Brian McKnight accepts his award for Best Male R&B/Soul Single at the 13th annual Soul Train Music Awards in 1999 in Los Angeles. (AP File Photo/Mark J. Terrill)R&B vocalist Brian McKnight will headline Riverbend on the Coca-Cola Stage June 16, according to Joe "Dixie" Fuller, talent and production coordinator. Also announced were Marsha Ambrosius, who will perform June 16 on the Bud Light Stage, and Anthony David, who will play on the Unum Stage June 10.
McKnight has released 11 albums, with seven of them going platinum (1 million sold), and he has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide. In 2006, McKnight scored "Daddy's Little Girls" for Tyler Perry. He is currently touring in support of his latest release, "Evolution of a Man."
He is a multiple Grammy nominee and a favorite on local radio, according to Jay Holloway of WJTT-FM 94.3 .
"He is a staple artist at JTT," Holloway said. "I have seen him live, and it's a great show. Marsha Ambrosius has been hot on our listener requests line, and her new video ["Far Away"] is hot on BET. She's a great vocal and instrumental performer."
Holloway added that Ambrosius will be doing songs from her previous group, Floetry during her show here. The group's 2000 debut "Floetic" contained the singles "Say Yes" and "Getting Late" and earned four Grammy nominations.
STAR SEATINGStar Seating in front of the Coca-Cola Stage is available for $20 in addition regular admission to the festival, organizers say. There are a limited number of reserved seats available. For more information, please contact Barbara Agee at 423-756-2211 or e-mail info@riverbendfestival.com
Ambrosia has also built a name for herself as a songwriter and producer, having created "Butterflies" for the late Michael Jackson and other hits for artists such as Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Jamie Foxx and Nas. She's been nominated six times for Grammy Awards.
David was a 2009 Grammy nominee and is best known for his hit "Words," a duet with R&B singer India.Arie. He has sold out shows at the Bessie Smith Hall in previous visits here.
"He has a huge Facebook following of people who will follow him anywhere," Holloway said.
Previously announced acts for the 30th Anniversary of the Riverbend festival include Huey Lewis and The News, The Beach Boys, The Machine performing Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" with the Chattanooga Symphany & Opera, Casting Crowns and Miranda Lambert.