*LOS ANGELES, CA -- Legendary singer Will Downing debuted at #22 on Billboard's Top 200 with his 14th overall album, Classique (Peak Records).
The album also debuted at #3 on the R&B charts just following Eminem and Black Eyed Peas. Classique sold 20,026 units in its first week of release and marks his highest chart debut on Billboard's top 200.
The stellar debut is a triumphant encore presentation following the challenges Downing faced creating his Peak debut, After Tonight (recorded while battling the muscle disorder Polymyositis).
Back in top form, Downing's sensitive touch is felt throughout the project - singing, writing, arranging and producing, the latter mostly in collaboration with his dear friend and much-in-demand producer Rex Rideout.
Classique is quintessential Will Downing from start to finish…a quiet but emphatic statement on the strength and confidence this Brooklyn native has garnered as he celebrates his 20th anniversary as "The Prince of Sophisticated Soul" - a career in which the man and his artistry have been recognized for excellence from NARAS to the NAACP.
Will Downing is currently on tour promoting Classique:
June 23 Bronzeville Nights, Chicago, Illinois
June 25 Chene Park, Detroit, Michigan
June 27 Jean Klock Beach, Benton Harbor, Michigan
July 18 JazzFest West at Frank G. Bonelli Park, San Dimas, California
July 25 College Park Hills, Chicago, Illinois
August 8 New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, New Jersey
Check out and groove to Will's 'Something Special':
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source:
J'ai St. Laurent-Smyth
Inque Public Relations
inquepr@comcast.net