Lou Pearlman, the founder and manager of the extremely popular 1990s boy bands Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync, died Friday at a federal correctional institution in Texas. He was 62.
His death was confirmed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, but the cause has not been revealed. Pearlman rocketed to fame alongside his acts — the Backstreet Boys sold more than 130 million records and 'N Sync sold more than 55 million. In 2008, Pearlman was convicted of fraud and bilking investors out of more than $300 million, and he was sentenced to 25 years for running Ponzi and bank schemes. Pearlman's former lawyer, Mark NeJame, told CNN his client "literally revolutionized the world of pop music and [he was] a creative genius in that regard — but [he] had a horrible dark side that eventually overshadowed his talents."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Today's political cartoons - May 12, 2024Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - tips for Mom, worm regards, and more
-
5 brain-busting cartoons about RFK Jr.Cartoons Artists take on candidate suitability, the Kennedy family, and more
-
Right to roam: the battle to access England's green spacesThe Explainer A battle is being fought over access to England's green spaces
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproarSpeed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain PrizeSpeed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 winsspeed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughterspeed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopicsSpeed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 GrammysSpeed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
