A good ear and passion for Jazz set United States RnB star Brian McKnight off on a path as one of the eminent singer-songwriters of our time, writes Mpho Tshikhudo.
Brian McKnight launched his music career with his platinum selling self-titled debut album in 1992, which included hits One Last Cry and Never Felt This Way. The success of One Last Cry helped cement McKnight’s place in the music industry but many hit records were to follow: I Remember You (1995), Anytime (1997), and Back at One (1999), which is his most successful album to date.
He has since released over 15 albums, selling over 30-million copies worldwide. For all his success as an artist, McKnight has never quite got the nod for a Grammy award. The Back at One crooner holds the record for having received 16 Grammy Awards nominations without a win. This lack of recognition from the recording academy is quite a thorny issue among industry insiders and fans and the only person who seems to be graceful about it is McKnight himself. We caught up with the singer via email ahead of his tour, The Sequel Tour, in South Africa this month.
This is not your first time in South Africa. What does this tour mean to you?
It means the world to me that people over there still want to see and hear me.
What has been your prior knowledge on South African music? Are there any South African musicians whose works you’re familiar with?
I still remember the first time I heard Jonathan Butler. I couldn’t believe how awesome he was and I tell him that every time I see him.
Can you tell us a bit about the band you are performing with during your South African tour?
My guys have been with me a long time. We are like brothers and it shows on stage. I call them the A team because they murder the stage every night.
For full Q&A see Mail & Guardian
Brian McKnight performs at Grand West Casino in Cape Town on September 17 and in Jo’burg at Carnival City on September 19.
