Al Downing (musician)

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"Big" Al Downing
Big Al performing in concert in 2004
Background information
Born	(1940-01-09)January 9, 1940 Lenapah, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died	July 4, 2005(2005-07-04) (aged 65) Massachusetts, U.S.
Genres	Rockabilly, rock and roll, blues, rhythm and blues, country, gospel
Occupation	Musician
Years active	1958–2005

Al Downing (January 9, 1940^[1] – July 4, 2005), later known as Big Al Downing, was an American musician, and entertainer. He received the Billboard's New Artist of the Year and the Single of the Year Award in 1979. He was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and was a frequent performer at the Grand Ole Opry. Downing was nominated as Best New Artist by the Academy of Country Music and appeared on Hee Haw, Nashville Now, and Dick Clark's American Bandstand television programs.