Virginia Union University alumnus Will Downing will close out the weeklong homecoming festivities with a performance at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Sunday, Nov. 3. Known for his signature “sophisticated soul” style, Downing will entertain alumni, friends and fans.

“It’s always good to come back to Richmond because I always run into someone I knew from my days at Union,” Downing said.

Before the 26 jazzy neo-soul albums, extensive music tours, Grammy nominations and a career spanning more than three decades, Downing was just a teenager in Brooklyn, N.Y., trying to figure out what life was all about. After graduating from his performing arts high school in Brooklyn, he and a friend attempted to enlist in the Marines, but his father refused to sign the papers to allow him to join as a 17-year-old.

“It didn’t occur to me then that I could have a music career,” he said. “We didn’t have anyone in our immediate circles who had a music career. Growing up, I just thought that all Black folks could sing and dance.

My parents didn’t encourage me. They didn’t allow me to think I was special.”

After his father halted his plans to join the military, Downing found himself without a backup plan. Fortunately, he ran into a former high school teacher, who asked about his future plans. Downing admitted he had none, prompting the teacher to suggest applying to Virginia Union, recognizing his talent. Following this advice, Downing soon secured a scholarship.

Just weeks later, his father drove him to Richmond, where he settled into Huntley Hall on Virginia Union’s campus.

“My dad dropped me off and gave me $100 and a box of condoms,” Downing said. “He told me don’t keep calling me about money. He said you’ve got your meal card, so you can eat. And don’t bring any of these girls home pregnant.”

Downing quickly adjusted to Richmond’s small-town, southern life while at VUU.

“Attending an HBCU was an eye-opening experience,” Downing said. “It was exactly what I needed. I was surrounded by people who looked like me, but everybody was doing different things. And there were no distractions like the big city.”

Downing was a music major at VUU but jokingly says he minored in Spades. He recalls being humbled as a poor college student, washing his clothes in the bathroom sink when he ran out of money.

“I had a ball at Union from the moment I got there,” Downing said. “It was exactly what I needed. I grew up there.”

After less than two years at VUU, Downing returned to New York. He started hearing about his high school classmates and friends getting recording contracts.

“I thought to myself that ‘I could do that!’ I can sing better than him,” Downing said. “I’m going back home to give it a try.”

Disappointed by his departure from Virginia Union, Downing returned home and enrolled at Brooklyn College to satisfy his parents. Balancing part-time jobs, he focused on securing a recording contract.

After several years of persistence, he finally landed his first contract.

“I think I was born at the right time, before the internet and streaming,” Downing said. “I can afford to put out music continuously. It doesn’t matter if it hits or not. People who attend my concerts really want to hear my old stuff.”

Will Downing performs at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 3 p.m. Saxophonist Jeanette Harris opens. Tickets are $94.50 and available at JSAffair.com.