Fans coming to hear Brian McKnight sing the slower songs he is best-known for will likely be surprised by his show tonight on the Coca-Cola Stage at Riverbend, according to Jay Holloway, production and promotion director at WJTT-FM 94.3.
"Fans are going to see a total show from a consummate artist," he said. "He will do some uptempo songs. Even though he is known for his slow stuff, he will shock them with his uptempo stuff. I've seen his live shows, and it is very upbeat."
They also will be impressed with his vocal talents.
"He sings," Holloway said. "He is a singer. No Auto-Tune."
In addition to recording 13 albums and earning more than 16 Grammy nominations, McKnight has hosted radio and television shows and starred as Billy Flynn on Broadway in "Chicago." He toured with Vivica A. Fox in "Cheaper To Keep Her," and he was a contestant on "Celebrity Apprentice" as well.
Born in Buffalo, N.Y., McKnight grew up singing in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He attended Oakwood University, an Adventist school in Huntsville, Ala. He was part of a gospel group that featured his three brothers, including Claude, who would later join Take 6.
Inspired by his big brother's success, McKnight decided to pursue singing himself and signed a record deal at age 19.
Over his career, he has collaborated with some of the biggest stars in music including Mariah Carey, Sean "Puffy" Combs, Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Nelly, Vanessa Williams, Kirk Franklin, For Real, Canibus, Quincy Jones, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera and Rascal Flatts.
He is working on his 14th album and is planning a live DVD shot during his latest tour. The tour features not only brother Claude, but sons BJ and Niko performing with him.