your new album when it dropped. Is it crazy to think how music consumption has changed during your career?
JT: There are some aspects of that old way to sell music that we miss, especially the one-on-one personal connection we would get with sharing our fans' excitement. That being said, we marvel at the fact that at the press of a button your music and creations can reach millions, and we certainly are thrilled with that.
LEG: Would this social media/streaming era have helped or hurt 98 Degrees if you guys were coming up today?
JT: It's a much more competitive landscape today, and cutting through the masses and setting yourself apart is tough. On the other side of things, you can exponentially reach more fans and faster, which we would've love to have at our disposal back then.
LEG: Your thoughts on TikTok and its impact on the music industry?
JT: Traditionalists often scoff or frown upon platforms and forums like TikTok, but I personally love any and all mediums that are available to engage with fans. I love TikTok.
LEG: If Jeff Timmons today could give Jeff Timmons one piece of advice as 98 Degrees were signing their first record deal, what would it be?
JT: Surround yourself with a great team. That's the toughest thing to do in this business.
(Photos courtesy of 98 Degrees Instagram)
LEG: You’re heavily involved with a new generation of artists. One of which is vara who has an incredibly bright future! How did you get connected them and what do you see in their future?
JT: I'm a fan of art and artists. vara's project was brought to my attention by someone who was relentless about getting their music in front of me. I’m thankful and blessed to be a part of their project.
LEG: There seems to be a shift in the way up and coming artists are pursuing their music careers these days. The goal used to be get signed by a major label and now many young artists choose to remain independent. Are you seeing that same shift with artists that you work with?
JT: Indeed, I am! Although it's wonderful to be aligned with major labels, artists now have the ability to steer their entire careers with all of the tools and technology that is available at their disposal. It's quite an amazing time.
LEG: What are some other artists that are “must listen to’s” on your playlists right now?
JT: I'm a big Bruno Mars fan! Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, all the pop stuff! I love it all!
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