Big Al Downing

• Genre: Classic R&B
• Hometown: Centralia

About

Downing is an interesting and overlooked figure in Rock'n'Roll history. A black, piano playing singer who is as at home with Rockabilly and country as he is with blues and R&B, Downing has a big, versatile voice and a seeming ability to channel the spirit of Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard. His material sounds consistently inspired, with tough, hard rocking arrangements and pounding piano. The closest comparison is really and amped up Smash Records era Charlie Rich.

- Tom Heyman