With New Kids on the Block set to return, we take a look at boy bands past and present

By Melinda Newman
Special to MSN Music

The Jackson 5

The best thing ever to come out of Gary, Ind., the Jackson 5 scored great R&B-influenced pop song after pop song for Motown starting with 1969's chart topper "I Want You Back." Although there were five brothers (and later, a very young Janet Jackson), all eyes were on Michael, who displayed otherworldly singing and dancing talents from the start. Michael went on to release "Thriller," the top-selling album of all time, while the other brothers keep hoping and waiting for his call for the long-anticipated reunion tour. (Michael Putland / Retna Ltd.)