Steve and Vicki's Morning Show - Interview with Brian and Leighanne
Source:
May 29, 2003
Listen to the interview
With The Backstreet Boys currently in somewhat of a hiatus, bandmember Brian Littrell (who makes his home in the metro area) is taking the opportunity to get involved in other pursuits. Brian called in to chat with The Morning Show, and you can hear the conversation right here.
Founding members Nick, AJ and Howie were well aboard the Backstreet Boys train in early 1993, but there were still two spots to be filled. Kevin Richardson joined soon after and the guys began rehearsing, and then he suggested that his cousin Brian Littrell be auditioned for the final member of the band. Brian was in an American History class when he got the call that would change his life, he said "I didn't know if I had the courage to go through with joining the group. I was scared and didn'tknow what I was getting myself into. I knew I had a good singing voice, but I never really wanted to be in a pop band, or even thought about earning a living in the entertainment business. But I knew I had to go for it, so I said, 'Yes'."
Brian was born on February 20, 1975 and led a relatively closeted life with an extremely close family.When he was five, Brian became so gravely ill that doctors were certain he would die. He was playing in the street when he was run over. He had no visible scars but tests revealed a tiny hole in his heart and a rare and life-threatening blood infection. "My parents were told that it was a very rare condition and few people ever survived, "he recalls. "Because I was so little, the chances were even worse. The doctors basically gave me a zero chance of living. I honestly believe it was a miracle that I survived." Brian eventually started playing basketball and then joined the church choir. "Singing was always something that came naturally to me. I always liked having a bit of attention, but I don't think I really knew what I was doing."
It wasn't until Kevin's call that Brian realised he wanted to be a singer for a living. The day he joined is the moment the band considers to be Day One, of the Backstreet Boys. He got married to actress Leighanne Wallace on September 2nd, 2000. Leighanne had been in the BSB's "As Long As You Love Me" and "All I Have To Give" music videos.