Will Downing - I Try

Music video by Will Downing performing I Try. (C) 1991 The Island Def Jam Music Group

[@gamanworldwide]

R.I.P. Angela Bofill… A truly beautiful and gifted vocalist !

[@rapmantheoneman]

Oh wow. I didn’t know she passed away.

[@anaangel5434]

@@rapmantheoneman I didn't know either.

[@MiamiJag1]

Most underrated singer in the game in my opinion

[@Chara-x6u]

@@MiamiJag1 I agree!

[@troygoodall4825]

What a beautiful voice he has. In loving memory of Angela Bofill. Rest in peace my sister.

[@100kiloklingon]

Why is Will Downing not all over R&B radio? Granted, I 'm a white guy. But I've been into R&B since about 1991. I just discovered Will Downing. How is this possible?

[@BLACK8PHOENIX]

Damn he sang the heck out of that song. Angela should be proud

[@gregorypope3899]

The piano solo is simply other worldly....

[@sharonthompson8335]

This man’s voice is pure silky elegance!

[@cmob357]

Just like my voice 😁

[@derrickcrawford2581]

Why is he so slept on? This brotha can SANG

[@PeekaPeep]

He truly knew his worth and NEVER compromised his art if he didn't have to. Plus, the major record companies around that time started to steer away from the adult music buyers and focused more on the younger teen demographic instead since they felt the latter of the two generated more consistent financial returns in the long run 🙄😒👎. But yeah, Will should've been right up there with Teddy (Pendergrass), Luther (Vandross), Freddie (Jackson), and Alex (O'Neal) in terms of widespread commercial appeal back then.

[@leonardbrown2219]

Please google Wil Downing Wikipedia then you will know the Fact's/ Truth (NEVER SLEPT ON)P.S.Thank You For Paying Homage to the Brother.

[@ceeuuu01]

I've been living under a rock apparently, bc I'm just introduced to his music. Oh me oh my... A special gift from above. ❤

[@jdishmael001]

He and Luther were the Whitney of male vocalists

[@kgirl1958]

Like a famous saying. "ITS LIKE BUTTER BABY."

[@rickjt62]

Why the hell would 373 people give this magnificence a thumbs down when one person would be one too many?

[@leonardbrown2219]

The problem is that they listen to the wrong kind of music.😊😊😊

[@pingpongpogo]

Why don’t more people know Will Downing? This album is perfection.

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

More people do. Millions of people know who Will Downing is... People over 50...

[@jj-sd1uv]

I agree 💯

[@Gamble333]

​@@tiwantiwaabibiman2603😂😂😂

[@just4divas]

⁠@@tiwantiwaabibiman2603Not true if you know Luther you know Will. Luther drop his 1st album in “81” Never too much, Will in “2002” The Colored Section. And to piggyback off that India Arie released her 1st album in “2001” Acoustic Soul, Erykah Badu released her 1st album in “1997” Baduizm. If know them you probably have heard at least one of his songs. I don’t know you just was pointing somethings out he’s probably not a lot of people vibe, just listen to some of his music give it a try.

[@tammyrashad4368]

I know, right??? I love his collaboration with Rachelle Farrell ❤❤❤

[@sharbasogers8151]

I miss elegance and sophistication. This was one of the best remakes of the very lovely Angela Bofill’s song. Each version is a beautiful portrait of invincibility. Thank you Will Downing. This is always on repeat in my car.

[@filmladyproduction]

Agreed a double bonus here, great female vocal and song to an amazing male vocal rendition. My favorite by Will Downing.

[@virtueeg]

Sharba u are not alone I love this song. This song will never lose it's substance, message, or luster because of the arrangements the way it was arranged although it's a remake originated by Angela Bofill and I still appreciate both of the arrangements. Thank you Angela Bofill and Will Downing.

