caption death_place death_date birth_place background birth_date image article_title name occupation
big al performing in concert in 2004 massachusetts , united states 4 july 2005 oklahoma , united states solo_singer 9 january 1940 big al downing performing - 2004.jpg al downing -lrb- musician -rrb-
 `` big '' al downing singer-songwriter
al downing -lrb- musician -rrb-

al downing -lrb- january 9 , 1940 -- july 4 , 2005 -rrb- , later known as big al downing , was an entertainer , singer , songwriter , and pianist .
he received the billboard 's new artist of the year and the single of the year award in 1979 .
he was inducted into the rockabilly hall of fame and was a frequent performer at the grand ole opry .
downing was nominated as best new artist by the academy of country music and appeared on `` hee haw '' , `` nashville now '' , and dick clark 's `` american bandstand '' television programs .
