By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
July 2, 2019
Nearly 20 years after their last No. 1 album, the Backstreet Boys debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with their latest release, “DNA.” As the group prepares to kick off their North American tour, Howie D (born Howard Dorough) is also celebrating the July 12 release of his debut children’s album, “Which One Am I?” “Being in a boy band, I am constantly being asked which band I am in or which member of X band I am,” says Dorough, 45. “(The title track) is essentially a spoof on those interactions.” He and his wife, Leigh, reside in Brevard County, Fla., with their two young sons. Stay in touch with the musician via his website, Twitter and Facebook.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. My first trip was actually to Puerto Rico. My mom’s family is from there, so we went to visit them. That’s when I fell in love with the island and my Latin heritage.
Q. How did your upbringing shape who you became?
A. Growing up in a multi-ethnic family, I was always challenged with trying to see where I fit in between my different ethnicities. When I was younger, people always assumed I spoke Spanish, given the way I look. I didn’t grow up speaking Spanish and didn’t start learning the language until high school. I always felt uncomfortable that I didn’t fit in with that part of my identity. These encounters challenged me to learn more about my background and also to never judge a book by its cover. I continued learning Spanish in college. I certainly don’t consider myself to be proficient, but I can definitely get by when I am with my family in Puerto Rico.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. The Caribbean! I absolutely love the beach, especially the beaches in Puerto Rico. It doesn’t get better than that. You definitely need to go with a big appetite. The food is amazing. They have an unbelievable rain forest called El Yunque. I would also recommend visiting Old San Juan. It has the true feel of the Caribbean. For a winter getaway, I have to go with Park City or Lake Tahoe. I’ve been snowboarding for almost 20 years now. My wife taught me how to snowboard when we first met.
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. I recently went to northern Montana for the first time and visited some friends. The scenery was so beautiful. Everything from the mountains to the fresh-water lakes had me in awe. The people were also especially friendly.
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A. To go sightseeing as much as possible and take in the different cultures. Traveling the world is the best education a person of any age could ask for. There’s always something to learn about a different culture or city’s history.
Q. If you could only pick one place to eat, would you choose a casual meal at a street cart or fine dining at a nice restaurant?
A. That’s tough to pick one. I am not picky at all when it comes to eating. I am a foodie, so I love it all, from street tacos on the side of the road to a nice gourmet Italian meal. No restaurant could ever beat my wife’s and mom’s home-cooking, though.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. I have always loved going to Palm Springs, Calif., to just chill and relax. The weather is always so amazing there. We usually rent a house there and hang out with a group of friends at the pool.
Q. Where is the most romantic destination?
A. St. Barts. I had the pleasure of spending New Year’s Eve there with my wife 15 years ago. The island is just so beautiful and the French cuisine is amazing.
Q. If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A. I had the chance to spend Christmas with my wife and two boys at this magical resort in Montana called Paws Up. They had so many great outdoor activities from sleigh riding and dogsledding to horseback riding and snowmobiling. The hospitality was off the charts!
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. Orlando, because it’s where I grew up; Los Angeles, where my first son was born; Monmouth Beach, N.J., where my in-laws are from — and where you can find the best Italian food outside of Italy and Old San Juan, because of the beautiful Spanish history on the island. Also, Whistler, Canada, where I first learned to snowboard.
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. Portland, Maine. It is a great small town that has a lot of character and is on the water. There are great people and a fun atmosphere. It seems like a great place to raise a family.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. I would love to go to Greece. The scenery looks amazing and I hear the food is out of this world.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. My phone to keep in touch with my family, my computer to stay on top of business, family photos to keep my faith alive.
Q. What would be your dream trip?
A. I would love to go take a cruise around the Amalfi Coast. I love Italy, and I would love to see more of it and continue to try some of the best food in the world!
Q. What is a benefit of being on tour?
A. Reconnecting with old friends after our shows. I never feel alone on the road, which definitely helps keep my spirits up when I’m away from home.
Q. What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A. Aside from my recent Montana trip, a Hawaii vacation many years ago takes the cake. I went with my parents, siblings and my wife, Leigh. I’ve been blessed to not have a worst vacation memory. When you’re with loved ones, every day is a vacation.
© 2019 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
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