Crafting Wedding Rings for a House Music Legend – Willy Washington
Crafting Wedding Rings for a House Music Legend – Willy Washington
It was a great honor to create the wedding rings for Willy Washington, a dear friend and an iconic figure in the house music scene. Our friendship began in a place as vibrant and energetic as his music—ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event), during a set by the legendary David Morales. From that moment on, we kept in touch, and over the years, I came to know not just the brilliant artist but also the wonderful person behind the music.
Willy’s music career is nothing short of extraordinary. He’s worked with some of the best producers in the industry and released tracks on top labels that have shaped the soulful house and dance music genres.
Willy’s Journey in Music
“I learned early on that music was a way for people to release—to experience emotions and identify their feelings.” Honing his instrumental skills in church on Sundays and his dance sensibility in the local Gay nightclub scene on Fridays and Saturdays, Washington observed that music was a way to move emotional mountains and demolish cultural barriers.
“I remember the first time I walked into the Paradise Garage in New York. It blew my mind—there were straight people, gay people, black people, and white people all getting down.” With that, Washington was born again. He moved to NYC, graduating shortly thereafter with a degree and the title of “Recording Engineer.”
He began to articulate what would become his signature blend of quirky “electro-soul euro dance-pop” by hanging out and learning dance music production from house legends Kerri Chandler and Tony Humphries.
Top Labels Willy Washington Has Collaborated With:
Defected Records Renowned for its deep house and classic house releases, Defected featured Willy’s standout track "Proof," which gained recognition through remixes by industry heavyweights like Wolf + Lamb and FCL. The label also released "Can’t Get Away," a track Willy co-wrote and co-produced for Mood 2 Swing.
Hed Kandi Records This iconic label released Johnni Blacks's "It’s Your Life," featuring Sandy Huff’s soulful vocals. Willy contributed as a co-writer and co-producer, crafting this unforgettable anthem.
Slip 'n' Slide Celebrated as the UK’s soulful house powerhouse, this label showcased Willy’s talent through "Rescue Me," featuring the mesmerizing vocals of his muse, Jazmina.
Estereo Records A cornerstone for Willy’s soulful house and indie dance creations, Estereo Records is home to timeless tracks like "Ain’t No Runnin’ Away" featuring Paula Ralph, "Losing Control" with Sha Sha, Marlo’s "Waiting Until the Morning," and "All I Ever Wanted" for Bah Samba, highlighted by Alice Russell’s captivating voice.
New Generation Records This New Jersey label played a pivotal role in Willy’s early career, featuring soulful classics such as "Now You’re My Heaven," "Sneaking In and Out," and "Here We Go."
Big Love Records Willy co-wrote and co-produced the infectious "U Got Me Spinnin," brought to life by the powerful vocals of Carol Sylvan, Darryl D’Bonneau, and Michelle Weeks.
Do The Hip! Recordings Known for floor-fillers, this label released "Get Up," co-written and co-produced by Willy, featuring the stellar vocals of Sandy Huff for Syke & Sugarstarr. The track has been remixed multiple times and included in numerous compilations.
Deep Village Digital Records A key player in Willy’s exploration of soulful house and indie dance, this label released tracks like "Do You Feel" and "How You Make Me Feel."
Choooose Records This label spotlighted Willy’s hit "Do You Feel" (Radio Soul Edit), embodying his signature electro-soul style.
Knoziz Recordings As Willy’s own label, Knoziz Recordings is a platform for his visionary music, including tracks like "Midnight" and remixes of "Can You See My Light" in collaboration with Conan Liquid.
Top Producers Willy Worked With:
Mood II Swing – Legendary house duo known for their deep and soulful productions. Willy Washington contributed to their iconic track "Can’t Get Away" as the vocal arranger, producer, and recording engineer for the vocals.
Clemens Rumpf – Frequent collaborator on numerous projects, including the popular track "Do You Feel".
Conan Liquid – Partnered on tracks like "Runnin’ Back" and "Can You See My Light".
DJ Spen & Karizma – Worked on soulful house remixes, such as "Just Keep Holding On".
Corey Holmes – Created a memorable remix of "Now You’re My Heaven".
Big Moses – Delivered a soulful touch to his remix of "Now You’re My Heaven".
DJ Pope – Known for his Funkhut Vocal Remix of "Now You’re My Heaven".
Larry La Birt & Rashad Muhammad – Produced several remakes of "Now You’re My Heaven".
Loui & Scibi – Added their signature touch to "How You Make Me Feel" with a well-received remix.
Ricky Inch – Contributed a popular remix of "How You Make Me Feel".
Willy’s Unique Approach to Music
What sets Willy apart from other producers and songwriters is his ability to connect deeply with the essence of music and the soul of the artist. Whether working with established singers or newcomers, Willy has a rare talent for bringing out vocal performances that even the singers didn’t know they were capable of. He often says:
“I push singers and bring out things they never knew they had. I take them to places they’ve never been.”
This approach extends to his songwriting as well. Willy doesn’t rush into writing Top Line lyrics. Instead, he lets the music speak to him, ensuring that the final product is always authentic and emotionally resonant. His creative process is built on intuition and feel, allowing him to craft songs that truly move people.
The Legacy of Willy Washington
With hits like "Trouble" and "You Got to Pray", Willy has left an indelible mark on the house music scene. His work continues to inspire both fans and fellow musicians. Beyond the music, he is a genuine and generous person, always willing to share his knowledge and energy with those around him.
Designing and crafting his wedding rings was a special experience for me. It wasn’t just about creating jewelry—it was about celebrating a friend whose life and work have brought joy to so many people. I’m grateful for the opportunity to know Willy and to contribute a small piece to his personal story.
Here’s to many more years of friendship, music, and memories!
Songs by Willy Washington:
"Trouble" (feat. Joi Cardwell)
Released on 8-Ball Records, this track became the biggest record the label ever released. It garnered remixes from iconic producers like Junior Vasquez and Deep Dish."You Got to Pray"
This track shot to #1 on the Billboard Dance Charts and earned international acclaim. It remains one of Willy’s most celebrated hits."Proof" (with Stuffa & David A. Tobin)
Released by Defected Records, this deep house hit featured remixes by Wolf + Lamb, FCL, and Taras van de Voorde."Ain’t No Runnin’ Away"
Released under Estereo Recordings, this track became a dance floor favorite and was widely licensed, further cementing Willy’s reputation in the UK and international dance scenes."Do You Feel" (with Clemens Rumpf)
A soulful house gem, this track was released by Deep Village Digital Records and became a favorite among house music enthusiasts. It has several remixes, including edits by Jayl Funk and Tony Bravo."Now You’re My Heaven" (feat. Teddy B. Jamison)
Released by New Generation Records, this track received multiple remixes, including versions by DJ Pope, Big Moses, and Corey Holmes."How You Make Me Feel" (with Clemens Rumpf & Teddy B.)
Another standout soulful house track, with remixes by Ricky Inch and Loui & Scibi, showcasing Willy’s versatility as a producer."Runnin’ Back" (with Conan Liquid)
Released on MN2S, this track is a perfect blend of soulful and deep house, with popular remixes by Conan Liquid."Can You See My Light" (feat. Gary Adams)
Released by LW Recordings, this track is known for its smooth soulful vibe and features remixes by Conan Liquid and Larry Rauson."Just Keep Holding On" (with DJ Spen & Karizma)
A soulful house anthem with powerful remixes by DJ Spen and Karizma, released on Sole Channel Music.
If you want to hear Willy’s music, check out his tracks on platforms like Defected, New Generation Records, and Deep Village Digital Records. You won’t be disappointed!