Brian McKnight was born on June 5, 1969 in Buffalo, New York to an already musical family. Growing up he sang in the church choir and was a high school bandleader. He grew up playing and singing music, which set him up to become the Grammy-winning artist that he is today. His base in gospel music has given him the ability to create harmonies that go straight to the heart, creating a sound that combines the melody and beat into a smooth sound.McKnight had his start with writing music when he was a teenager, exercising his developing musical sensibilities by penning instrumentals, eventually forming a band and beginning performances at local venues. He acquired his first publishing deal when he was 18. His recording debut occurred not long after that, when one of his demo tapes caught the attention of Ed Eckstine, the president of Mercury Records.His 1992 self-titled debut set him out on the road to becoming one of the greatest stars in his genre. It was a brilliant foundation from which to launch his career, creating a musical basis to build the rest of his albums on. The major hit from the album is the single "One Last Cry." The song made its presence known in the charts - peaking in the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.During the 16 years that have followed his debut, McKnight has continued to climb the ladder of success, producing influential albums and singles throughout the ‘90s and ‘00s. Leading up to his most recent album Ten, McKnight has remained true to his gift. His single "Used to Be My Girl" is a heart-felt expression of a man's feelings upon meeting his ex's new man. Brian McKight is one of the artists that will be a forward influencing force behind the future of music.