The R&B artist will bring his romantic ballads to the stage, following the release of his new EP 'Still in Love.'
Published: Jan. 27, 2026, 8:46 a.m.R&B artist Will Downing didn’t grow up in a household where music was treated as a calling. In fact, he said his father was quick to remind him that singing wasn’t anything special, famously telling him that “all Black people can sing and dance” and encouraging him instead to find a steady job, put in 25 years and retire.
But Downing said music found him when a teacher pulled him aside in junior high school after hearing him sing in a choir and encouraged him to join formal music programs. What began as an afterthought soon became his entrée into a lifelong career. Recently, Downing, a longtime resident of Somerset, talked to Mosaic about his journey in music and his upcoming Valentine’s Day concert at 8 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St., in Rahway.: As the youngest of four siblings, I listened to whatever my sisters and brother were listening to —Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway — because I couldn’t afford to buy any records. My sister was into. I remember seeing them at the Felt Forum in Madison Square Garden. When Luther walked on stage, it was like, “Oh… that’s him.” That moment really stuck with me.You’ve recorded many cover songs, most notably on your “Black Pearls” album, where you paid tribute to an all-female lineup of artists, including Phyllis Hyman, Angela Winbush, and Chaka Khan. Do you have a personal favorite?. Other times it’s a challenge — someone says, “No one can do that song better than Phyllis Hyman,” and I think, “Oh really?”Throughout your career, you’ve received notable recognition, including a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Album for “People have called it a “couples therapy album,” which wasn’t my intention, but the songs kind of ended up that way. The first single, “Back to Us,” is about a couple that’s drifted and needs to reconnect—date nights, communication, all of that. Another song, “Us Time,” is about making space for each other again. It just worked out that way.You’re performing on Valentine’s Day at the Union County Performing Arts Center. What makes that day special for you?: Valentine’s Day is one of those days you know you’re going to work — and get paid. Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are my days. That’s when old school rules. I sing love songs and ballads. If you bring your lady, you don’t have to say anything. You sit there, put your arm around her, and let me do the work. I make it the easiest night of your life.Without a doubt, the saddest thing that’s ever happened in my life. When something like that comes out of nowhere, you’re blindsided. It’s not how life is supposed to work — children aren’t supposed to go before their parents. The song is really about confusion, love and unanswered questions. It’s saying, “We loved you. What happened?” It’s hard, but it was something I needed to express.Ande Richards is the Managing Producer, Diversity of Voices for Mosaic. She uses her skills as a multimedia reporter to delve into communities that need more attention like our veterans, LGBTQ+, disability...
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