Backstreet Boy Honors Puerto Rican Roots with New Music

Howie Dorough, a member of the Backstreet Boys, has released his first solo single entirely in Spanish, titled "Coquí." This musical endeavor is deeply personal, serving as a tribute to his Puerto Rican mother and a way to connect his own children with their Latin heritage. Dorough, who was raised in Florida and has a Puerto Rican mother, expressed a long-held desire to create music that honors his background, a sentiment he shared with the Backstreet Boys even in their early years.

The inspiration for "Coquí" came from Dorough's visits to Puerto Rico, specifically the distinctive sound of the native coquí frogs. This track is the lead single from an upcoming album that will predominantly feature Spanish lyrics with some "Spanglish" elements. Dorough shared that his mother was deeply moved by the new music, bringing both of them to tears and creating a lasting memory for him.

Beyond his solo work, Dorough continues to balance his career with the Backstreet Boys. The group is currently maintaining their residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas and has upcoming dates in Germany. Dorough views this ability to pursue diverse projects as a testament to the group's mutual respect and support for each other's creative endeavors over their three-decade career.