This month, I will return to an artist-based article, and salute one of gospel music’s most popular and memorable groups, the Downings!
The story of the Downings begins as a classic boy-meets-girl (or girl-meets-boy) story…and proceeds from that. Appropriately then, let’s begin with the girl!
Virginia Ann Sanders (b. 6/12/45) of Pittsboro, MS grew up on a cotton farm and had dreams of singing gospel music all over the world. Her family was very supportive of those dreams, making sure Ann had the best music teachers and singing schools in the area to go to. Ann listened to a variety of music as a girl, and was a fan of Patti Page and Rosemary Clooney in particular, but since her aspirations were in gospel, it was her interest in Ginger Smith Laxson, soprano and pianist for the Speer Family, that would ultimately pay off for her.
Right out of high school, Ann was hired to join the Speer Family, impressing them with her knowledge of all their songs. For five years, Ann travelled and sang with the Speers, quickly becoming one of the more popular singers in gospel music, especially with her renditions of “I Must Tell Jesus” and “On The Sunny Banks”. Ann’s talents were honed and sharpened by her time with the Speers.
Enter now, the boy…
Paul first saw Ann in a diner in Americus, GA…upon seeing her, he began to sing “There She Is, Miss America”…unsure if Paul was singing to her or not, Ann decided to give Paul some attention. Ann noticed Paul’s smile as one so big, it appeared as if his head would hinge right off!
The two began seeing each other regularly. After six months, Paul (“the handsomest man I ever laid eyes on”, said Ann) proposed to her by writing “Will You Marry Me” on a styrofoam Dairy Queen cup. She turned him down (“people don’t go that fast where I come from” was her rationale)…but being the top salesman he was, Paul didn’t give up…after a few more months, he proposed again…this time telling Ann that on the first proposal, he’d had a ring, but took it back and got a bigger one this time! This time, Ann said “yes”, and soon, the couple became Mr. and Mrs. Paul Downing!
Shortly after they were married, Paul (who as a salesman, was only home on weekends) noticed Ann was unhappy not singing at this time, and decided to do something about that! He asked his wife if she wanted to form a group…after another “yes”, they bought a bus, and the Downings were born!
This original incarnation of the Downings wasted no time making an impact on gospel music, with hits such as “I’m Free”, “I Believe What The Bible Says”, and “Jesus Is Coming Soon” establishing the Downings as a force to be reckoned with from the start. In 1969, Ann was awarded the first Dove Award for best female singer.
With success came the ability to add singers and more versatility to the group, so by 1970 the Downings had brought Wayne Hilliard, Joy Dyson (who replaced Sue Chenault), and singer/pianist Dony McGuire (from the Rebels Quartet) into the group, and the hits kept on coming…”Sheltered In The Arms Of God”, “City Of Gold”, “Happiness”, “Getting’ Ready Today”, and “He Touched Me” added to the legend that the Downings were becoming.
Along with their obvious crossover appeal to both young and traditional audiences alike, one of the Downings most distinctive attributes was their dynamic concert style. They moved around at will on stage, often interacting with each other while doing so.
The effect of all that movement and their dynamic arrangements was one of intense energy…it was very difficult to remain still at a Downings concert! Both of their live albums, the above mentioned recording and 1975’s double album “Praise Him” were two of their best-known recordings.
Throughout the mid 70s, the Downings continued to rack up the hits…songs like “I’ve Got Confidence”, “I’ll Soon Be Gone”, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, “Greater Is He That Is In Me”, “Oh, I Want To See Him”, “I Feel So Good About It”, and “Operator” all added to the Downings’ legend. In addition, Paul was the winner of the Singing News’ “Favorite Bass” award in 1973.
Some say that all good things come to an end sometimes, and by 1977, Dyson (who by now had married McGuire) and McGuire opted to leave the group…and their hitmaking days came to an end.
But through counseling, and prayer…Paul and Ann persevered and saved their marriage, and their fortunes began to turn. It seemed they had come full circle, and were ready to set gospel music on fire as they had 20 years earlier. But this time, they had become involved in extramusical ministries…they began to counsel couples in trouble and also troubled youth…Paul and Ann began a women’s retreat, which continues annually to this day under Ann’s leadership.
But there was always music…they reformed a new Downings to do concerts, and Paul was helping Ann begin a solo music ministry of her own. They also began appearing on Bill Gaither’s famous Homecoming projects. As the 90s dawned, it appeared Paul and Ann were poised to conquer gospel music as they had in the 70s.
