Heating up the charts with rhythm & blues.

• Position: Chris Brown - Interview

R&B singer Chris Brown, 16, may be new to the music scene, but his debut single, "Run It," has already topped the charts. Upfront spoke with the home-schooled high school junior, originally from Tappahannock, Va., about his music.

What were your musical influences growing up?

Country, R&B, urban, but at the same time, my musical influences were Sam Cooke, Michael Jackson, Tevin Campbell, Teddy Pendergrass, Stevie Wonder, a lot of old-school greats.

How did you get interested in them?

My mom and my [older] sister used to listen to them, but for the most part I used to watch and pick it up on TV.

How do you like being home-schooled?

It's funny: I miss my public school, because in public school you can take your test and get your...