Brian McKnight

Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr. (born Brian Kelly McKnight; June 5, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, radio personality, and multi-instrumentalist. An R&B performer, he is most recognized for his strong head voice, high belting range, and melisma.

His first hit song, "Love Is" (with Vanessa Williams) was recorded for the Beverly Hills, 90210 soundtrack in 1993, and peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. That same year, his single "One Last Cry" peaked at number 13 on the chart and spawned from his eponymous debut studio album (1992), which was released through Mercury Records the year prior and received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His next top 40 single, "You Should Be Mine (Don't Waste Your Time)" (featuring Mase) was released in 1997 and preceded the release of his third album, Anytime (1997). His 1999 single, "Back at One" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his highest-charting song; it preceded the album of the same name (1999), which was the first of four of his albums—Superhero (2001), U Turn (2003), and Gemini (2005)—to consecutively peak within the top ten of the Billboard 200. His ninth album, Ten (2006) marked his final major label release.

His work has earned him 16 Grammy Award nominations, third only to Zubin Mehta and Snoop Dogg for the record of most Grammy nominations without a win.