Brian McKnight

Award winning, R&B singer, songwriter and producer Brian McKnight released his 13th studio album, More Than Words, in 2013, and he followed it up with a theater tour that had fans grabbing tickets for concerts throughout the US. The Buffalo, NY native, who began singing in a church choir, has been a mainstay on the urban contemporary scene since he released his self-titled debut album in 1992, at the tender age of 19. His arresting falsetto and smooth style were an immediate hit with R&B and pop listeners, who made “One Last Cry” the singer’s first Top 20 single. McKnight’s best-known songs followed in the ’90s, including “Love Is” (a duet with Vanessa Williams), “Back at One,” and “You Should Be Mine (Don’t Waste Your Time)” featuring Mase. Though he hasn’t yet taken home a trophy, McKnight — who can play nine musical instruments — has earned 16 Grammy nominations over the course of his career. He’s also sold more than 20 million albums worldwide.