But on Feb. 23, 1992, while preparing for a service in the Lexington, KY area, Paul Downing’s heart stopped beating. At the age of 59, that resounding deep bass voice of Paul Downing was stilled. As was always the case (particularly since the late 80s) Ann was at his side. The man who wooed her with a Bert Parks song and a proposal on a Dairy Queen cup was now home with the savior they had sung about for so long together.
Fittingly, just days before his passing, Paul had been vocalizing in a session at a studio…and reportedly voclaized the lowest note on the piano. This writer cannot vouch for the veracity of that event, but feels that if any man could do that, Paul Downing could have.
Stricken with grief, Ann continued to do what she did best…sing and minister to others. Musically, she has unveiled a heretofore untapped songwriting talent, and continues to sing on the Gaither projects and those of her own. And she continues ministering to women, seniors, and youth…continuing the legacy that she and Paul established together.
As for the Downings, eighteen top 20 songs in a seven year period (1969-1976), many successful concerts and albums, and the acclaim of young and old alike has firmly established them as one of gospel music’s most talented and noteworthy groups.
And their alumni are still making legacies of their own…Sue Chenault continued her marvelous singing with the Speers, and later, as a soloist and wife…she is now known as Sue Chenault Dodge. Wayne Hilliard formed a fine group, Higher Ground, which carried on in the tradition of the Downings, and Joy Dyson has remarried and as Joy Gardner, continues to use her magnificent talents in singing for the Lord. Dony McGuire also remarried, and he and his wife, the former Reba Rambo, are still involved in gospel music ministry.
Others who were a part of the Downings and contributed to their legend include Larry Ford, Gary Chapman, Fred Satterfield, Mack Peters, Linda Robinson, Don Breland, Dave Waits, and their vocal coach, Allen Hinson.
This writer would like to thank Ann Downing and her manager, Laurie Winton, for their invaluable assistance in the preparation of this article. The Downings truly deserve a book of their own, but in the meantime, the hope is that this humble article can help increase awareness of and appreciation for their contribution to gospel music.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 04/30/2005
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Category: SG History 101
Comments: 36
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I grew up listening to The Downings and I loved them. I remember when Ann was with The Speers and I believe that she was one of the best singers that The Speers ever had. My favorite song by The Downings was "I've Got Confidence". I will never ever forget them and I still love Ann as much now as I did then!
Enjoyed your article about the Downings. They were a great and a unique group. In listing the former members, you left out Bill Traylor, who was an outstanding guitarist for the group in their latter years.
Thanks,
Paul
John,
Nice article - very informative. The Downings were an exciting group. I was lucky enough to see them a number of times.
Dean
John,
You have kept your string of columns that sweep the cobwebs in the memory banks alive.
I really enjoyed reading this month's article.
I learned some things about The Downings that I did not know.
Entertaining and informative...great combination.
In HIM,
Bill
John,
Thanks for this article about this great group. I have the privilege of meeting Ann in person and having her minister in my church. She is truly one classy Christian lady. It was an honor to meet her.
The Downings music was truly very full of energy. It is something that I today strive for in my music ministry.
John,
As usual, great job. The Downings were waning about the time I remember noticing SGM (since I am but a green horn!), but your article filled in many of the spots I did not know about. Keep up the good work.
Jim
Hi John,
Another great article. It was so good to see you last week at the Great Western Fan Fest here in Fresno, CA.
I will forever be grateful for the Downings, especially the Downings of the 1970's. As you know, I have spent a major part of my life as a "weekend warrier" with groups like "The Gospelaires Quartet", and "New Dawn". In my teen years, I also hired out from time to time as a pianist for other groups, including a performance by a group doing the "warm up" spot on a Downings concert here in Fresno (somewhere around 1971-72 I think). I don't remember if we were any good (probably not), but I was sure thrilled to be on the same ticket with the Downings.
Shortly after that, the song that inspired me enough for me to ever sing in public (and begin writing songs myself) was the Downing's 1970's arrangement of "I've Got Confidence". I was (and still am) a huge fan of Ann and the Downings.
Anyway, thanks for allowing me this trip down memory lane. Thanks also for your excellent job on these articles. I look forward to each one.
Another excellent article on one of gospel music's legendary groups. Unfortunately for me, they came along at a time when I was away from Gospel music. But, I remember well seeing Ann Sanders with the Speer Family during the early 60's.
The next time that I saw Ann was at the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion, shortly after Paul passed away. I will never forget her singing, "I Must Tell Jesus", relating to those in attendance how difficult it was to lose Paul, but through Christ she was able to endure.
As for your article, the phrase "put a dime on it", brought back memories of doing that myself back in my younger years, to keep a record from skipping. Thanks, John, for another memorable history lesson.
