Keith Washington
Keith Washington is an American R&B and soul singer born on November 15, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan. Raised in Detroit's Motown-influenced scene, Washington started performing young, influenced by family ties in music. He opened for acts like Brenda Russell and toured with The Dramatics by his teens.
He broke through co-writing Freddie Jackson's 1988 hit "Hey Lover." His 1991 debut album Make Time for Love featured the signature single "Kissing You," topping Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, earning a Grammy nomination, and winning a 1992 Soul Train Music Award.
Later albums include You Make It Easy (1993) and KW (1998). He collaborated with Kylie Minogue on "If You Were with Me Now," blending soul with pop. "Kissing You" gained extra fame as background music on General Hospital.
KW
Backing Vocals – Keith Washington, Trina Powell
Producer, Instruments – Fred Jerkins III
Written-By – Barry DeVorzon, Ward Chandler, Fred Jerkins III, Japhe Tejeda, Keith Washington, LaShawn Daniels
5:15
2 No Matter
Backing Vocals – Keith Washington, Sherree Ford-Payne
Producer – Carsten, Joachim, Keith Washington, Louil Silas, Jr.
Written-By – Bill Withers, Dana Belle, Keith Washington, Louil Silas, Jr., Stan McKinney
4:35
3 I Don't Mind
Backing Vocals – Keith Washington, Marc Nelson
Producer – Marc Nelson
Producer, Instruments – Rashad Coes
Written-By – Marc Nelson, Rashad Coes
4:20
4 Tell Me (Are You With It)
Backing Vocals – Keith Washington, Kelly Price
Producer, Instruments – Fred Jerkins III
Written-By – Fred Jerkins III, Japhe Tejeda, Keith Washington, LaShawn Daniels
4:58
5 Bring It On
Producer [Vocals] – Keith Washington
Producer, Instruments – Fred Jerkins III
Written-By – Fred Jerkins III, Fred Jerkins III, Marc Nelson
4:30
6 I Love You
Featuring [Duet With], Vocals – Chanté Moore
Producer, Instruments – Mark J. Feist
Written-By – Mark J. Feist, Shanice Wilson
5:57
7 You Sure Love To Ball
Bass – Ray Burton
Drums – Ron Otis
Keyboards – Dave Spradley
Producer, Programmed By [All Music] – Keith Washington
Producer, Programmed By [All Music], Keyboards, Guitar – Donnie Lyle
Saxophone – Ray Manzerolle
Written-By – Marvin Gaye
5:10
8 Long Ago
Co-producer – Keith Washington
Producer – Calvin Gaines, Mark Wilson, Rob Fusari
Producer, Instruments – Vincent Herbert
Written-By – Calvin Gaines, Herschel Boone, Keith Washington, Mark Wilson, Rob Fusari, Vincent Herbert
4:34
9 I Can't Put You Down
Arranged By [Backing Vocals], Backing Vocals – Herschel Boone
Producer, Backing Vocals – Keith Washington
Producer, Programmed By [All Music] – Donnie Lyle
Written-By – Donnie Lyle, Herschel Boone, Keith Washington
4:10
10 You Let Me Down
Backing Vocals – Keith Washington, Kelly Price, LaShawn Daniels
Producer [Vocals] – Keith Washington
Producer, Instruments – Fred Jerkins III
Written-By – Fred Jerkins III, Japhe Tejeda, Keith Washington, LaShawn Daniels
4:10
11 Smile
Backing Vocals – Kelly Price
Backing Vocals, Producer [Vocals] – Keith Washington
Producer, Instruments – Fred Jerkins III
Written-By – Fred Jerkins III, Kelly Price
4:45
12 Only You
Producer – Terry Coffey
Written-By – Keith Washington, Terry Coffey
3:55
Label: Silas Records – LSJD-11744
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1998
Genre: Soul
Styl: Soul, Contemporary R&B
Make Time For Love
Producer, Arranged By – Jon Nettlesbey, Terry Coffey 4:20
2 Make The Time For Love
Producer, Arranged By – Jon Nettlesbey, Terry Coffey 5:46
3 Kissing You
Producer, Arranged By – Keith Washington, Trey Stone 4:53
4 Are You Still In Love With Me
Producer, Arranged By – Barry J. Eastmond 5:07
5 When You Love Somebody
Producer – Laney Stewart 4:42
6 Ready, Willing And Able
Producer – Laney Stewart 4:55
7 I'll Be There
Producer, Arranged By – Barry J. Eastmond 4:48
8 When It Comes To You
Producer, Arranged By – Barry J. Eastmond 4:44
9 Lovers After All
Producer – Paul Laurence 4:47
10 Closer
Producer, Arranged By – Keith Washington, Trey Stone 5:01
Label: Qwest Records – 7599-26528-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1991
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Contemporary R&B
Keith Washington's 1991 debut album, Make Time for Love, was a resplendent showcase for his rich vocals, featuring the iconic Grammy-nominated ballad "Kissing You," which became his signature, alongside other strong tracks like "When You Love Somebody," earning praise for excellent production and smooth R&B/soul style reminiscent of Luther Vandross, solidifying his place as a notable balladeer of the era.
Reviewers consistently praised Washington's captivating voice, smooth delivery, and masterful use of vibrato, comparing him favorably to Luther Vandross.
The album spawned the massive hit "Kissing You," a soulful classic that topped R&B charts, plus other popular singles like "When You Love Somebody" and the title track, pushing the album to Gold status.
The arrangements and production were described as excellent, perfectly complementing Washington's vocals and fitting the smooth R&B sound of the early 90s.
The album blended classic R&B and soul, offering a "relaxing aural experience" and showcasing a timeless quality that still resonates today, despite being a product of its time.
Make Time for Love established Washington as a promising new voice in R&B, with "Kissing You" remaining a definitive track in his career.
Fans and critics widely regarded Make Time for Love as a strong debut, celebrated for its romantic themes, superb musicianship, and Keith Washington's impressive vocal performance, making it a beloved album in the smooth R&B/soul genre.
You Make It Easy
Written-By – J. Nettlesbey, K. Washington, T. Coffey,
5:38
2 Stay In My Corner
Written-By – J. Nettlesbey, K. Washington, T. Coffey,
5:10
3 Don't Leave Me In The Dark
Written-By – J. Nettlesbey, K. Washington, T. Coffey,
6:24
4 You Always Gotta Go
Written-By – J. Nettlesbey, K. Washington, T. Coffey,
4:54
5 What It Takes
Written-By – B. Eastmond, J. Skinner, K. Washington,
4:39
6 We Need To Talk / Before I Let Go
Words By, Music By – Frankie Beverly
Written-By – J. Nettlesbey, K. Washington, Terry Coffey
6:04
7 Trippin'
Written-By – E. Nicholas, G. Levert, T. Scott,
4:54
8 Do What You Like
Written-By – B. Eastmond, F. Cadet, K. Washington,
5:23
9 Believe That
Written-By – E. Nicholas, G. Levert,
5:25
10 No One
Written-By – B. Eastmond, J. Skinner, K. Washington,
5:27
11 You Make It Easy
Written By – D. Kaercher
Written-By – G. Praeg, G. Washington, K. Washington,
4:35
Label: Qwest Records – 9362-45336-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1993
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Soul, Contemporary R&B