Will Downing Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Discover Will Downing net worth, Will Downing relationships, Will Downing age/birthdate & Will Downing birthday in this deep-dive profile.
Will Downing Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Will Downing is a soulful R&B and jazz singer-songwriter known for his rich baritone voice and landmark repertoire in neo-soul and sophisticated soul music.
Introduction
Wilfred “Will” Downing, born November 29, 1963, has built a distinguished career as a singer and songwriter, earning acclaim within the R&B, soul and jazz arenas. His estimated net worth is reported as $1.5 million. On the personal front, Downing is married to singer Audrey Wheeler, and his birthday is celebrated every November 29.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wilfred Downing |
| Age/Birthdate | November 29, 1963 |
| Birthday | November 29 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1.5 million |
| Relationship Status | Married to Audrey Wheeler (singer) |
| Known For | Sophisticated soul vocals, 20+ studio albums |
From Brooklyn Roots to Soulful Success
Growing up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York, Downing was nurtured by a working-class upbringing—his father a skycap, his mother a schoolteacher. He was drawn early to music, joining his school choir and, as a teen, singing demos in New York for songwriters. After a stint at Virginia Union University, he returned to New York to focus entirely on music.
Defining moments in Will Downing’s journey include:
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Signing his first solo recording contract and releasing his debut album in 1988.
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Switching labels to Mercury in the early 1990s and achieving his commercial breakthrough with Love’s the Place to Be.
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Navigating a serious health challenge—diagnosed with polymyositis in 2006—which threatened his career and led him to new priorities.
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Establishing himself as a respected elder of contemporary soul, dubbed “The Prince of Sophisticated Soul.”
Main Sources of Wealth
The core pillars of Will Downing’s wealth include:
| Revenue Stream | Description |
|---|---|
| Studio albums & live performances | Income earned through record sales, streaming and tours. |
| Royalties & licensing | Payment for use of his recordings and compositions. |
| Endorsements & brand partnerships | Appearances and collaborations aligned with his brand. |
Although publicly documented estimates list his net worth at approximately $1.5 million.
Relationships & Family Life
Downing’s personal life reflects both musical affinity and personal resilience. He married singer Audrey Wheeler (formerly of the R&B group Unlimited Touch) after his first marriage to Revonda Mills (1987–1992).
Key insights into Will Downing’s relationships and personal life:
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His marriage to Audrey Wheeler brought together two seasoned vocalists aligned in artistry and life.
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He has spoken publicly about becoming a father, and later coping with the tragic loss of his daughter, Aron Siobhan Downing.
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His personal journey includes advocacy for health awareness, linked to his own medical experience and community engagement.
Lifestyle, Assets & Interests
Beyond career success, Will Downing leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:
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Photography: He published a coffee-table book, Unveiled Series I, showcasing his interest behind the lens.
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Philanthropy: He serves as a celebrity ambassador for the American Heart Association and spearheads a “Strike Against Stroke” bowling event in the African-American community.
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Travel and performance: His touring over decades suggests a life spent both on stage and off, though specific high-end assets like homes or cars are not widely documented in public records.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
Estimating a musician’s net worth involves evaluating album sales, streaming revenue, touring income and residuals. In Downing’s case:
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business Ventures (music) | ~$1.0 million | CelebrityNetWorth $1.5 M listing. |
| Brand Deals & Partnerships | ~$0.3 million | Estimated portion of total |
| Investments & Assets | ~$0.2 million | Implied residual |
Although the total of ~$1.5 million may seem modest compared to major mainstream acts, it reflects the niche/sophisticated‐soul market and his long-term sustainability rather than headline blockbuster chart success.
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Will Downing is widely admired within music circles for his elegant delivery and vocal maturity. His influence includes:
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Setting standards for “grown-and-sexy” soul—young artists reference him for phrasing, tone and live showmanship.
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Rising resilience: his public health battle and return to music earned him wider respect beyond the stage.
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Mentorship: through philanthropic work and his photography, he models an artist who evolves creatively while giving back.
His legacy is one of refinement—where many younger listeners now discover his catalogue and older fans still regard him as a master of his craft.
Conclusion
From a Brooklyn childhood to a career spanning over three decades, Will Downing has remained true to his art and his voice. Born on November 29, 1963, with a reported net worth around $1.5 million, his story is not one of flash-in-the-pan fame but enduring craft, meaningful relationships and disciplined artistry. His marriage to singer Audrey Wheeler, his recovery from illness, and his quiet influence on soul music all contribute to a profile of an artist who values legacy over limelight. His birthday each year marks not just the passing of another year, but a celebration of sustained relevance in a shifting musical landscape.
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