Jonathan Knight Net Worth, Age, Bio, Career, Early Life & Personal Life

Jonathan Knight 55, a member of the boy band New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), has a net worth of $14 million. Best known for his time with NKOTB, the group has sold over 70 million albums worldwide. Their debut album went triple platinum in the US. Despite their massive success, the band disbanded in 1994 when Knight left the band during the “Face the Music” tour.

What was Knight’s early life like?

Jonathan Knight was born on November 29, 1968, in Boston, Massachusetts. He is the fifth of six children. His parents, Marlene and Alan Knight, were from Ontario, Canada. Growing up, Knight attended the local Episcopal church and sang in the choir. It was here that his and his younger brother Jordan’s singing talents were discovered.

How did Knight join New Kids on the Block?

Knight joined NKOTB at the age of 16. His younger brother Jordan was invited into the group by Donnie Wahlberg. Wahlberg was discovered by talent agent Mary Alford, who worked with producer Maurice Starr. The group originally consisted of Wahlberg, the Knight brothers, Wahlberg’s younger brother Mark, Jamie Kelly, and Danny Wood.

After a few months, Mark Wahlberg and Jamie Kelly left the group. Joey McIntyre, just 12 years old at the time, joined them. Under Starr’s direction, the band practiced after school and on weekends. Initially known as the Naynuk, Columbia Records demanded a name change to New Kids on the Block.

What was the band’s success story?

NKOTB released their first album in 1986, but it did not achieve much success. However, their second album, “Hangin’ Tough”, released in 1988, brought them fame. The single “Please Don’t Go Girl” reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success led to their second album gaining popularity as the group began touring.

The early 1990s were extremely successful for NKOTB. Their third album, “Step by Step”, released in 1990, included more songs written by the band members. They toured the US, Europe and Asia. However, Knight began to have anxiety and left the band during the tour for their fourth album.

What did Knight do after leaving the band?

After leaving NKOTB, Knight did not pursue a career in entertainment. Instead, he ventured into real estate development in Massachusetts. He found success in this new field, where he worked on a number of projects. Knight also began renovating homes and old farmhouses, including his own home.

In 2021, Knight’s renovation talent caught the attention of HGTV. He began hosting “Farmhouse Fixer,” a show focused on renovating farmhouses in New England. The show premiered in March 2021 and was well received.

Did NKOTB reunite?

Despite the failed attempts, NKOTB reunited in 2008. They released their first album in fourteen years, “The Block”. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. The band toured the US, Canada, and parts of Europe with support from Lady Gaga and Natasha Bedingfield.

NKOTB continued to tour with other major artists such as the Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, and Boyz II Men. In 2014, they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2019, they released a new music video, “Boys in the Band (Boy Band Anthem)”, which included cameos from other boy band members.

What personal challenges did Knight face?

Knight has spoken openly about his struggle with anxiety. He revealed in 2000 that he suffered from generalized anxiety disorder while in the band. The hectic touring schedule and constant public spotlight worsened his condition.

An article in 2009 revealed that Knight is gay, which he confirmed in 2011. He has been in a relationship with Harley Rodriguez, a personal trainer, since 2008. The couple competed in “The Amazing Race” in 2015, in which they finished in 9th place. Knight proposed to Rodriguez during a vacation in Africa in 2016. They live together in Knight’s farmhouse in Massachusetts.

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