A GREAT article about a GREAT group. I remember the Downings well during this time and I must say Ann is surely continuing to minister with the same excitement she had in the '70's. The Downings are some of my greatest hero's of gospel music.
Thank you for all the comments thus far...this article was a "labor of love" to write!
I might mention that Ken Hurley up above is a very fine songwriter in his own right...certainly he added quite a bit to the Gospelaires as a writer, lead singer, and accompanist!
Ken, I hope you don't mind me tooting your horn a bit...the world needs to be aware of your work, too!
Thanks John!
I was and still am a huge Downing fan. There will never be another group like them. Their music was so well done and so exciting. To this day, I still remember most all the words to all their songs. I went to see the Downings many time in concert and still play their records today. Also, I am still in touch with Ann and Joy. I love them both dearly. Brenda
I enjoyed this article about the Downings. I grew up listening to them, and could feel the love of God flowing through the music. God's love still flows through Ann, and I'm still very much a FANN. Paul and Ann will always have a special place in my heart. I still own some of the original Downing albums, and continue to add to that "collection" with the ones Ann records now. I also attend her retreat, MTWR. Ann is as sweet in person as she is through the music, and the Downings have been a great blessing to my life. They were some of my earliest influence to Christianity, even before I accepted Christ, I was already listening to the Downings.
Excellent article John. I have always loved the music of the Downings. They were ahead of their time.
John,
The Downings where a great group. I was not aware of all of their hits but when I did hear them I do remember the group members, Paul 7 Ann Downing, Donnie & Joy McGuire and Greg Gordon on the guitar. I wonder if he was playing for them so he would be able to come out to California. They came with the Stamps I believe. The reason I say that is because Greg Gordon, Billy Blackwood, Reba Rambo and Tony Brown had a "group that sang Put Your Hand In the Hand". Wow is that going back! I think that was in MOdesto.
Once again John a great job! I'm looking forward to next month now. Since GWFF is over now I think CA is back on the Southern Gospel Map!!!
Earline
Great article! The Downings were AWESOME! And Ann is "the real deal". What a warm and giving person she is! Many years ago over a piece of pie and a cup of coffee, I was able to share my dreams of a music ministry with her and asked for advice on getting started. Her words to me which were...."Just do it!".... stuck with me and gave me the impetus to, well, just do it! Over the years, Ann has continued to minister words of encouragement to me and five years ago (many years after that pie and coffee session!) my solo ministry led to the formation of the quartet I sing with today. I thank the Lord for Ann Downing and her ministry!!
Ann is one classy lady.
The Downings influence on southern gospel music continues to this day.
Ann's web site ministry is an excellent one.
Check it out.
A great article for a great group.
Tim
Thanks for the great article on the greatest mixed group to grace the gospel music stage! I will never forget the first time I saw Ann and Paul, and Dony and Joy at the Masonic Temple in Detroit in 1971. I had been around Gospel Music all my life but things were never the same after that night. Those four were bigger than any stage they appeared on. We traveled hundreds of miles to see them and were never disappointed.
Paul Downing was one of the most humble men I know of. He had such a sweet spirit. I was fortunate to get to meet him at a telethon in my hometown. A month later he was gone.
The first Southern Gospel concert I ever went to was when the Downings visited Springfield, Oregon. What an evening it was! That was way back in the early 70's but I can still see them today! The sincerity and enthusiasm of their presentation really touched my heart and life.
Ted
Thanks for doing such a great job here John! We appreciate your interest in writing about the Downings! Kudos to you on job well done!
As a lover of The Downings I just wanted you all to know that I've always enjoyed listening to
The Downings ( and wish they would start up again!). I've asked Ann about it and she told me at a recent concert that she had no plans whatsoever to start the group up again!. In fact, my very first gospel album as a child was titled
The Downings ''Greater'' on HeartWarming Records.
( I no longer have this album; but I do plan on buying it again whenever it becomes available!).
I also remember hearing The Downings in concert
April 3, 1973 at the Civic Center Music Hall in
Oklahoma City, OK. I told Joy that I then had every album by The Downings; and she just gave me the biggest hug!; This is something I will never forget!!. PLEASE COME BACK DOWNINGS!! I MISS YOU ALL SO MUCH!!.
Thanks John.
Your article on the Downings brought back alot of fond memories. Ann,Paul,Dony,Joy and Mack offered me a job after seeing me perform with the Archers in Long Beach,CA. A few months later I was on stage with the Downings at the National Quartet Convention in Nashville.
These fine people helped mold and educate me in a way that would shape my entire career.
