Will Downing

Will Downing’s voice is one of the most distinctive, loved and instantly recognizable voices in R&B. His flawless, emotive, buttery-smooth and agile honey-toned baritone, along with his impeccable phrasing and jazz-fueled agile runs, seamlessly bridge the worlds of R&B and Jazz. Downing’s sophisticated and always-cool sensibilities have proven to be timeless and have garnered him the role as the reigning king of romantic ballads.

From midnight black and iridescent blues to metallic and regal greens, black pearls also commonly know as Tahitian pearls, are known to possess a spectacular color range. So it is fitting that Downing’s album is titled Black Pearls. The beauty, depth, brilliance and dimension of what Downing brings to Black Pearls is what he has built his enduring legacy on. “I choose songs based on lyrical content and melody,” explains the singer.

Black Pearls opens with the album’s first single and 1988 Cherrelle hit “Everything I Miss At Home.” Downing originally met Cherrelle in the 90s during a USO tour. The charismatic and charming vocalist jokes, “My sister calls ‘Everything I Miss At Home’ the ‘you better do right song.’” Will’s sublime performance hits all the right notes, signaling for an enchanting journey ahead. “‘Don’t Ask My Neighbors’ has always been a favorite of mine,” shares Downing. “The subject of communication will never grow old." Downing admits to being a long-time fan of The Emotions, not only as a solo act but also as backing vocalists for the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire.

Downing balances work with off-the-road life in New Jersey as a loving husband and father, humbly passing the test of time and being that timeless living example of the absolute best at what he does!