LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Will Downing upon the occasion of
celebrating 25 years in the Music Industry

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those musicians who have brought entertainment and cultural
enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Will Downing upon the occasion of celebrating 25 years in the Music
Industry during Harlem Summerstage, on Thursday, August 1, 2013; and
WHEREAS, In his two decade recording career, Will Downing, a Brooklyn,
New York native, has carved for himself a solid career as one of the
leading purveyors of romantic music; he has gained a solid musical lega-
cy, and a loyal following of fans; and
WHEREAS, Will Downing received his first national exposure as a popu-
lar backing vocalist in the 1980s, before signing with Island Records;
he recorded two successful albums, and had a hit with a cover of "A Love
Supreme"; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, Will Downing released his breakout album, "A Dream
Fulfilled"; it was a marvelous disc that showed he not only was an
excellent song stylist, but possessed a fine baritone voice as well; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the album, as well as its hit single, "I Try,"
hit the Urban Top 25, and critical acclaim for the disc abounded; and
WHEREAS, "A Dream Fulfilled" was the first of a string of successful
albums that focused on smooth, romantic ballads, and began a period
where Will Downing found his musical identity; and
WHEREAS, In the 1990s and early 2000s, Will Downing recorded frequent-
ly on multiple record labels; he became a regular at the top of the
contemporary jazz charts, and released a number of solid albums; and
WHEREAS, In early 2007, overcoming numerous adversities, Will Downing
was determined to complete his debut album for Peak Records, "After
Tonight"; working from home, he created the album's gem, "God Is So
Amazing," a simple, melodic testimony of faith during difficult times;
and
WHEREAS, In June of 2009, Will Downing released his new album, "Clas-
sique," and received positive reviews; one year later he issued one of
his most ambitious projects, an audio novel that detailed a relationship
with spoken interludes between a strong batch of songs; and
WHEREAS, Looking back over the last two decades, Will Downing has
established himself as one of the most consistent, and soulful singers
of his era; and
WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be underestimated; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Will Downing upon the occasion of celebrating 25 years in the
Music Industry; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Will Downing.