Will Downing, the “Prince of Sophisticated Soul,” has long captivated listeners with his smooth baritone voice and soulful ballads.
With the release of his deeply personal 28th studio album, Luscious, Downing embarks on a fresh, authentic journey, blending original works and tributes to iconic baritone crooners who have inspired him.
In this exclusive interview, we chat with Will Downing about Luscious, his reinvention of “Mama Used to Say,” and what this album means to him and his fans.
Q: Your latest release Luscious is generating a lot of excitement. What inspired this project, and what makes it special?
Will Downing: Luscious is a labor of love, plain and simple. At this point in my career, I’ve reached a place where I create music because I feel it in my soul, not because of trends or expectations. This EP is deeply personal, filled with songs I truly connect with. It’s about freedom—freedom to interpret, explore, and deliver something authentic that resonates with my audience. Every track has its own story, but the common thread is love—love for the music, love for my craft, and love for my fans.
Q: “Mama Used to Say,” the first single from Luscious, is already making waves. Tell us about this reimagined take on Junior’s 1980s classic.
Will Downing: Oh man, I’m so proud of this one. Marcus Johnson and I decided to take a beloved dance anthem and give it a completely fresh perspective. Instead of the upbeat, fun vibe of the original, we slowed it down and focused on the wisdom in the lyrics—the advice every mother gives her children about patience, growth, and self-discovery. It’s soulful and heartfelt, a tribute to mothers everywhere. It’s for my mama, your mama, all the mamas who’ve shaped us.
Q: How did you and Marcus Johnson approach the creative process for “Mama Used to Say”?
Will Downing: It was a collaborative effort. Marcus and I wanted to strip the song down to its essence and rebuild it as something tender, reflective, and deeply emotional. Marcus is a phenomenal keyboardist and a true creative force, and together we crafted this slow-brewed groove that really allows the lyrics to shine. It’s not just a cover; it’s a reinvention that honors the spirit of the original while adding our own soulful touch.
Q: Luscious also pays tribute to some iconic baritone vocalists. Can you tell us about these moments on the EP?
Will Downing: Absolutely. As a baritone myself, I’ve always admired the contributions of vocalists like Jon Lucien and Johnny Hartman. On Luscious, I cover Lucien’s “Rashida” and Hartman’s “In the Wee Small Hours (of the Morning).” These are my nods to their artistry and influence. With “Rashida,” I brought in Marion Meadows on sax to capture that classic vibe, and for “In the Wee Small Hours,” Tim Cunningham channels the spirit of Coltrane. Both tracks allowed me to dive deep into the essence of what makes baritone ballads so powerful.
Q: There’s a mix of originals and covers on this project. What inspired your choice of songs?
Will Downing: The selection process was all about the “feeling.” I wanted to curate a collection of songs that spoke to me on a personal level. There are two original tracks: “The Power of Love” and “Forever More.” Both are heartfelt and genuine, showcasing my journey and emotions. For the covers, I reinterpreted songs like Kiki Dee’s “Sugar on the Floor,” giving them my personal spin while keeping their emotional core intact.
Q: How are the singles from Luscious being received at radio?
Will Downing: The singles have been getting some great traction. “The Power of Love” is currently being played on SiriusXM’s Watercolors, which is exciting for me, and “Mama Used to Say” has recently been serviced to R&B Urban Adult Contemporary stations nationwide. It’s incredible to see these songs resonating with listeners, and I’m thrilled to share them with my audience.
Q: How does Luscious reflect where you are now as an artist?
Will Downing: At this point in my career, I create music that feels right to me. There’s no pressure to fit into a mold or chase a trend. Luscious is a reflection of my journey, my inspirations, and my gratitude. It’s about enjoying the process and sharing something meaningful with my audience. If you listen closely, you won’t just hear it—you’ll feel it.
Will Downing’s Luscious is now available! Don’t miss the first single, “Mama Used to Say (featuring Marcus Johnson),” out now on all streaming platforms.
For more on Will Downing, visit:
Will Downing Website
The Prince of Sophisticated Soul
Follow him on social media:
Facebook/Twitter: @willdowning
Instagram: @willdowning3
For media inquiries and interviews about Will Downing, contact Pamela Broussard, BNM Publicity Group & Management at bnmotionpr@gmail.com