Brian McKnight was born in Buffalo, New York on June 5, 1969. He was raised as a Seven-Day Adventist and was only allowed to listen to gospel music when he was a young boy. He is the younger brother of Claude McKnight, a member of Take 6, an R&B band.

Brian McKnight

“It takes my breath, starts a burning in my chest, makes me weak just when I think about you, want to give my all.” Known for his velvety voice and sensual lyrics, Brian McKnight is an accomplished singer/songwriter, producer and television show host.  

The Early Years

Brian McKnight was born in Buffalo, New York on June 5, 1969. He was raised as a Seven-Day Adventist and was only allowed to listen to gospel music when he was a young boy. He is the younger brother of Claude McKnight, a member of Take 6, an R&B band. He knew from a very young age that he wanted to in the music industry, and began singing in his church choir and a member of the band at Sweet Home High School.

In high school he mastered the piano, but also learned to play the bass guitar, tuba, drums, and the trombone. After witnessing the success of his brother, McKnight decided to work on his own demo. While attending Oakwood University, a school that is commissioned under the Seventh-day Adventist, he was later signed a recording contract with Wing Records, a branch off of Mercury Records.

Music Career

McKnight released his self-titled debut album in 1992, which was a huge success. He later released I Remember You (1995) and Anytime released in 1997, which sold more than 2 million copies and was awarded a Soul Train Award for Best Soul Album (Male) in 1999. The single, Anytime, reached the # one spot on the R&B charts for more than 3 weeks.

It is rumored that the song was dedicated to his wife, in response to him touring and being on the road most of the time. After the release of the 1997, album, McKnight left Wing Records and signed with Motown Records. Brain McKnight released his third album, Back at One, which was actually his second album under the Motown label. He released singles like, “Stay or Go It Go,” “Love of My Life,” and “Superhero.”

Back at One, sold three million albums and was certified platinum. In 2001, McKnight won an Image Award for Best Male Artist. Also the single from the album, Back at One, was written for a country artist, but once McKnight heard the demo, he decided to keep it for himself. This was one of his most successful cross-over records.

Behind the Scenes

Brian McKnight is not only a sexy, old school/new school crooner; he is actually an unsung producer and songwriter. He has provided background vocals and musical arrangements for artists like, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, and Kirk Franklin. He has also worked with the famous producers, Quincey Jones and Sean “Puffy” Combs. On of his most timeless collaborations with Boyz II Men for the Christmas hit, “Let It Snow,” which is a Christmas/love ballad; with Josh Groban on his Christmas album, Noel, which was the #1 Christmas album in 2007.

Brian McKnight also released a Christmas album in 1998, titled Bethlehem, which is one of his most successful records, selling more than 3 million copies worldwide. Aside from music, Brian McKnight currently has a television and XFM radio show that give his fans an in-depth look at the real Brian McKnight. The Brian McKnight Show has is in syndication and offers a little bit of comedy, interviews, and some good music.  

Did You Know…

… Brian McKnight made his Broadway debut in 2007, in the production of Chicago.

… He was on Celebrity Apprentice to raise money for Youthville USA.

… Brian McKnight holds a record for having the most Grammy nominations without a single win

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