Buffalo's own Brian McKnight at The Riv

Tickets go on sale April 2 at 10 a.m.

The Historic Riviera Theatre presents singer-songwriter Brian McKnight on Wednesday, July 13, at 8 p.m.

Born in Buffalo, McKnight began his career at 19 when he signed his first recording deal with Mercury Records subsidiary, Wing Records. (He ended up recording his albums for Mercury.) In 1992, "Brian McKnight" was released and was followed by two more albums for Mercury, 1995's "I Remember You" and 1997's "Anytime."

In 1999, McKnight released "Back at One" (his second release from Motown, after the Christmas album "Bethlehem"), which sold more than three million copies.

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a variety of musicians, including Sean "Ditty" Combs, Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Quincy Jones, Christina Aguilera, Rascal Flatts, Josh Groban and Justin Beiber.

McKnight's vocal style draws from Stevie Wonder (particularly in his use of melisma), Michael Sembello, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins and his own brother, Take 6 co-founder Claude V. McKnight. His music production sensibilities, especially his penchant for piano-based pop ballads, his method of background vocal recording and melismatic voice inflections, all draw heavily from soul singer James Ingram. McKnight also has the uncanny ability to mimic the timbre and style of other singers, such as Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Prince.

McKnight currently resides in Los Angeles. From 2006-10, he hosted a radio show, "The Brian McKnight Morning Show," with Pat Prescott on KTWV "The Wave" in Los Angeles. In October 2007, McKnight made his Broadway debut in the show "Chicago." In 2009, he appeared in the second season of "The Celebrity Apprentice." Each celebrity played to raise money for the charity of his or her choice. McKnight elected to play for Youthville USA.

From September 2009 to May 2010, "The Brian McKnight Show," a late night talk show, premiered in syndication. The show was a combination of talk and variety.

McKnight has been nominated for Grammy and American Music awards and took home an Image Award in 2000 for Outstanding Male Artist for "Back at One."

Ticket prices are $45 to $55, with a $3 facility fee.

For more information or for tickets, call the Riviera Theatre box office at 692-2413 (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) or order online at www.rivieratheatre.org.