What is Brian McKnight’s net worth?
Brian McKnight, an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, has a net worth of $10 million. He is renowned for his falsetto voice and broad range. With his exceptional music, he has been nominated for numerous Grammy Awards throughout his career. Along with his music career, he has also appeared on popular TV shows and movies.
McKnight’s self-titled debut album, released in 1992, sold over 1 million copies. In the following years, he released 12 more studio albums between 1995 and 2017. His most successful album, “Back at One,” released in 1999, sold over 3 million copies globally. Brian McKnight has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide in total.
Brian McKnight Suffers Financial Setback Due to Accountant Fraud
In February of 2014, Brian McKnight revealed that he was the victim of fraud by his former accountant. McKnight filed a lawsuit against the accountant for neglecting to pay his taxes for over a decade, resulting in $1.5 million in back taxes and penalties. As a result of this financial situation, McKnight’s bank placed a lien on his house and the IRS froze his music royalty payments. Additionally, his driver’s license was suspended for failing to pay back taxes.
Brian McKnight’s Early Life and Career
Brian McKnight was born in 1969 in Buffalo, New York, to Claude McKnight Jr. and Ruth Elaine Willis. He began singing as a child in his church choir and later formed an a cappella gospel quartet with his brothers. McKnight attended Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, but was expelled during his sophomore year for violating dorm rules.
With encouragement from his older brother Claude and his band, Take 6, McKnight began shopping demo tapes as a teenager. At 19, he signed with Wing Records, a subsidiary of Mercury Records, and released his self-titled debut album in 1992. The album featured the ballad “One Last Cry,” which became a top-20 single, and peaked at 58 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Brian McKnight’s Third Album “Anytime” Becomes His First to Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart
Brian McKnight released his third album “Anytime” in 1997, featuring contributions from Sean Combs, Keith Thomas, and songwriter Diane Warren. The album received mixed reviews but made it to the top 20 of the Billboard 200, selling over two million copies. “Anytime” became McKnight’s first album to top the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and produced many singles, including “You Should Be Mine (Don’t Waste Your Time),” a top 20 hit. The title track, “Anytime,” became one of the most frequently played radio songs of 1998 and earned McKnight a Grammy Award nomination.
Brian McKnight’s Success with Motown
After leaving Mercury in 1998, Brian McKnight signed with Motown and released “Bethlehem,” a Christmas album. His most successful album to date is “Back at One,” which sold over three million copies and featured a mix of hip-hop, balladry, and contemporary R&B. The album’s singles, “Stay or Let it Go,” “Win,” and the title track, “Back at One,” all performed well on the charts. The album itself was nominated for Best R&B Album at the Grammy Awards.
McKnight’s subsequent album, “Superhero,” debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200, and its singles, “Love of My Life” and “Still,” earned Grammy nominations. In 2003, he released “U Turn,” which peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200. Its lead single, “Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda,” received a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Finally, in 2005, McKnight released “Gemini,” which debuted at number four and became his highest-charting album to date.
Brian McKnight’s Record Deals and Albums
In 2005, Brian McKnight signed with Warner Bros. Records and released his only album with the label, “Ten.” The album had three singles, “Used to Be My Girl,” “What’s My Name,” and “Find Myself in You,” which was originally from the Tyler Perry movie “Madea’s Family Reunion.” From 2009 to 2013, McKnight released three albums with E1 Music: “Evolution of Man,” “Just Me,” and “More Than Words.” The last album featured contributions from Colbie Caillat and McKnight’s two sons.
Brian McKnight’s Career in Radio and Television
Brian McKnight hosted “The Brian McKnight Morning Show” on KTWV The Wave in Los Angeles from 2006 to 2010. He also appeared as himself on several TV shows, including “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Martin,” “Living Single,” and “My Wife and Kids.” In the late 90s, McKnight played various characters on “Sister, Sister.” He also competed on the second season of “The Celebrity Apprentice” in 2009.
Brian McKnight’s Recent Musical Releases
In 2016, Brian McKnight released his 14th studio album, “Better,” on his own label. The album included the singles “Uh Oh Feeling” and “Better.” That same year, he also released “An Evening With,” a live CD, DVD, and Blu-ray collection done in collaboration with the SoNo Recording Group. The collection featured 14 live-performed songs and three newly written and recorded tracks. Its lead single, “Everything,” made it into the top 20 on the Adult Contemporary charts.
Partnering with the independent SoNo Recording Group once again, McKnight released his album “Genesis” in 2017. The album produced hit singles “Forever” and “I Want U.” In 2020, McKnight released “Exodus,” which he claims will be his final project containing all original material.
Brian McKnight’s Personal Life and Beliefs
In 1990, McKnight married his college sweetheart, singer-songwriter Julie McKnight. They had two children and divorced in 2003. McKnight later married Dr. Leilani Malia Mendoza in 2017. Religion has played a central role in his life, as he was brought up as a Seventh-day Adventist. McKnight’s grandfather was a church pastor, and his mother sang in a gospel choir and played the piano at Emanuel Temple in Buffalo. McKnight has also been active in the African-American community and received multiple NAACP Image Award nominations.
Brian McKnight’s Real Estate Investment
Brian McKnight purchased a home in Chatsworth, California for just under $1.3 million in 1999. He recently sold the property for just under $1.8 million in August 2019.
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