[@glennstermania]

I don't think I will ever get tired of this song. I've listened to it hundreds of times, and have even been fortunate enough to see Will Downing live. This song just chills me out. Thanks Will Downing (and Angela Bofill)

[@lbhakodesh3474]

I loved this song before I knew what a relationship even was about and having been married 18+ years; the appreciation for it, just keeps growing and growing, subjectively speaking; a timeless classic!!

[@lennoxcalder6874]

+Lashon Bush love love both Angela and Wil

[@larondafranks4788]

Saw Will Downing twice, my date was my nine year old son, who is now 36 years old! Too young to appreciate this music, maybe someday! Hope springs eternal💓

[@botsonyana9073]

I am obsessed with both versions, kea leboha ntate Will le `me Angela ❤

[@lindajones8298]

Thanks Angela B. and the greatest Will

[@melodysanger103]

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY WILFRED "WILL" DOWNING (NOVEMBER 29, 2023)

[@jerrywashington9541]

Countdown to my 60th(5/21/59) birthday would be incomplete with out this musical genius!

[@mustbherpersonality]

I love Will Downing's voice... He doesn't over sing... Songs are just naturally excellent and beautifully done...

[@tessagodsAsset3N21]

It breaks my heart that his artistry gets "Slept On". I Still appreciate his vocal ability - It Never gets old for me. #Timeless

[@sugevallan6702]

For me too he’s one of a kind

[@troywilliams9199]

So true....very gifted

[@michelehowse9852]

@@sugevallan6702 ppuo

[@mrstanbmw]

Love his versionn as well as Angela Bofill they both smoked the hell out of this song

[@leonardbrown2219]

Please read Wil Downing Wikipedia.And you will see that he didn't get Slept on.(Fact's Don't Lie)

[@bgblkb]

The MOST slept-on artist hands down!

[@brentduanefoster]

No question!!!!

[@redeemedharshsw209]

TELL THEM AGAIN ❣️💞

[@HansumTrini]

As well as Phil Perry IMO (eventho no one asked lol)

[@falsealarmno]

He's not slept on. He just doesn't have a come to you style. You have to come to him. Like Miles Davis was.

[@locnlovelifex6994]

Major fact

[@simplymelodicmeissimplyme237]

This makes me cry.We all tried to give our best...life goes on...

[@demetriusseabrooks8985]

Will has been around since the 80's and radio is afraid of real r&b.

[@alicecook2147]

What you said

[@doctoronthego]

'Cept London 1987 - but everyone just ignored us.

[@augustuswhite5211]

Not afraid but deliberately isolating our real singers to promote the likes of Taylor Swift and Kate Perry who can't sing a note live.

[@gilbertoisabot]

I found him through radio on his song called Say Yes

[@mariaparedes7493]

So much facts

[@LadyTamaraG]

My fave male singer. I remember when this song came out. I was 15 and I would not stop singing it. I'd call the radio station and request it. Love Will so much. He is so underrated.

[@gregsaunders1255]

Lady Tamara G , So underrated is Will.

[@saadalhumaid8043]

Lady Tamara G. He the king of smooth

[@thersten]

Damn, I thought I was the only teenager who loved this song!!

[@dman221]

Tamara Nicole : Original done by Angela Bonfill.

[@LadyTamaraG]

@@dman221 Yes! I loved hers too. Will brought a different element to the song.

[@lisaenlow611]

growing up as a little girl my Daddy listed to him all the time it's helping me in millions of ways to get through my dads dealth.REST IN PEACE POPPI.

[@chassidylewis3473]

Helping me get through my mom's

[@herecomesyahawashiisrael4280]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Sexyeyes700]

🙏🏽🙏🏽…..I relate to your pain. I lost my Father just 3 months ago. May Will’s music comfort you always!! 🤎🤎

[@marciabonk6632]

A million ways...Freudian slip?

[@krober147]

My condolences 🙏

[@joellewilson6065]

His voice is beautiful.

[@pamelabarker1575]

its heavenly.

