Brian McKnight

I’m not thinking about what needs to be on the radio. I’m not thinking about anything other than – I’m just going to let this music come out of me and not have any sort of preconceived notion of what I should do. I’m just going to do it.

I’m not sure if Donald Trump is the answer, but I do think that the departure from traditional politicians may be the answer. I’m not sure if he is, but I like the idea of getting away from career politicians.

I’m not like a legend that – so I’m sort of in the middle in this sort of gray area where, you know, I’m creating music, and I’m not saying there isn’t an audience, because there is; because all of those people go out and spend $80 to $150 on a concert ticket.

There’s only one thing that everyone in this world has in common: whether you want to love somebody and you want to be loved in return.

I’ve always wanted to be a stand-up comic on some levels as well and I know I can play and sing but when people see me and say, “I didn’t know you were so funny… You’re like a real entertainer,” that’s what I like more than all the other accolades.

My fans are the best in the world! They’ve grown up with me and stayed with me through this entire journey.

The true musician is to bring light into people’s hearts.

[on Ornette Coleman] Man, that cat is nuts!

If you think it, want it, dream it… then it’s real. You are what you feel.

My dream is to do whatever I want without any interference from the record company.

It is great to have your own label; you can cultivate your own artists… I’ve worked with pretty much everyone I wanted to.

Players are coming from other backgrounds: rock, folk, ethnic music. It’s changing Jazz for the better.

What I look for in concert is a connection with the audience.

Working with Benny was important for me and for black musicians in general.

Playing is my way of thinking, talking, communicating.

I think I’ve tried to stay true to my music since the beginning. It’s kind of hard because of the access and technology but I just do what I do.

I’ll keep evolving and put that into my songs.

Jazz affirms the noblest aspirations of character, individual discipline, perseverance and innovation.

I went through a struggle, and I really needed to get myself together and connect with my purpose, which is music.

Music is the tool to express life – and all that makes a difference.

You can practice to learn technique, but I’m more interested in conceiving something in the moment.