BIG AL DOWNING, "MISS LUCY" C/W "JUST AROUND THE CORNER," CARLTON 489 (REL. 10/1959)

“Big” Al Downing straddled the cultural night-and-day of rhythm and blues and country. His genial, just-folks demeanor, wedded to an earthy, memorable voice, was bound to get him in the spotlight—though it happened it a way he never could’ve anticipated.

The Oklahoma-born singer, pianist and composer was part of Bobby Poe and His Poe Kats, a vernacular music troupe who became Capitol Records artist Wanda Jackson’s house band—in the studio and on tour. They’re heard on many of Wanda’s early rockers, including the immortal “Let’s Have a Party.” Bandleader Poe tired of all the malarkey that comes with touring, dealing with record labels, etc. and retired as a performer. Now a promoter, his top client was Al Downing, who stepped out as a solo artist with today’s single—one of the best examples of Black rock ‘n’ roll I’ve ever heard.

First issued on Poe’s White Rock imprint, where it got a gushing review from our buddies at Cash Box, it was picked up by Carlton Records, amidst a flurry of rock ‘n’ roll releases; Billboard gave it a contemptuous assessment a few weeks later. The release didn’t chart; nor did a follow-up for the label four months later. The pop world could just handle a Little Richard, whom Downing’s performance style resembled. Downing is more ‘country’ than Richard and is closer to the New Orleans sounds of Huey “Piano” Smith and His Clowns. Thus, America missed out on one of the best rockers of 1958: two singular sides that strike me as ideal.

“Miss Lucy” is redolent of Little Richard’s sound and could have been recorded by the flamboyant queer rock icon. Its more rustic sound has an appeal all its own, and though it rocks fine, it has an easier-going lope. The Poe Kats provide stellar backing: terrific drumming and unison riffs by guitarist and sax man. I wouldn’t change a thing about this grand performance.

Grumpy-pants Billboard (below) had little praise for this excellent single.

“Just Around the Corner” is better yet. This side sheds any Little Richard affectations; it’s pure Big Al. His more natural nasal vocal style shines on this melodic mid-tempo bopper. Again, the band…so good. The Poe Kats’ drummer is masterful; we get a stinging guitar solo to boot. The bayou flavor of Downing’s style is mucho appealing, and this too-short side is the better one of this superb platter. We hear rhythm and blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll side-by-side on this performance.

Downing had a sorta-kinda hit in 1962 with his countryfied revival of Burt Bacharach’s “The Story of My Life,” which was heard on the Facebook version in March 2024. Its peak of #117 wasn’t a major victory, and after a few more tries, Big Al abandoned hopes of pop stardom.

Success came to Downing on the country charts. From 1978’s #20 country hit “Mr. Jones” on, Downing was a country hit-maker—a more rustic answer to Charley Pride. Downing had 15 country charters from ’78 to 1989.

He continued to record and tour until he succumbed to leukemia in 2004. He passed on from that cruel illness in 2005. He was interviewed for documentary filmmaker Beth Harrington’s Welcome to the Club: The Women of Rockabilly (2002), which celebrated Wanda Jackson among others. He was reported to be a kind, friendly person. I hope he had a rich, full life in his 65 years.

Tomorrow: still in the steamy bayou sound, New Orleans’ Royal Play Boys deliver a zesty two-sider for Imperial Records; from 1962.