[@pamelalefaire8920]

He know he is the master of remakes, the beautiful thing about him is that he takes nothing away from the original artist..he SANG HIS FACE OFF!!! 😍😋😘😘

[@oceancitywrestling]

Will Downing is LEGEND

[@radlyn61]

Those were the day, at home, a nice plate of food, and a bottle of wine. I was happy.

[@williamdavis2868]

If this song doesn’t touch your heart ❤️, you need to get in touch with your spiritual side...after all these years...this song is still amazing..

[@chassidylewis3473]

Got that right

[@archiejackson2315]

Voice is so distinctive

[@loveyu2778]

Love both versions.. Angela's is amazing as well...

[@claytonstarrjr9788]

Yessir

[@lornadavis1634]

have mercy.... amazing

[@johnmcneil6803]

Will, has one of the Greatest voices,I ever heard!!!

[@musizlovva1570]

Well him and Babyface and Brian mc knight and Kevon Edmonds and Eric Benet and Jodice, Maxwell, Jaheim, Luther Vandross, and many more.

[@diahannjames9339]

this man voice is just so soothing makes you just want to relax with a nice bottle of wine and go to another place in time.....

[@rickjt62]

... which is what I’m doing right now

[@musizlovva1570]

And a man or woman.......

[@meshwilly2413]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💋💋💋💋

[@xumarqasimova5163]

11

[@jameshkegler3995]

@@rickjt62 pp]

[@divineselfentity]

Will Downing & Phil Perry, The Kings of rendition songs,,, extraordinary gentlemen, with wonderful vocals

[@MugambiAkin]

actually Luther was the king of remakes...lol

[@divineselfentity]

Lucius Reed, thx 4 the insight, peace & blessings

[@nazarinewilliams5070]

yes ..I agree

[@brentduanefoster]

Two of the best!!!

[@diannebanks8688]

Well The real is the vocals.lyrics and are of professional. Talent

[@craigbelton4528]

No one does d rendition of I Try like Mr. Will Downing!😃

[@justbreathe7512]

One of the best remakes I've heard ever....Angela Bofill is still my fav.

[@youtubeadministrator4187]

They both Blow the hell out of this song♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@russellregan4736]

Mine 2

[@michaelfrenke6757]

Phyllis Hyman wrote this.. her version cant be topped... But Will is the ultimate interpreter

[@chasacart]

@@michaelfrenke6757 I thought Angela Bofill wrote it ( to her boyfriend, at the time).

[@jessiejohnson4328]

Yea, thats what I heard

[@lacroix6323]

Where the hell has the time gone🤬....I've always loved this version, just a great song.

[@CLJones-enzo1]

1/26/2000 ....1a:m...... enjoying what God has surrounded me with. My wife. My children. And an appreciation for good music.....

[@bernicejohnson2605]

My husband and I love this guy. There is no music like his. ❤️

[@musizlovva1570]

He is MAGNIFICENT I SAW HIM LIVE.,..,..

[@risenphoenix4528]

Wish I could go back in time to when this song came out...

[@amandalewis1936]

Me too ❤

[@dontetaylor2983]

Yess me too👍🏾👍🏾

[@son0fbob]

This song still puts me in a daze 2 decades later, Angela did her thing with the original but Will just took the song to a different level.

[@marcussmith3934]

Happy 58th Birthday Will Downing!(Born November 29, 1963)😃🥳🎂🎉🎊🎈🎁🍾🥂👍🏿👏🏿🙌🏿

[@missmary2877]

Mr. Downing is in the same genre as Luther....However, he has his own special and unique sound...He does help fill the void Luther left with his untimely demise...See you in Oakland next month!

[@damasgarises45]

In loving memory of my dearest brother Morgan Mo' Gariseb. This was one of our favorite songs. Rest in peace dear Boats

[@rhondabooker7652]

Today...TODAY, most these "R&B" songs have NO CLASS OR TALENT!!! SANG IT WIL!!!!

[@mpjproducer]

Will blows this jon't - love it - I'm sure Angela B. is proud!!!

