Drew Lachey Was Working as an EMT When He Got a Beeper Call from His Brother Asking Him to Join 98 Degrees

**Drew Lachey’s Journey from EMT to Pop Stardom: A Tale of Fate and Family**

Drew Lachey, who rose to fame as part of the boy band 98 Degrees, has recently shared insights into his life prior to his musical career. In a candid interview on the *Teen Beat* podcast hosted by Danielle Fishel, he discussed his transition from working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to becoming a pop sensation.

Before achieving stardom, Lachey, now 49 years old, embarked on an unconventional path. After completing high school, he joined the Army before relocating to New York City, where he began working as an EMT. During the podcast episode, he explained his aspirations at the time, which included a dream of living a quiet life away from the limelight. He envisioned himself finding solace on the side of a mountain, helping those lost in the wilderness.

Lachey provided a glimpse into his day-to-day life as an EMT in New York. Unlike traditional emergency services, he worked for a private ambulance company that primarily handled non-urgent cases. “I didn’t get 911 calls; I dealt with strokes, heart attacks, and broken hips, mostly responding to private nursing homes,” he shared. This experience, he said, gave him a unique insight into caring for others, which was a crucial part of his identity at the time.

A pivotal moment came when his brother, Nick Lachey, reached out with a life-changing proposal. He conveyed this message through a page on Drew’s beeper—an important communication tool of the time. The message urged Drew to consider joining Nick’s burgeoning boy band, 98 Degrees, who were on the verge of securing fame.

Recalling that moment, Drew revealed, “I got a beep on my beeper. It was a bit surreal, especially when I realised the call was from an LA number. I had to dig into my pockets for quarters to return the call.” Upon speaking with Nick, Drew felt the weight of the opportunity but also the gravity of his decision.

Seeking counsel, Drew turned to his father for advice. His father posed a simple yet profound question: was he willing to return to his life as an EMT if the music career didn’t pan out? Drew concluded that it was indeed an opportunity of a lifetime and potentially a risk worth taking. “I’d always thought I could go back to driving in an ambulance if it doesn’t work out,” he recalled.

In what felt like an instant, Drew packed his belongings, including his vintage 1988 Plymouth Sundance, and embarked on a journey across the country to Los Angeles. He spent the drive learning the group’s songs, fully embracing this new chapter of his life. Just two days after his arrival, he found himself on stage opening for the legendary James Brown at the House of Blues—a dizzying turn of events that encapsulated the whirlwind nature of his career shift.

98 Degrees, founded by Drew and Nick along with Jeff Timmons and Justin Jeffre, quickly cemented their status in the pop music scene. Their debut single “Invisible Man,” released in June 1997, heralded a new era for the group. They went on to enjoy commercial success, with several hits and albums that resonated with fans across the globe.

Today, the band is still active, continuing to tour and produce new music, showcasing their enduring appeal. Reflecting on the path he took, Drew Lachey expressed gratitude for his journey. His time as an EMT not only shaped his character but also provided a unique foundation for his career in music.

Drew’s story serves as a reminder that life can take unexpected turns, propelled by familial bonds and pivotal choices. While he may have left behind a career in emergency medical services, the skills and compassion he developed during that time continue to inform and enrich his life in the public eye. Fans of 98 Degrees can take comfort in knowing that the journey of Drew Lachey is one of resilience, making his contributions to music all the more meaningful.