He loved his fans and always gave his very best which was better than most. He never forgot his roots in Oklahoma and made it a point to go "back home" to perform in his home state.  Not only was he an example to many, providing encouragement for many entertainers, he did it with all of his heart and soul.

Big Al built a five-decade career around his powerful singing voice and his hard-driving Rockabilly-style piano. With his brothers, Don and Walter and his sisters, Lilly, Big Al recorded a Gospel CD in which he wrote and sang songs such as "Jesus, It's Only Me, Johnny" and "Heaven is the Place to Be".  Big Al's early work has been re-released around the world. In Europe, Crazy Music obtained exclusive rights for his original Team recordings and released these in the form of a 2-CD box "Classic Collection", containing his earlier hits including “Mr. Jones”. In 2003, Big Al released the album "One of A Kind” featuring 14 memorable tracks, which has received favorable radio and print reviews worldwide (3rd rank on American Roots Country). He performed frequently at the Grand Ole Opry and has been inducted into several music hall-of-fames, most notable the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. A beloved entertainer, Big Al would perform over 75 key dates per year, and appeared at Ontario's prestigious Havelock Country Jamboree with Kenny Rogers and Roy Clark.

A true legend, Big Al was also an avid woodworker, gardener and fisherman.  He passed away on July 4th, 2005 at the age of 65 from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.  He leaves two children (Jason and Debbie) from his first marriage with Mabel Downing, his wife of 27 years Beverly A. Downing, four step-sons (Michael, Peter, Steven, and Jeffrey), five brothers (Donald, Clay, Marvin, Sylvester, and James), five grandchildren (Kara, David, Jacky, Lindsey, and Alyssa). He is pre-deceased by six brothers and two sisters. His lengthy career was a testament to his many talents.

Al believed in the Lord, Jesus Christ, as his personal Lord and Savoir.  Most assuredly society and the music world have lost a great legend but heaven has gained a true friend.

We love you Big Al. You will forever be that 'special person' deep within our hearts.