[@tinytowz4471]

Maria Jones She is. He even sang it to her as she sat on stage. 🎤🎤🎤🎤

[@williambrown7495]

Maria Jones AMEN!!!

[@Chutney1luv]

Yes! She wrote this song at 17.

[@treywilliams1841]

This song was recorded by me on a cassette OVER & OVER & OVER & OVER ENDLESSLY !!!!!!!!! . . #Wow , when realizing how real music for the soul has completely vanished from the face of the earth & rendered EXTINCT !! . . #What a crying shame !! . . #Smdh!

[@musizlovva1570]

I had the PURE PLEASURE OF SEEING THIS WONDERFUL MAN SING IN MY CITY HE WAS A COMPLETE JOY TO SEE.

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

Will Downing should be a singing coach/consultant on these singing contest shows (ie The Voice) instead of many of those weak (W) singers they always feature. I would luv to hear Will Downing do duets with Dionne Farris and Laylah Hathaway!

[@quentinmoten8871]

Will Downing Jr. has a respectful rich soulful voice that can relax you day or night and help drown you out any negativity, just welcome him in.

[@geraldgage2855]

Tone deaf is putting it lighty how can you not love this sound..

[@maryreid5646]

I know that's right! Absolutely ridiculous!!!!!!

[@thersten]

They're just mad because they love Angela Bowfill

[@1luckie1]

I remember the first time I heard this song from Angela Bofill, but it wasn't until I suffered a broken heart where I heard Will's version. I heard it so clear. I played this song over, and over and over again letting out all the hurt and tears. It helped me get over her and move on.This song is in my favorite five all time slow jams. Thanks Will downing, for being there at my time of need.

[@sunshinesunflowerz1647]

Going through the same thing. Lord knows that I love him.

[@kennedym4289]

Bring back real love songs.. will downing the best

[@MrEarlmurray]

Oh yeah

[@carolcarter3107]

Me on

[@bigman2064]

Mr. Downing has that jazzy smooth sound!!✔💯👌🔟🗣👍

[@lettyalvarez3102]

He makes you feel each and every word....it reaches your soul!!! ❤

[@Mr1brum1]

I do not usually like remakes, but this one is tight. When I first heard it in the spring of 91 in my dorm room I immediately went to the store to buy the cassette. I have been a Will Downing fan ever since.

[@pamelamoore2782]

He sounds so good!! Oh my goodness!!

[@blacksteel965]

When he dropped this one, I was like, " Who is this brother?"

[@celestematthews3266]

HES THE BROTHER OF MICHAEL MCCARY OF BOYZ II MEN I READ IT

[@zackcrider1518]

This is definition of a " Crooner" the man can blow.

[@kedwricksimmons2988]

RIP RIH SIH Rest IN Paradise and Rest In Power to Angela Bofill and much respect to Will Downing and Peabo Bryson for there dedication and support to R&B music 🙏🏿🎶🎼🎵🔊🔉🔈📻🎙️🎛️🎚️🎧🎤🥁

[@sheveck30]

I love this song so much! I'm 38 and still love to her this song. 17 yr married still bring back so many memories of me. When hubby was just first dating.❤❤❤

[@jonathanclarkston8281]

ME& MY WIFE SAW BROTHA WILL, GERALD ALBRIGHT, AND THE LOVELY REGEINA BELL PERFORM AT THE SANGER THEATER IN NEW ORLEANS. AWESOME SHOW!!

[@staceyhinnant2611]

One of the smoothest brothers there was. I love this song, listened to it over and over. Yes he is very underrated

[@thomasrobinson1455]

346 people obviously have no IDEA OR CLUE what REAL music is!!!!!!

[@ashleyispresent]

..... this is everything i ever wanted to hear... this is so perfect... the vocal runs, the chord progressions, the modulations, the backings, the mixing, the chimes, everything

[@darrendunn2362]

Saw him at wolverhampton civic back in the late 80's. Me my bro and dj keith 4 rows from the front. "What a voice"!!!!!! Unbelievable live. Thanks for that will...

