I started listening to old school R&B artists like Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, and Donny Hathaway when I was in 6th grade.
Nat King Cole - I listen to him a lot.
I'm coming from a Ginuwine and Usher background: slow and smooth songs. And that's why I really connected to Sam Cooke, because he was just very smooth. It's not like the James Brown types, which is all great stuff, but he was totally set apart from those guys.
I think the most-played record in our house was the 'Big Chill' Soundtrack - so Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, the Temptations, Otis Redding. I think that's where I got my love for a good hook, a good soul hook - really smooth and warm and from the heart.
When we do R&B midtempos or ballads, there's an Underdogs sound.
John Legend is, in my opinion, classic. He is one of the best finds that has come along in a long time.
There will never be another Frank Sinatra. I never wanted to be another Frank Sinatra. I only wanted to be another Michael Buble.
Who's not a fan of Don Williams? He's the gentle giant.
My favorite singer to this day is Nat King Cole. I've tried to emulate his phrasing. It is so absolutely beautiful to listen to his lovely voice.
I'm a fan boy when it comes to Michael Buble. He's just so good at 'it'. He's got a voice of this generation, but he's like a time capsule; he's got a voice that could have fit in anywhere over the last hundred years. It's stellar.
Rihanna's voice is just delicious for your ear. Sinatra had the same thing; anything he sang sounded pleasing to most people.
I would have to say Sam Cooke is the one I admired most. His artistry and vocal, just the way he did it.
Luke James has this mystique about him that's not something you can explain; you can only experience it. He's got a whole D'Angelo feel to him as well.
My Pandora station is Boyz II Men.
Miguel has this Prince, Marvin Gaye, old-school feel that I love.
I like Michael Buble.
R&B touches your heart.
My genre is the pop ballad with a touch of R&B.
Off-camera, I sound like Perry Como.
I'm listening to a lot of oldies.A lot of Al Green, Marvin Gaye. Luther Vandross... they were some of my icons.
But once you strip that down, you realize it's all about a voice, like a Norah Jones - that's inspiring to me.
When people hear the name Gregory Isaacs, I want dem to think of 'Night Nurse' and 'Red Rose For Gregory' and 'The Cool Ruler.' I love it when somebody comes up to me and say, 'I love your songs.'
Barry White seemed so filled with self-parody at first that it was easy to dismiss him. But it is becoming increasingly obvious with every additional release that he is a very talented man.
I definitely see myself making classic R&B records with somewhat of a trendy vibe to it. I definitely wouldn't say trap.
Marvin Gaye was a friend of mine, and he used to say, 'Man, I wish I could sing like you - if I could have that growl in my voice.' And I said, 'Man, are you kidding me? I want to sing like you. Everybody wants to sing like you.'
