Brian McKnight

I started as a writer and when I sent my demos out everyone wanted to know who was singing and if that person wanted a record deal.

The guy comes up to the plate, there’s always a chance where he can get a grand slam and everybody forgets about all the times he missed.

I kind of hate the fact that people are always trying to put you into a category. I hate walls, and I hate boundaries. I don’t like that. I listen to everything.

I used to play pianos in bars. You know in hotels, you’d see guys playing piano with a snifter? That was me, with a painted-on mustache. I was about 15.

I think when my brother (Claude who founded vocal sextet Take Six) got his deal and I saw him on the Grammys that was when I said, ‘oh, you know what? If he can do it then maybe I can do too’ and that’s when I really focused on trying to make it in this business.

I think I’d have to say my favorite IWC. They have been around for so long and the craftsmanship is top notch. A watch maker that has been in business over 100 years has to know what they are doing.

I’m still searching even today for a sound, like the guy that’s searching for a home. I haven’t been able to find that completely. I’m satisfied at times with the sound of my guitar… but it is a little sound that I hear but I can’t tell anybody about it. I don’t know how. But if I ever get it, I’ll know.

Improvisation is the most widespread of all musical activities. Why did so many people spend so long pretending it never happened?

Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there.

I’m famous… ain’t that a bitch?

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

I don’t think I ever sing the same way twice. The blues is sort of a mixed-up thing. You just have to feel it. Anything I do sing is part of my life.

Living is easy with eyes closed.

Music must be an innovation.

The sound of the orchestra is one of the most magnificent musical sounds that has ever existed.

It’s not all smoke and mirrors. Some of it comes from books.

There is no doubt that the first requirement for a composer is to be dead

There’s millions and millions of people who think Les Paul is a guitar!

Love is sweeping the country.

You gotta mean it and you gotta treat it gentle.

End phrases where you feel they should end. Don’t look for resolutions you don’t feel because the books call for them.