On March 24th, 2024, Shawn Stockman—four-time Grammy winner and founding member of Boyz II Men—took a red-eye to Philadelphia with his acoustic guitar in hand. Just weeks away from sold-out Wembley Arena shows, the trip wasn’t for business—it was about music, friendship, and reconnection. That same day, Billy Mann—multi-platinum, Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and longtime collaborator with artists from P!nk to John Legend to David Guetta—left his Connecticut studio behind and returned to his hometown.

What they rediscovered went deeper than music. Stockman and Mann not only shared roots at Philadelphia’s legendary CAPA high school (alma mater of Boyz II Men, The Roots, Leslie Odom Jr., and more), but also a personal bond as fathers of sons on the autism spectrum. Joined by fellow CAPA alum and guitarist, Clay Sears (Jay-Z, Rihanna, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Common), the reunion led to unexpectedly recording an album. What started as an experiment quickly became something greater: a sound rooted in a folk hybrid incorporating Philadelphia’s soul and storytelling, blending timeless harmonies with a modern edge: Americana Soul.

In July 2025, Chosen Family released their debut album Generation Us, produced with Sears. The record spans the heartfelt (“Where Love Goes,” “Oceans of Love”), the nostalgic (“Press Save”), and the high-energy (“Only You Can Save Me,” “Mistakes”), anchored by the poignant title track—a tribute to their late mothers and a meditation on legacy across generations.

Now Stockman and Mann are taking Generation Us on the road. A Chosen Family show is more than a concert—it’s an evening of harmony, storytelling, and connection. Every performance is a safe and inclusive space for all, especially special needs families and individuals. For Chosen Family, touring isn’t just about playing songs; it’s about building community.