Will Downing
Will Downing is an acclaimed American R&B, soul, and jazz singer known as the "Prince of Sophisticated Soul." With a career spanning over 38 years and 28 albums, he has built a loyal fanbase through his rich baritone voice and interpretations of classics like "I Try" and "Wishing on a Star."
Born Wilfred Downing on November 29, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, he grew up with a schoolteacher mother and a skycap father. Downing attended Erasmus Hall High School and briefly studied at Virginia Union University before returning to New York City to pursue music. His early influences included Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Nat King Cole, and Luther Vandross.
Downing started as a backup vocalist in the early 1980s, contributing to albums by Jennifer Holliday, Kool & the Gang, Billy Ocean, Regina Belle, and others. He also sang with house music group Wally Jump Jr. and the Criminal Element. In 1988, he signed with 4th & B'way Records for his self-titled debut album, featuring a cover of John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" that hit No. 4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs chart.
His 1989 album Come Together as One (Island Records) was followed by the commercially successful A Dream Fulfilled (1991), highlighting his take on Angela Bofill's "I Try." Downing moved to Mercury Records for Love's the Place to Be (1993), Moods (1995), and Invitation Only (1997). All the Man You Need (Motown, 2000) earned a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Album and included a duet with Chanté Moore. Later works include Sensual Journey (GRP, 2002), and his 2023 album Soul Rising, dedicated to his late daughter.
Downing has navigated label changes (Verve, Peak, Hip-O) and personal challenges, including health issues and the loss of his daughter, which inspired tracks like "Till We Meet Again." He continues performing sold-out tours and releasing music via his Sophisticated Soul label as of 2025.
Will Downing
Written-By – Brian Jackson, Peter Lord Moreland, Will Downing
4:57
A2 Do You?
Written-By – A. Godwin, Brian Jackson, Will Downing
5:11
A3 Free
Written-By – Deniece Williams, Hank Redd, Nathan Watts, Susaye Greene
5:55
A4 A Love Supreme
Written-By – David Cole, John Coltrane, Will Downing
4:05
B1 Security
Written-By – Arthur Baker, Doug Wimbish, Will Downing
4:00
B2 Set Me Free
Written-By – Danny Madden, D. Rush
4:02
B3 Sending Out An S.O.S.
Written-By – Brian Jackson, Craig Derry, Danny Madden, Will Downing
4:21
B4 Dancing In The Moonlight
Written-By – Brian Jackson, Will Downing, W. Holloway
5:11
B5 Do You Remember Love?
Written-By – Peter Lord Moreland
3:59
Label: Island Records – 90873-1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1988
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk, Soul, Garage House
Will Downing’s 1988 self-titled debut album is a highly regarded urban contemporary/soul record, praised for introducing his rich baritone voice and blending jazz sensibilities with 80s funk. Featuring the standout cover of John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme," the album is often described as a sophisticated and passionate introduction that has aged well.
Reviews emphasize Downing's "superbly exotic" and "passionate" voice, which established him as a premier soul vocalist at the time.
Standout Tracks: "A Love Supreme" is universally highlighted as a highlight, alongside tracks like "In My Dreams" and "Set Me Free," which showcase a mix of funk and jazz-influenced soul.
The album is described as a "killer debut" that balances commercial 80s sound with a "classy," timeless feel. Despite being a debut, it is frequently cited as a strong, solidifying piece of work that set the stage for a long career in soul music.
The album on Discogs generally receives positive reviews for its production and vocal delivery, with some listeners noting it as a crucial, early 90s-adjacent soul record that holds up well against later releases. Reviewers note that the album has "aged extremely well" compared to other soul acts of the late '80s, largely due to its rely on real instruments and Downing’s "jazzy sensibilities".