[@charlottevirtual3dmeshdeve678]

I feel like grabbing some strawberries, whip cream, and champagne to celebrate being a Good Woman, Mother, Friend, and Wife!

[@beautyandleshae2220]

Charlotte :Virtual 3D Mesh Developer yesssss

[@francinewilkerson1918]

Charlotte :Virtual 3D Mesh Developer cheers🍾🍷

[@michaelrawson8794]

Charlotte :Virtual 3D Mesh Develope that's dope

[@teresagordon1203]

You deserve it!!💝💝💝💝💝💝

[@TheSolution44]

You go on and do just that ❤️💪🏾

[@michellemimilathan5175]

A hell of an artist and he's not getting the credit that he deserves I Love Will Downing his music he has classic R&B and smooth jazz combined into what this man is a classic and very underrated in my eyes but he's a bad boy he's a bad boy and he has that voice it goes to a woman's soul this is this is classy Jazzy Will Downing

[@ejohnson4844]

Who's still chillin here in 2020?

[@kingsalomon357]

328 people are the ones you can never satisfy regardless of how hard you TRY!!!

[@genettalacey2627]

Very well said.

[@jalloh111]

Peabo, Freddie, Luther AND Will!!!....Which great voice have I forgotten?

[@hermanbrown7858]

He sound good, but no body can't sing this song better than Angela Bofill she put her heart and soul in this song.

[@muradKerimzade.]

I tried to do The best I can for you But it seems not enough And you know I care Even when you're not there But it's not what you want You close your door When I wanna give you more (I wanna give you) And I feel, I feel so out of place And you know it's true Don't you think I'm good enough for you??? Can't you see (can't you see) That you're hurting me And I want this pain, I want this pain to stop So if you really care, I mean, if you really really care Then open up your heart to me Yes... open up to me, to me, to me, to me And I really really tried You know that I try And I try and I try and I try to make you And I try, and tried and I tried and I tried and I tired and tried You know that I tried And I need to be with you I tried... I need you You know that I wanted I'll do anything to keep you satisfied my love (to see you through) Because I want you and I need you You know that I tried I tried, I tried...

[@gregoryharris4767]

I love this man I've been loving this man for a very long time and I'm 62 years old now. And I'm going to keep on loving this man❤❤❤❤❤❤❤.

[@msfiggs3030]

Still listening in 2020. What a beautiful voice.

[@leonardbrown2219]

Fast Forward 05/06/2023 Great Artist,Great Voice,Much Respect Two Both Angela Bofill an Wil.I hope I never have to vote on who did it better.(Legend's)

[@beaszze]

old school music is the best

[@quentinmoten8871]

B. Easzze Right on because it had more meaning.

[@beaszze]

Quentin Moten exactly....

[@mrjohnson20123]

💯

[@truthhurtz8517]

Bring back the 90s

[@cw030884]

That's true.

[@lillianwilliams5510]

Luther the 2nd

[@Chara-x6u]

Wow never knew how much he sounds like Luther!

[@L.I.Sound_Lover]

EXACTLY! SEEN BOTH LIVE SEVERAL TIMES, ... NOT TOGETHER! INCREDIBLE! DOWNING'S TRULY LUTHER, JR.! 💕🎶💕

[@alaricharris9349]

Yessuh

[@LeeLee-dj1cb]

P​@@Chara-x6u

[@gatinhasmoothie]

LOL!!!!!!🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@dcchitown6892]

I met Mr. Will Downing here in Chicago when I drove him and his people to his hotel and the brother is truly genuine we had great time during the drive! Love you bro u know who it is Big D Escalade lol 😆 11/10/22

[@anitaanderson8051]

I can listen at this song over and over again. And all of his songs are amazing. His voice is truly amazing. No other like him.

