INTERNATIONAL SENSATION BRIAN McKNIGHT SHARES MORE THAN JUST HIS MUSIC WITH FANS AROUND THE WORLD

BY LAURA D.C. KOLNOSKI

From Europe to the Philippines, Netherlands, Australia, and the U.S., Brian McKnight has thrilled audiences since signing his first record contract at age 19. He has released 19 studio discs, with several going two- and three-times platinum, for a total of more than 30 million albums sold worldwide. In addition to being a singer, songwriter, and producer, McKnight plays nine instruments, including piano, guitar, bass, drums, trombone, tuba, Thugelhorn, and trumpet. Garden State audiences can see and hear just how well when he takes the stage at the 1,367-seat Bergen Performing Arts Center on Thursday, February 13.

With 16 Grammy Award nominations and numerous chart-topping songs, the 50-year-old Buffalo native has become an R&B icon. Hits include “Back at One,” “One Last Cry,” “Anytime,” “Find Myself in You,” and “Still.” Recognized for a strong falsetto and belting range, the crooner/musician has collaborated with marquee performers across various genres, including Quincy Jones, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Rascal Flatts, Willie Nelson, and Kenny G.

McKnight’s musical career began as a member of a church choir and high school bandleader. In 1992, his first (and eponymous) album was released, followed by I Remember You (1995) and Anytime (1997). The last sold more than two million copies and was nominated for a Grammy. His next studio disc, Back at One (1999), for Motown Records, sold over three million copies. Additionally, in 1997, McKnight recorded “Remember the Magic” for Disney World’s 25th anniversary. He has been the recipient of American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, Blockbuster Awards, and was also named Billboard Songwriter of the Year.

Of his live performances, McKnight observed in a recent interview with Smashing Interviews Magazine that, “When I walk out of my house and go to my show and people love me, there’s no greater feeling… standing on stage singing a song that you wrote, and the audience is singing louder than you are.” And he contributes more to the globe than music. The McKnight 360 Foundation, launched in 2012, helps raise awareness of and provides solutions for lack of funding for musical programs in schools across the country.

Bergen Performing Arts Center
30 N Van Brunt Street, Englewood / 201.227.1030 / bergenpac.org