New York, NY–Nearly fourteen days ago, the energy at Times Square was a colossal extravaganza as its annual celebration of the world famous New Year’s Eve ball dropping commenced a brand new era.
This evening’s aura at the deluxe Paramount Hotel’s Sony Hall was more of a poised vibe as one of Soul Jazz’s premier artists graced tonight’s headlining entertainment. The lyrical sounds of Will Downing enriched the venue with an eloquent ambience unmatched.
A career spanning over 37 years with 27 albums on his resume, this remarkable Grammy Nominated singer-songwriter has melted the hearts of fans world-wide alongside his silky signature tracks and exquisitely lush melodies.
Known as the Prince of Sophisticated Soul, his delectable talent for music has been credited through fellow renowned artists such as The O’Jays, Gerald Albright, Billy Joel, Mariah Carey and many other greats.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Downing attended Erasmus Hall High School where melodic alums Clive Davis, Kedar Massenberg, Stephanie Mills, also Barbara Streisand attended.
Graduating in the early 80’s with Massenberg, who later became President of Motown, Downing moved to Virginia for a short time before returning back to the Big Apple where he signed his first recording contract with 4th & Broadway Records releasing his self-titled debut album Will Downing in 1988. His rendition of Jazz icon John Coltran’s “A Love Supreme” reached number 4 on Billboard’s Top Dance Club chart in addition to achieving certified Gold status.
While younger sibling Michael McCary, better known as the former bass singer of award winning group Boyz II Men made his performing debut, Downing continued to release follow-up albums, Come Together As One and A Dream Filled, both of which did well on the R&B and UK charts though it was his fourth release Love’s The Place To Be under Mercury Records that furthered his refined style.
After composing several other albums including 1998 collaborative release Pleasures Of The Night with Grammy Award winning musician Gerald Albright reaching number one on the Contemporary Jazz chart, receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B album on 2000’s All The Man You Need along with winning the International Association of African-American Music Diamond Award in 2002, life took a bit of a turn.
In 2006 he was diagnosed with Polymyositis, a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the muscles. Despite battling its odds, the velvety crooner kept true to his passion releasing 14 additional albums while becoming the spokesperson for the American Stroke Association, conducting charity bowling events for the cause and, being honored as the Ambassador for the American Heart Association.
Tantalizing the sold out crowd, the seasoned serenader swayed through an enchanting playlist of hits from “Love On You”, “A Million Ways”, “Say Yes”, to “Sorry I”, “I Go Crazy” and classic “I Try” mesmerizing the entire venue.
Managing through his illness and the loss of his beloved daughter Aron Siobhan last year, Downing’s serene spirit is beyond commendable. He is the true testament of overcoming life’s adversities with divine perseverance purposeful through God’s loving light. For more information on Will Downing and tour dates, visit: www.willdowning.com
