Will Wheaton Talks Visuals for Single ‘Lady In My Life’
In 2022, butter-smooth baritone Will Wheaton marked 30 years since he won an MCA record deal by competing in Dick Clark’s USA Music Challenge. Only that deal didn’t go through. On the day he closed on his first home in LA, the news broke that they’d switched priorities on his David Foster-produced album. So what’d Will do? Well, what Will had always done: took it in stride and allowed the next opportunity to flow into his life- which happened to surface later that night in the form of a sold-out arena tour of Japan with his friend, J-Pop legend Namie Amuro (aka, the Janet Jackson of Japan). To sing in Japanese, Wheaton drew on his years of multilingual operatic training, which subsequently drew on his Gospel upbringing, which drew upon singing hymns and hits back-and-forth with his mother growing up. In other words, each note Will Wheaton sings is actually opening into his entire life’s work as a genre-crossing vocal craftsman and master crooner. That’s probably why we’re so melted by the richness of his jacuzzi of a voice. And why he’s shared the stage with acts such as Michael Bolton, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, and Rod Stewart.
In the years since MCA fell through, Wheaton has not only performed alongside the voices of our generation but has also independently released two top-class R&B albums, Consenting Adultz and Old School Soul, while building—wait for it—a Los Angeles-based real estate dynasty. Indeed, recent years have marked the marriage of life and work: he’s known around town for “Selling Los Angeles One Note At A Time”.
So whether you find a home in his listings or his lyrics, keep your eyes and ears open for unparalleled baby-making music from this booming baritone broker.
Will Wheaton’s new single “Lady in My Life” finds him not just covering the classic by Michael Jackson, but also reprising and paying homage to the song that won him the USA Music Challenge in 1992. In a refreshing arrangement by Deyon Dobson and Wheaton, the hit is fleshed out with live strings, grooving bass, and neon keys, setting the stage for Wheaton to absolutely own the song an octave below the King of Pop’s original. From his desirous growls to his pleading falsettos, Wheaton glows with pure seduction. When you queue him up on your next special night in, don’t be surprised if the lights automatically lower and the candles flicker on. You’re in Will Wheaton’s world now.
While the song commemorates Wheaton’s 30-year journey since the competition, the music video for “Lady In My Life” serves as the wedding ceremony between his dual lives in music and real estate. We find Wheaton in both his elements, singing and swinging through the song with his casual exuberance while he welcomes curious clients into an open house. With Wheaton’s characteristic humor, the video exudes an earnest joy of a life reunited. This is what self-actualization looks like, people: not to say “I’m a singer” or “I’m a real estate broker” but “I’m all of the above and more and damn good at all of it”. Look no further for inspiration, warmth, and a genuine groove. That’s just what you get when Will Wheaton walks in.
Will weighed in on a few things for us in this quick interview
How has your gospel upbringing influenced your sound and musical taste?
Most definitely. I started singing in the church at a very early age. My mother, who was a gospel singer, would sing a line to me and make me sing it back to her. I guess after a while she thought I could pull it off. After I passed her test she tricked me into singing in the choir by letting me drive the car after rehearsal. It worked!
Once I did my first solo, I was hooked. The reaction from the crowd thrilled me like nothing else. After that I got deeper and deeper into singing and becoming a great soloist. This early training definitely prepared me for my career in music.
What is one of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your career in music?
To be true to yourself, own what you create, and do what you feel NOT what you think will sell.
How do you balance your careers in music and real estate? Do you have advice on how to pursue multiple dreams?
I have done both for years. To be honest I am not capable of doing just one thing. I also own a mortgage company. The good thing is both professions allow me the freedom to multi-task which makes it easier. In real estate I have agents that work for me and assistants, so that also gives me the freedom I need to do more.
Multiple streams of income is one of the keys to financial freedom. Years ago, I read Robert Allen’s book with the same title. It motivated me to get on my grind. I say, find a way to make it possible for yourself and do it as soon as you can.
What is your favorite element of the “Lady In My Life” music video, and why?
I love the comparison of the real estate broker and the singer. It’s cool to me that they both do the same thing which is make people’s lives better.
Why did you choose to release a song influenced by a Michael Jackson track for “Lady In My Life”? Can you explain the song’s significance?
The song has a huge significance for me. 30 years ago I sang it on a talent show created by Dick Clark called the USA Music Challenge (the performance is on my website). This show was the first talent competition – to my knowledge – where artists actually won a recording contract. It was before American Idol or The Voice. As a winner of the show, I received 30k in musical equipment and a recording contract with MCA. Unfortunately, we were never able to get the record out… long story.
The song itself was my favorite song on the Thriller Album. I was hugely reluctant to do it because it was a Michael Jackson song. However, after the reaction it got on the show I knew we had to. I’m so glad we did.
What are your hopes and plans for future musical projects?
To create more music that people love and share it around the world with people who love what I do. This world needs more love and I am happy to provide it.
Follow Will Wheaton:
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
