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Aug

2003

Gospel Music Legend Ann Downing Celebrates 40 Years

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Nashville, TN --- Gospel Music legend Ann Downing is celebrating an anniversary this Labor Day Weekend. Best known these days for her regular appearances on the popular Gaither Homecoming Video series, this Hall-of-Famer began her musical legacy forty years ago when she boarded the legendary Speer Family's bus and quickly became one of the most popular vocalists in the business. Within a year of forming The Downings with husband Paul, Ann was awarded the Dove Award for Female Vocalist, only the second female to win the prestigious award. The Downings enjoyed many top ten hits with such favorites as "I've Got Confidence," "Operator," and "Greater Is He That Is In Me", but it wasn't until 1999 that Ann made her own mark on the chart with concert favorite "Climbing Jacob's Ladder" which reached #8 in May of that year. An unheard of accomplishment for a veteran female soloist, Ann earned a spot in the Top 25 Songs of 1999 with the tune.

To celebrate her forty years, Downing's latest project, "Tell Me Again...Live" provides a quick summary of her illustrious career and features such signature songs as "Sheltered in the Arms of God," "Gettin' Ready Today," Climbing Jacob's Ladder," and "Through the Blood." Downings fans will enjoy "I've Got Confidence," the first performance together in thirty years with former group members Joy Gardner and Dony McGuire. Becoming quite the songwriter, Ann also treats the audience to five of her best songwriting efforts including "You Give", which can also be found on the Joyce Martin McCullough/Sheri Easter/Karen Peck project , "Best of Friends." Her first single from the project, bluegrass flavored "This World Doesn't Own Me Any More" has received great initial response from radio and concert goers alike.

Ann continues to travel full-time in ministry as a soloist and women's conference speaker and is becoming one of the industry's premier songwriters. Ann will quickly tell you that she recently experienced one of the great highlights of her life, attending the Grand Ole Opry for the greatly anticipated debut of trio Connie Smith, Sharon White, & Barbara Fairchild, only to hear them open with "Secret Place" which she co-wrote with Jeff Silvey.

Come by Ann's booth (207-209) at the National Quartet Convention, September 8-13 to celebrate her 40th Anniversary and single release with us.

For more information about Ann Downing, visit [url=http://www.anndowning.com]http://www.anndowning.com[/url] or contact

Reader Comments

What an interesting article on Ann Downing! I always enjoy reading your informative news releases. Keep up the good work! And, may I add that Ann Downing is one of the most personable and spiritual individuals you will ever meet. Sandra Rice

Commented by On 08/29/2003

Susan, what a wonderful recognition you have given to Ann Downing in acknowledging her 40 years in gospel music. She is the best and it is such a privilege to be able to consider and call her my friend. Keep up the good work on your website, I enjoy it very much. Alice Shumaker

Commented by On 08/29/2003

Thanks for the way you keep us up to date on the Southern Gospel artists. I especially like this one about Ann Downing, A great singer and a great lady.

Commented by On 08/29/2003

I am very proud of this Mississippi girl. I have followed her career ever since she became a member of the Speers. I worked with her and Paul in the early nineties before he passed away. She has been through some trying times, that most folks, would not understand,,but even through those, she kept the faith, stood tall and has become one of our best Lady Ministers of Song and totally committed to her God!. She will always be one of my favorite Lady "Heroes". She is still a "Classy Lady" and I hope she is around our "Southern Gospel Music" world for many years to come!.

Commented by On 08/29/2003

Thank you for sharing this article with us. Ann is the best.

Commented by On 08/29/2003

Thank you for the great article honoring Ann Downing at this 40th Anniversary in Gospel Music. Ann continues to be a woman of God singing praises, and encouragement, and heartfelt music to the glory of God. Thank you again for such a wonderful article about his Gospel Great! I have NEVER been to a concert by Ann, where I didn't walk away with a lighter Spirit than when I arrived! When she sings, she brings Joy to the room!
Tricia Maxey

Commented by On 08/30/2003

Thanks for this great article on a great Lady! Ann's love for the Lord shows in all of her ministry and her ministry has really helped me in my walk. Happy 40th Anniversary Ann!

Commented by On 08/30/2003

Thanks SGN for such a wonderful article on Ann Downing. She is the BEST, can minister in song as no other. Am blessed each time I attend one of her concerts.

Commented by On 08/30/2003

Thanks for the nice article about Ann Downing and her upcoming 40th anniversary in music. She is a inspiration to many who have gone through the trials of life.Wishing her many more years of gospel music.

Commented by On 08/30/2003

Great to read this on Ann Downing yes she is a great Lady . I love to hear her singing and her new tape is great . Keep going another 40 yrs Ann. from Pam Burton

Commented by On 08/30/2003

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