Brian McKnight understands what people expect from him. The veteran R&B singer is known for his sultry, silky-smooth ballads, including his biggest hit “Back at One,” from the 1999 album of the same name. McKnight had an impressive reign on the R&B charts in the ’90s, with other hits including “The Way Love Goes,” “One Last Cry” and “You Should Be Mine (Don’t Waste Your Time).” He’s continued to release albums of slick R&B, including last year’s Genesis, and he’s working on another album, tentatively titled Bedtime Story, that he has said will be “60 minutes of music just for the bedroom.”

But McKnight isn’t just a singer: He’s a songwriter and producer for almost all of his own material, and a versatile musician who plays eight instruments. Over the years, he’s collaborated with artists ranging from rappers (Mase, Nelly) and pop singers (Justin Timberlake) to country stars (Rascal Flatts), gospel musicians (Kirk Franklin) and his own sons.

“Twenty-five years ago, I never would have thought that I would be sitting here looking back at the career I have had,” he told the Chicago Sun-Times recently. “I can’t believe I have come this far.”

Hard Rock Hotel, 9 p.m. July 27, starting at $39.50 plus tax and fee. 888.929.7849 AXS