Brian McKnight –
“A Wonderful Man to Meet”
For most of us, characteristics of a “star” are arrogance, super busy, and never having time for fans. We have all experienced the celebrity who acts as though they are in such a rush, and really don’t have time to talk. In fact, they sometimes make you feel beneath them or less than human. On the contrary, Brian McKnight deserves a standing ovation!
June 5, 2005, the Brian McKnight, New Edition, and Gerald LeVert concert. All of who brought the house down. The concert showcased at the Fox Theatre in Downtown Detroit. 7:00 p.m. the M.C. comes out to announce that we were in for a treat. But, what happened after the concert was the biggest treat a fan could possibly imagine.
Brian McKnight’s meet & greet was well worth the $50 paid to be an “all access” member in the “Back Seat” (Brian’s personal fan club). After the show, fans were escorted down a long corridor, down stairs, and brought around to a room where they patiently awaited the arrival of Brian McKnight. Fans were most excited. Not only could they meet the man whose voice has caused hearts to melt. But, they were meeting him on his birthday!
As the man of the hour walked into the room, he was no longer a “Superstar”. He was just Brian. He immediately was ready to converse, take pictures, and open the many birthday cards and presents sent from the “Back Seat”. Surprise! As two fans walk in with a birthday cake lit with candles, and the crowd burst into “Happy Birthday to you”.
The smile on Brian’s face lit up the room, and you could feel the warmth and sincerity brought with it.
Meeting Brian McKnight was the kind of “you just had to be there” experience. He took his time with each and every person in the room. He even asked questions, such as “What do you do for a living?” and signed each any every autograph. He really has a special way of making you feel he wants to know you on a personal level.
Brian McKnight definitely acted in a way one would picture from listening to one of his beautifully worded songs. He was the perfect gentleman. Even as some fans started to shake uncontrollably, couldn’t speak, and stared in amazement, Brian maintained his cool. He made his fans feel like his ultimate goal that night was to make them feel as comfortable as he could. Not only can I say that he made meeting a celebrity one of the most pleasurable experiences in a fan’s life, but it was a personal experience I will treasure the rest of my life.
I sincerely hope that those who have never had a chance to meet Brian McKnight, one day get that chance. He probably wouldn’t remember most of us if he saw us tomorrow, but Brian McKnight is definitely “A Wonderful Man to Meet”.