WILL DOWNING

With a career that spans over 37 years and 27 albums, Will Downing is one of the most versatile and loved voices of our time.  Known as The Prince of Sophisticated Soul, his repertoire consists of signature interpretations of R&B classics like "I Go Crazy", "Wishing On A Star" and "I Try", with original hits "A Million Ways", "Sorry I" and the show-stopping duet with Rachelle Ferrell, "Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This". His distinctive baritone voice has resonated in the hearts of women world-wide and carved a unique niche in the music marketplace. With fresh melodies and lush arrangements that satisfy all musical palates, Downing continues to serve his fan base through his own Sophisticated Soul record label and sold out tour dates across the country. His latest release entitled “Soul Rising” was released on November 29, 2023. He also hosts his weekly radio show The Wind Down which is aired on this site and over 20 stations around the world in the USA, UK, Japan, and Spain.

Wilfred "Will" Downing (born November 29, 1963) is an American R&B, soul, neo soul, and jazz singer and songwriter.^[1] He has released 22 studio albums.

After college, Downing moved back to New York City. In 1983, he was the vocalist for a house music group.^[2] He was then a backing vocalist on albums by Jennifer Holliday, Kool & the Gang, Gerald Albright, Billy Ocean, Regina Belle and Mica Paris and later sang with Wally "Jump" Junior.^[3][1]

In 1988, Downing signed a recording contract with 4th & B'way Records, and released his first solo album, Will Downing. It included a cover version of the John Coltrane piece, "A Love Supreme",^[1] which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs record chart.^[4] Downing switched to Island Records for his second release, Come Together as One (1989).^[1] In 1991, he then released “ A Dream Fulfilled “, which was his first commercial success, and included his rendition of Angela Bofils “ I Try “.

He switched labels to Mercury Records for his fourth outing, Love's the Place to Be (1993).^[1] He remained with Mercury for two more albums, Moods (1995) and Invitation Only (1997), both of which sold well.^[1] All the Man You Need, released on Motown Records, received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Traditional R&B Album in 2000. The album included "When You Need Me", a duet single with Chante Moore.^[5] In 2002, Downing received the International Association of African-American Music Diamond Award.^[6]

He released Love, Lust, & Lies: An Audio Novel in 2010.

In 2014, he was the opening act for Patti LaBelle.

From 1987 to 1992, Downing was married to Revonda Mills. In 2002, Downing married singer Audrey Wheeler, who was a member of the R&B group Unlimited Touch.^[10]

In December 2006, Downing was diagnosed with polymyositis, a rare disease occurring most often in black males, in which inflammation causes debilitating muscle weakness. He was hospitalized for three months, used a wheelchair, and lost 100 pounds.^[3][1]

Downing is a spokesperson for the American Stroke Association. On tour, he conducts the charity bowling event, Strike Against Stroke, to raise funds towards awareness and education in the African American community. The American Heart Association recognized Downing as a celebrity ambassador.^[11]

Downing is also a keen photographer, and self-published the coffee table book Unveiled Series I in 2005.^[6]

Downing is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

Downing's daughter, Aron Siobhan Downing, died by suicide on January 11, 2023, at the age of 31. She had suffered from bipolar disorder, had depression and some schizophrenia.