Remembering Big Al

Big Al Downing truly was an American success story, against unbelievable odds! From humble beginnings as one of twelve children born to a rural Oklahoma farmer he faced bigotry and poverty, and turned what could have been a brick wall into stepping stones. He learned to play piano on an old upright he found in a junk pile, that had only 40 workable keys, and went
on to become Wanda Jackson's piano player -on his way to becoming a world class entertainer. Big Al was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in Franklin Tennessee, played twice at The Grand Ole Opry (most recently in May 2005) and also appeared at The Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Ohio. The 1979 recipient of Billboard Magazine's New Artist of The Year & Single of The Year Awards, he appeared frequently at many of North America's premier festivals like: The Hodag, Porterfield and The Havelock. His broad grin and matching waistline were also familiar sights at many of Europe's major Americana events like: Scandinavia's Alunda Festival and England's Rhythm Riot. Although best known for his hits Mr.

Jones, Touch Me and Bring It On Home, Big Al recorded many more of his own compositions like: Down On The Farm and Georgia Slop, still considered -on both sides of the Atlantic-
to be among the most prominent rockabilly music ever recorded. His tunes have been recorded by his idol Fats Domino, Bobby Bland and Tom Jones.

His 2003 release of the CD One of A Kind, was critically acclaimed and introduced a new legion of fans to the music
of the beloved entertainer who performed in the US, Canada, England, Japan, France, Germany, Sweden, The Netherlands, Australia, Hong Kong, The Bahamas and The Grand Cayman Islands.

There are so many wonderful remembrances people have
of Big Al thru unforgettable stories and classic photos.
Next to performing what Big Al loved best was spending
time with people.

Please let me know if you'd like to share your memories of
Big Al Downing. I will publish as many as possible.
Send them to [email protected]t

I will give you complete credit for your contributions

The first time I met Big Al Downing was during the summer of 1982. I was a staff announcer at a Providence RI radio station and he was performing at Indian Ranch in Webster MA, a popular concert venue. Although I didn't really talk that much with him I never expected what I saw as I walked out on-stage to introduce him to the crowd,. Keep in- mind this was only three years after Mr Jones was recorded and he didn't play much in the east because he was always bigger in other parts of the country, but still I couldn't
believe what I was seeing. The place which held around 3000 was packed beyond capacity. Not only
was every seat taken but people were literally standing in the trees and the lake which lined one side of The Ranch, was jammed with boats all
loaded with people. It was an unbelievable sight.
Although Big Al would play at The Ranch many more times I will never forget that day.

Back then his touring band was called Heavy Country. The place was rockin' all day. They came to see the big man perform.

I saw Mr Downing at Hemsby Rock and Roll Fest around 2000 May. What I liked was how much time he spent with us all, even if you didn't buy souvenirs from him. On and
off the stage platform he never
stopped laughing and smiling. I liked him very much and was saddened to hear he had passed
on. We wanted to see him when he got back to UK this year.

Note: The above comments were contributed by Margaret Hopkin who lives in England and
saw Big Al at the Hemsby Americana
Festival i n Hemsby England. It's held every
year. Because Al played the festival often
it's difficult to know what year she is
referring to. Big Al's last appearance there
was May 2002. He did not play there in 2000