Personnel includes: Brian McKnight (vocals, various instruments); Michael Sembello (vocals, guitar); Claude McKnight, Fred McKnight, Michael McKnight, Tim Miner, Julie McKnight (vocals); Bill Meyers (conductor, keyboard & drum programming); Derrick Cummings (guitar); Bruce Dukov, Jackie Brand, Susan Chatman (violin); Bob Becker (viola); Larry Corbett (cello); Tollak Ollested (harmonica); Daniel Higgins (alto flute); Dave Koz (saxophone); Robert Lewis (Hammond B-3 organ); Chris Hanulik (acoustic bass); Carl Carter (bass); Prescott Ellison (drums); Anthony Nance (drum programming); Kameka Britton, Kellye Britton, Lawrence Britton, Ava Crump (background vocals).
Boyz II Men: Michael McCary, Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman (vocals).
Producers: Brian McKnight, Wanya Morris, Bruce Carbone.
R&B crooner Brian McKnight lends his usual smooth vocal style to some solid Christmas material. Though BETHLEHEM is his fourth full-length album, it is his first collection of holiday songs. Joining McKnight on this special seasonal release are a host of collaborators including Boyz II Men ("Let It Snow '98"), Mrs. Nat King Cole ("Silent Night") and Michael Sembello ("Bethlehem Tonight"). Opening the album with "Hail Mary," the McKnight Family Choir makes a stunning appearance. In a further bit of nepotism, McKnight's sons BJ and Niko appear on the heart-warming track, "It's All About Love." A sure "do-not-miss" for McKnight fans, but also something to check out for anyone with a preference for smooth pop/R&B vocalists.