When Downey starts singing, one of the most recognizable rock voices is that of Nils Lofgren, a solo performer and former member of the E-Street Band. Robert Palmer is also mentioned. Geena 99 writes in the comments, “Wow! “That is simply astounding!” Very gifted! Who knew Mr. Tony Stark had such a voice and could sing such difficult Sting songs? “What can’t this man do? I’ve heard this song dozens of times.” “850thx” is said with similar fervor. D Miles utters only the word “speechless.” No hint was present.
Howard Stern conducted a longer-than-usual conversation with Downey in 2016. He claimed that Sting had ruined the Police song “Driven to Tears,” which is from the 1980s Zenyatta Mondatta, for him because he was so impressed with Downey’s voice. Downey would not be influenced. During rehearsals, Sting, who Downey called a “practically perfect” performer, guided and challenged him. As many Music Man readers know, Sting and Downey have previously worked together. On Ally McBeal, you witnessed it.
That wonderful duet was featured in the April 30, 2001, premiere of the comedy Ally McBeal’s episode Cloudy Skies, Chance of Parade. Sting, who happens to be in town at the episode, is sued by a cuckolded husband. Downey portrays Sting’s lawyer, Larry Paul, who has go above and above to make up for missing Ally’s birthday. Fortunately, when Sting finds out that Larry would miss his girlfriend’s birthday, he offers to perform with him in order to support him. Whoa!
Even though Downey sings in the duet with Sting, she does more than just sing. His numerous soundtrack appearances include Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), The Singing Detective (2003), and Chaplin (1992). Robert Downey Jr.’s 2004 solo project was titled The Futurist. Mixed reviews were given to the album, which had eight original tracks and a 3.5/5 rating on Allmusic. But because of the time it took away from his family, Downey declared it to be his final solo endeavor. The most commercially successful track of Robert Downey Jr.’s career was a song he sang on an Ally McBeal Christmas show. This rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “The River” was featured on the 2000 CD Ally McBeal: A Very Ally Christmas. It’s likely that everyone reading Music Man is paying attention. Why not give it a go?
