He’s a balladeer, producer and songwriter (biggest-selling CD to date is “Back at One”). And he’s a draw: A throng of work-world women who usually mean business converged on McKnight after his private performance at the Sears grand opening on State Street. Here, a brief encounter.
— We know you for your romantic ballads, but you also have a great fashion sense. Your designer of choice?
Love Dolce & Gabbana.
— Are we talking custom Dolce & Gabbana?
I’m just at the height requirement at 6 feet 4. So I can wear ready-to-wear.
— Any favorite pastimes?
Shooting basketball–at least twice a day. I love basketball. In fact, whenever I’m in Chicago I get together with [R&B star] R. Kelly and we shoot a few hoops. When I’m touring, I have a list of every YMCA in any given city.
— What’s the one thing your fans don’t know about you?
I like to test fate.
— How do you do that?
Canyon-racing motorcycles.
— What exactly is that?
It’s an L.A. thing–racing motorcycles on the streets in the canyon. It’s not legal.
— Really? Clearly you own a motorcycle.
Yes, two. A Yamaha R1 and a Ducati 996.
— And your next project?
A new CD, “Superhero,” due out in August. [Friend Justin Timberlake of ‘N Sync sings a duet with McKnight on this one.]
