AllMovie

Grammy award-winning R&B recording artist Brian McKnight is known for his cool, understated style, but his life in music began in the awkward days of high school, where he was bandleader for the Sweet Home High School band. McKnight also honed his skills in the church choir and sharpened his cool performing with his brother's band, the famous a cappella sextet Take 6. By 19, the young musician had mastered nine instruments, refined his singing voice, and developed his skills as a songwriter. He was signed to a major label and released his self-titled debut album in 1992. His blend of influences from Stevie Wonder to Nat King Cole gave him a unique sound that proved to be a major hit with listeners, and McKnight would continue to write and record over the next several years. He also became the host of a syndicated radio show out of L.A., and in 2005, the singer made his Broadway debut in the musical Cheaters. Musical theater proved to be a good fit for McKnight, and in 2007 he returned to the stage to play Billy Flynn in Chicago.