COUNTRY-SOUL LEGEND BIG AL DOWNING
Leicester: Big Al Downing, 65, of 65 Watson St. died Monday, July 4 in UMASS
Memorial Hospital of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
He leaves his wife of 27 years Beverly A. (Rochette) Downing, a son Jason
Downing of Woodbridge, VA., four step-sons Michael Melanson of Hyannis,
Peter Melanson of Oakham, Steven Melanson of Milford, N.H. and Jeffrey
Melanson of Leicester, five brothers Donald Downing of Oxonhill, MD., Clay,
Marvin and Sylvester Downing all of Coffeeville, Ks., and James Downing of
San Springs, OK, five grandchildren Kara Hazelton, David, Jacki, Lindsey and
Alyssa Melanson. He is pre-deceased by six brothers and two sisters.
Mr. Downing was born in Centralia, Oklahoma, son of Tollie and Flora
(Mayes) Downing. He was an avid woodworker, gardener and fisherman. Best
known for his hits, "Mr. Jones" and Touch Me" Mr. Downing's impact on the
country genre is far-reaching. His music, a soul-based, "True" country
sound, has won this veteran songwriter, musician and performer fans around
the globe. A recipient of Billboard's New Artist of the Year and Single of
the Year in 1979, his lengthy career is a testament to his many talents. In
2003, he released the critically-acclaimed CD, ONE OF A KIND, and was
recording tracks for an upcoming CD when stricken with this illness. A
beloved entertainer, Downing has continued to perform over 75 key dates per
year, and recently appeared at Ontario's prestigious Havelock Country
Jamboree with Kenny Rogers and Roy Clark.
The funeral will be held Sat. July 9 from J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL
HOME, 23 Maple Terrace, Spencer with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the
Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer. Burial will be at the convenience of
the family. Calling hours are 5:00-8:00 pm. Friday, July 8, in the funeral
home.