As you mentioned the Downings' concerts were exciting! They were wonderful singers to perform with. As I recall, the set list always went out the window after the first few songs. This added a spark to each concert making them all unique. The live album "Praise Him" is an excellent example of this and I've always felt privilaged to have been a part of that recording.
God Bless,
Fred Satterfield
I really enjoyed the Downings story. Having followed Ann's life since the Gaither video beginnings (I'm No.1 Gaither Fan in Australia - we hadn't heard of the Downings before but love them now!!), I was pleased to hear more about their story.
It is great to see how Ann has blossomed and come through the tragic loss of her husband at such a young age. God bless you all!
John, I just read your great article again.
Thank you for reminding me of the great history I've had as God's plan for my life.
You put it all together soooo well. I'm grateful!
AD
Please help me find the words to a song that A.D. Soward used to sing. It was entitled 'Jesus Is Greater than All' or contained those words.
Thank you.
DEAR AN I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE JOY YOU HAVE BROUGHT IN MY HEART WITH YOUR SINGING WITH DOWNINGS AND THE GAITHER HOMECOMINGS I AM 76 AND SUFFERING WITH COLON CANCER THAT HAS SPREAD AND IN THE FOURTH STAGE THE CHEMMO IS ROUGH THE LORD HAS WALKED WITH ME SINCE I WAS TWELVE YEARS OLD AND NOW I CANNOT PLAY THE ORGAN AND PIANO DUE CHEMO DAMAGE I HAVE PLAYED IN CHURCH SINCE I WAS FOURTEEN YEARS OLD I DO NOT DWELL ON THIS LOSS LOOK HOW MANY YEARS ALLOWED ME TO HAVE THIS TALENT BUT SOMEDAY I WILL PLAY AGAIN AND GODS SINGERS WILL BE THERE I PRAY THAT YOU REMAIN IN GOOD HEALTH SO YOU CAN SPREAD THE GOSPEL THROUGH SONG AND YOUR AMAZING OTHER PROJECTS GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU UNDER HIS WING AS YOU LEAD OTHERS TO KNOW THE MASTER LOVE MARTHA MORGAN BHAM ALMEMBER S83
I am Paul Downing's Grandaughter and he died when I was in 3rd grade. I really enjoy hearing want people thought of him since I didn't know him well. ( My Dad is his son from his first marriage to Faye Pyle) I appreciate the article.... I find out things about a relative I wouldn't have known, Thanks.
I attended a concert in the 70's and heard the Downings and just thought all of you were marvelous. I especially was touched by a song called "I have something to Give" at least I think it was named that. Joy (with gorgeous long red hair)had the solo. Would you please tell me if the background music is available and how I could acquire it? If not available, is there anything available on this song? I had a cassette tape back then but it is long gone. I sing mini concerts and would love to include this song in my ministry. God Bless,
Wanda Murray
Meadowlark Ministries
This is my first time to read this article about the Downings. I loved to
hear Ann when she was with the Speer Family (another of my great all time favorites). I remember seeing Ann on a Gaither Homecoming when she sang I must Tell Jesus right after Paul went to be with Jesus. She really touched me with her love of the Lord and continuinhg on with her Ministry. Keep bring the old
"goodies" often. God Bless.
Is there a place to download the Downings music?
Please pass on to Ann this info:
I've been thinking about you for some time and wondering how you are doing. Recently while organizing some things at home I ran across something I thought you might like to have and would love to meet you for lunch and present my little goody. Will your schedule permit? Would love to see you.
I AM TRYING TO FIND THE NAME OF A GOSPEL GROUP THAT RECORDED, "JESUS MADE A BELIEVER OUT OF ME", THE BASS SINGER HAS THE LOWEST ASS VOICE I HAVE EVER HEARD. JD SUMNER WAS DOCUMENTED AS HAVING THE LOWEST VIBRATO VOICE ON RECORD ACCORDING TO THE GUINNES RECORDS, HOWEVER THIS GENTLEMAN UNDOUBTEDLY IS #1. HE IS TRULY THE BEST, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO THE GROUP IS AND HOW MAY I PURCHASE SOME OF THEIR CD'S.
I've only known Ann Downing as one of the wonderful Bill and Gloria Gaither Homecoming Friends, so have never had the please of hearing The Downings sing.
I have looked on amazon.com, but can't find any of their music there. I did hear one song they did on Youtube and was amazed by Paul's fantantic bass voice.
Can anyone tell he if any of their music is still available, so I can buy it and hear them, too?
Thank you for any help you can give me.
Joan
Joan, you can still find The Downings music at Ann Downing's website at wwww.anndowning.com.
I hope this helps.
John,
Have you ever written something like this about the Rambos? I would love to read about there history.
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