Nick Lachey
Nicholas Scott Lachey was born on Nov. 9, 1973 in Harlan, Kentucky to Cate Fopma-Leimbach and John Lachey.
Lachey grew up in Ohio and attended Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts. There he developed his vocal abilities and aspired to become an entertainer. While studying at Miami University in Ohio, where he majored in Sports Medicine, did Lachey realize his dream and moved to Los Angeles. Along with his friend, Jeff Timmons, Lachey’s brother Drew and classmate Justin Jeffre, they formed the boy band 98 Degrees.
98 Degrees released four albums. Their debut album was self-titled and included the song, “Invisible Man,” Real success came with their follow-up, “98 Degrees and Rising.” Hits off this album included, “I Do (Cherish You,)” and “The Hardest Thing.” Other subsequent albums were “This Christmas,” and “Revelation.” In 2002, 98 Degrees released a compilation album entitled, “The Collection.”
The group is currently on hiatus with each member pursuing their individual personal interested. They ate expected to start work on their next album later this year.
Lackey married pop singer Jessica Simpson in October 2002. Both Simpson and Lachey had flops in the music industry. Simpson had low sales with her 2001 release, “Irresistible,” and her 2003 release, “In This Skin.” Simpson’s father, Joe Simpson had the idea for a reality show that followed the newly married couple’s lives. “Newlyweds,” premiered on MTV in August 2003. The show made Lachey and Simpson a phenomenon and Simpson re-released “In This Skin,” which then reached triple platinum status.
Lachey has attempted a solo career outside his success with 98 Degrees. His first solo effort, entitled “SoulO,” was released on Nov. 11, 2003. Despite the success of “Newlyweds,” the album was a commercial flop. It had two singles, “This I Swear,” which was the theme song to “Newlyweds,” and “Shut Up.”
Lachey’s second solo album, “What’s Left of Me,” was released on May 9, 2006. The title track was the first to be released and brought about speculation that the song’s lyrics were about Lachey’s much publicized divorce from Simpson. The song peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. The video for the song featured MYV DJ Vanessa Minnillo, playing Simpson’s role, showcasing the last days of the couple’s relationship. In spring 2006, the album was certified gold.
Lachey has appeared in films like 2005’s “Bewitched,” which starred Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell as well as “The Hard Easy.” “Newlyweds," ran for four seasons, between 2003 and 2005. He also guest starred on “Charmed,” and “Hope and Faith.’
In 2006, Lachey appeared in television ads for Clix, a new product in the line of Axe deodorants. Both Lachey and former bandmate Timmons have stated that 98 Degrees will have another album out in the near future.
Simpson filed for divorce on Dec. 16, 2006, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The divorce was finalized June 30, 2006.