Dream Street may have had a brief moment in the boy band spotlight, but they left an undeniable mark on pop music fans and launched its members into successful solo careers. This deep dive explores the story of the Dream Street Band, from their formation and chart-topping hits to their sudden disbandment and where each member is today.
Formed in 1999 by producers Louis Baldonieri and Brian Lukow, Dream Street brought together five talented young vocalists: Jesse McCartney, Chris Trousdale, Greg Raposo, Frankie Galasso, and Matt Ballinger. Their fresh-faced appeal and catchy pop tunes quickly resonated with a young audience. During their active years, the dream street band released two albums, their self-titled debut Dream Street and The Biggest Fan, filled with songs perfect for singing and dancing along to.
However, the journey of the dream street band was cut short. After less than three years together, the group disbanded amidst a legal dispute. The parents of the young members filed a lawsuit in 2002 against Baldonieri and Lukow, alleging inappropriate behavior and exposure to harmful environments for underage performers. While the producers denied these allegations, the dream street band officially split, paving the way for each member to pursue their individual paths in the entertainment industry.
Despite the controversies and abrupt end to their boy band chapter, the members of Dream Street never lost sight of their shared beginnings. Years later, Jesse McCartney reunited with his former bandmates to commemorate the life of Chris Trousdale, who tragically passed away in June 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. This reunion highlighted the enduring bond between the members and their shared history as the dream street band.
In a 2020 interview, Jesse McCartney reflected on his time with the dream street band, acknowledging its crucial role in his development as a musician. “Dream Street was so important for me for the building blocks in my life about recording music, singing and dancing, collaborating and working well with others,” he shared, hinting at the possibility of future collaborations, saying, “I’ll never say never, crazier things have happened!”
Let’s take a closer look at what each member of the dream street band has been doing since their boy band days:
Image: Jesse McCartney reunites with former Dream Street band members to honor the late Chris Trousdale.
Where Are They Now? Life After Dream Street Band
Jesse McCartney
Before joining the dream street band, Jesse McCartney had already gained some acting experience in All My Children. After the group’s disbandment, McCartney launched a highly successful solo music career, releasing five studio albums. He became a teen idol with hits like “Beautiful Soul” and “Leavin’,” solidifying his place in pop music. Beyond music, McCartney continued acting, appearing in popular TV shows and films such as Summerland, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Young Justice. In his personal life, after relationships with Danielle Panabaker and Katie Cassidy, McCartney married Katie Peterson in 2021 and announced they are expecting their first child in 2025.
Image: Chris Trousdale, former member of the Dream Street band, in a solo shot.
Chris Trousdale
Following his time in the dream street band, Chris Trousdale continued to pursue acting, appearing in Shake It Up, Days of Our Lives, and Lucifer. He also showcased his talents in stage productions and films like Dance-Off. Tragically, Chris Trousdale passed away in June 2020 at the age of 34 due to complications from COVID-19. His passing was mourned by fans and former bandmates alike, highlighting the lasting impact he had made during his time with the dream street band and beyond.
Image: Greg Raposo, a member of the original Dream Street band, pictured in a recent photo.
Greg Raposo
Greg Raposo’s career began early with an appearance on Star Search at age 9. After Dream Street, he continued acting in projects like Side Streets and Return to Sleepaway Camp and explored off-Broadway theatre. Raposo also ventured into solo music. Currently, Greg Raposo has transitioned into a different field, working as a real estate developer in Queens, New York. He has been married to Julie Raposo since 2014 and is a father to three children.
Image: Frankie Galasso, photographed as part of a “Where Are They Now” feature on former Dream Street members.
Frankie Galasso
Frankie Galasso also maintained an acting career after Dream Street, with credits in Hudson Street, Jungle 2 Jungle, and Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving. Musically, he is known for his song “Give Me a Reason.” Frankie Galasso is currently in a relationship with Broadway actress Kara Tremel.
Image: Matt Ballinger, another member of the Dream Street band, in a contemporary portrait.
Matt Ballinger
Matt Ballinger continued to act after his time in the dream street band, appearing in films like Fallen and Elah and the Moon, and TV series such as Law & Order and 30 Rock. Matt Ballinger married Danielle Manning in 2013 and has two children, Brielle and Brayden.
In conclusion, while the dream street band’s time in the spotlight was relatively short, their impact on pop culture and the subsequent successes of its members are undeniable. From Jesse McCartney’s pop stardom to the diverse paths taken by Greg Raposo, Frankie Galasso, and Matt Ballinger, and the lasting memory of Chris Trousdale, the legacy of the dream street band continues to resonate with fans who remember their catchy tunes and energetic performances.
