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Disco Music > Disco People Index > In Memory Of > Al Downing
Al Downing
January 9, 1940 - July 4, 2005
Although Al Downing (a.k.a. Big Al Downing and Alexander Downing) was known for his country songs starting in the 1950s, he did release a Disco record called, "I'll Be Holding On," which is a Disco classic. His brother Don Downing also dabbled in Disco at the time. He passed from acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Worcester, Massachusetts.
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COMMENTS ON Al Downing
R.I.P.
His brother Don has a Disco Classic...Dreamworld.
I got to meet Al in Nashville in the 80's and instantly got the impression that this guy was as genuine as it gets. The real deal.
I have some of his vinyl 45's and the One of a Kind album. That title sums him up for me.
If anybody out there knows "The story behind the story" relating to his career and sad death please get in touch.
Al readily posed for a photo with me but I think it got lost, making me "Fool of the year".
I feel very priviliged to have met the man I consider " the Greatest that never was", not because of any lack of talent or personality,-- he had both by the sackfull,- more I think because of the archaic attitudes of the Nashville establishment towards black artists.
His family should be on Cloud 9 to have been close to such a great and kind human being.
To them I offer my sincere condolences and my admiration for what Al has contributed to both the world of music and the enrichment of my life.
RIP my friend that meeting will stay with me forever. Priceless !!
Gareth Davies
Around '75/'76 he also did a faster version of "I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance) than the one by Tina Charles.
I have the Polydor 45 I Love to Love/I'm Just Nobody in excellent condition- still in original sleeve.
record #PD14311
dated 1976
Al Downing, was not the guy who gave up Hank Aaron's 715th home run. This Al Downing was a soulful singer that wasn't a DISCO artist, but rather a soulful R&B-Country singer who had a few records played at DISCOS. Usually played in the South, a Memphis-Nashville type of artist. After having his best selling record"I'll be holding on" make the DISCO charts, I met him in New York's Apollo Theater during an ALL-STAR night. He fulfilled a life-long dream that night, playing before a sold out APOLLO in front of all of Harlem. He quietly faded into obscurity trying a come-back with Tina Charles' "I love to love".. but my baby, she loves to dance. It wasn't as good as the original. He passed away of Leukemia, after a very enjoyable life. Thanks.
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