Brain McKnight - One Last Cry

For this Throwback Thursday, we revisit Brian McKnight’s emotional R&B classic “One Last Cry.” Released May 25, 1993, as the fourth single from his self-titled 1992 debut album, the heartfelt breakup ballad was co-written and co-produced by McKnight alongside Brandon and Melanie Barnes. The song became McKnight’s first solo hit on the Billboard Hot 100, climbing to No. 13, while also reaching No. 14 on the Cash Box Top 100.
“One Last Cry” helped establish McKnight as one of R&B’s standout voices of the 1990s. Its emotional lyrics and McKnight’s smooth, expressive vocals captured the pain of accepting the end of a relationship, making the song a memorable staple of the era. The track’s success also contributed to the momentum of his debut album, which was released by Mercury Records and eventually certified platinum.
The song’s influence has continued decades after its original release, with artists including the Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake, Heather Headley and Nina covering the classic. In 2025, Melinda Lindner’s rendition reached No. 30 on the Adult Contemporary chart, demonstrating the song’s lasting appeal. Directed by Leta Warner, the original music video further cemented “One Last Cry” as a defining moment in McKnight’s early career.