[@angelaclark3847]

This song will never get old,I get emotional as if it's my 1st time listening to it

[@chassidylewis3473]

Me too

[@claytonstarrjr9788]

No ma'am it won't...this is a classical masterpiece

[@docdre1100]

I am a longtime Will Downing fan and love his vocal presentation. I know that a large majority of his catalogue is consistent of re-makes, ie covers but this man puts his spin on them and kills. It’s been a while since I’ve heard any new material from Mr. Downing but I’m sure that whatever he’s working on will be great as usual.

[@gregoryharris4767]

These folks these days do not listen to Will downing. They are not OG's like myself.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤.

[@kenmurray3498]

Isn't it time all the radio people labelled Will Downing the King of modern Soul?

[@courtjones4046]

Yes!!

[@brentduanefoster]

Well, he calls himself, "The Prince of Sophisticated Soul". I think that fits as well.

[@FlipitFlopit77]

I have to agree with you totally, their are no more real singers out there on the music scene that have that real soul feeling in their songs! Al Jerreau is about the only one I can think of left??? It's really a sad day for us whom long for those classic love songs to come back on the scene... Peace Up!

[@lucretiamkhawane4876]

2024 and I'm here because you Sir can sing

[@antoniapalmore7494]

I feel in love with a Will at a Will Downing show.

[@fl755401]

just love this song...Will did a marvelous job here...I wish him the best

[@davidrobertson2174]

I totally agree, one of mr downings finest!!!

[@stephenhardy6340]

Beautiful, just Beautiful nothing else to say. One of the most unsung talents ever!!!!!!!

[@mickeyfletcher1630]

One of the greatest singers

[@seanbuchanan966]

He deserves more credit. A wonderful voice

[@peterstewart4911]

I miss hanging out with Will at BBQ's in SOHO.... The food and the music is something you can never get enough of............Will you are the "Man"

[@tbreez6945]

I miss BBQs!!!!

[@patrickwilcox4420]

Peter Stewart Hell yeah he is....

[@naicalhoun7484]

I miss music like this! My grandmother played him a lot! I was a child when she hooked me onto Will Downing, Simply Redd, Phil Perry, Keith Washington… the list goes on. Real music!

[@meonly6471]

Simply red 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Joker

[@anaangel5434]

@@meonly6471 "I'll keep holding on" That's a classic song. 🥳

[@jwd223]

Will Downing is the Luther Vandross of today

[@irenepeters2612]

Yes he is

[@KISHEEME]

They were out at the same time. Will's been around since the 80s

[@reesereese4176]

Smooth

[@AfMerikan01]

No one on earth will ever do this song more just.. And, thats a shame. But, we got this version,forever! wink!

[@sun1dance]

You have to give a hats off to anyone who can pull a old classic out of the files and make it their own. Will Downing just to me back to when I was a child listening to jazz. "I Try" serious ear candy.

[@emmajones9445]

Very Nice ... smooth ...soothing ... classy... yesssss.....

[@karl24-75]

Say it again,hoss624

[@williamray4483]

I would love for him to sing anyone who had a heart

[@annabellak4033]

That's real talk. I feel you

[@dman221]

Just imagine being in the 70's and listening to Angela the singing ANGEL.....Will, did a fantastic job on this song. But there is only one ANGELA

[@marcellasowell7431]

Will,the one and only Crooner of right now❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@millions2nette]

Love the song! What a smooth singer.

[@kevinkok9538]

The best Men vocal since time started...for me...His voice is full of soul....

[@williamsmith6872]

Yes, we will see the formidable Will Downing, in Detroit 7/13/22, with my beautiful daughter and friends. We’re going to have a wonderful time as always when Will visit our adorable city at Aretha Franklin’s Amphitheater off the water. Can’t wait to go down memory lane with his beautiful songs like Don’t Make Me Wait, I Try, She, and hopefully the entire Dream Fulfilled Album of 1991. I’ll text back after the show letting the reader know what happened. ☮️🍀❤️🍭🌹