The band originally formed on September 27, 2016, after having all met in Los Angeles, California, a year prior. On October 7, 2016, the group released their debut single "Taking You," a track from their debut EP, Only the Beginning, which was released on November 25 of the same year. They embarked on their first headlining tour, the "Taking You Tour", the next year. Their second EP, Something Different, was released on April 21, 2017. Following the release of their second EP, they embarked on the "Something Different Tour," their second headlining tour. The group's third EP, Why Don't We Just, was released on June 2, 2017. In September 2017, the band signed with Atlantic Records. That same month, Invitation, their fourth EP, was released. On November 23, 2017, they released their fifth EP, A Why Don't We Christmas. In 2018, in support of the Invitation EP, they headlined the "Invitation Tour". Additionally the band has appeared in several vlogs of YouTuberLogan Paul. Paul has directed three music videos for the band, one involving their collaboration "Help Me Help You".
2018–present: ''8 Letters'' and upcoming second studio album
On August 31, 2018, they released their first album, 8 Letters to negative critic reviews. In March 2019, they embarked on the "8 Letters Tour". The band released a new song each month in 2019 and are currently working on another studio album, set for release in 2020.
Musical influences
The band has cited Justin Bieber as their main musical inspiration. They also have cited Ed Sheeran and Jaden Smith among their inspirations.
Members
Jack Avery
Jack Robert Avery was born in Burbank, California, but raised in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. Avery released a solo single called "Liar" in 2016 and was part of the meet-and-greet tour "Impact", which Zach Herron and Corbyn Besson was also a part of. He also starred in a short film called Fearless Five. On April 22, 2019, Avery's girlfriend, Gabriela Gonzalez, gave birth to their daughter, Lavender May Avery.
Corbyn Besson
Corbyn Matthew Besson was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Virginia. Besson's cousins are Dutch girl groupO'G3NE. Before Why Don't We, he had a following on YouNow and released a solo single called "The Only One" to iTunes in 2014. Besson is dating YouTuber Christina Marie. Besson was also a part of the Impact tour along with Zach Herron and Jack Avery.
Zachary Herron
Zachary Dean Herron, the youngest member of the group, was raised in Dallas, Texas. Growing up, he sang in choir. Before Why Don't We, Herron covered songs on YouTube. His cover of Stitches by Shawn Mendes went viral.
Jonah Marais
Jonah Marais Roth Frantzich, the oldest member of the group, grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota. Before Why Don't We, Marais had a following on YouNow. He has also released an album, When the Daylight's Gone, in 2016 and went on the 2014 DigiTour.
Daniel Seavey
Daniel James Seavey grew up in Vancouver, Washington. He can play over 20 instruments by ear. As a child, his father would take him to Portland, Oregon, to do street performances on the city's art walks. In 2015, Seavey competed on season 14 of American Idol and finished in ninth place. He accomplished this at age 15, making him the youngest finalist of the season.
Discography
Why Don't We have released one studio album, six extended plays, sixteen music videos, and twenty-one singles, and two promotional singles.
