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American soul man continues delicious legacy

As one of the most polished, eloquent and smooth R&B artists since the early 1990s, Brian McKnight prides himself as following in the legendary footsteps of Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross.

McKnight, who currently serves as co-host of the popular morning show with Pat Prescott on 94.7FM The Wave, will be filling in some large shoes when he takes over as host of the mega street block party ‘Taste of Soul’ on Crenshaw Blvd. on Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. til 6 p.m.

The inaugural ‘Taste of Soul’ was co-hosted by radio giant Tom Joyner and super-star talk show host Michael Baisden in 2006. Baisden returned as host last year to the tune of some 75,000 spectators as ‘Taste of Soul’ more than doubled its numbers from the previous year of 35,000.

McKnight is not quite sure what to expect, but he is certain that it will be unlike any experience that he’s had before when popular Crenshaw Blvd. is shut down north of Martin Luther King Blvd. to Rodeo Dr.

McKnight has sold more than 16 million albums with a silky smooth voice that recaptured the vibe of vintage soul, but he managed to be creative enough as a songwriter to reach the younger generation as well.

As host of ‘Taste of Soul’, he will obviously be welcomed by many of his core fans and an abundance of new ones when he graces the main stage for the largest street scene event for Blacks in the city’s history.

“It is going to be a treat for the many citizens of Los Angeles as well as for him when he steps up to the stage and is greeted by a sea of fans,” said Sentinel President Danny Bakewell Jr.

An estimated 1,000 vendors are expected to participate in the 3rd annual ‘Taste of Soul’ and an all-star line-up of R&B and gospel performers will be unveiled in the coming weeks. ‘Taste of Soul’ is being sponsored by The Los Angeles Sentinel, 94.7FM The Wave and Radio Free KJLH, in association with Mothers In Action.

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