FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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For Immediate Release (12/01/05)

Nashville, TN--  Dove-Award-winning vocalist Ann Downing debuts at number 46 on Singing News Magazine's Top 80 Chart for the month of January 2006, quite a feat for a veteran female soloist.  In fact, no female soloist has debuted higher on the popular gospel music industry chart since February 2003. 

The song, "He Already Knew Me" was penned by Ann & Daryl K. Williams and has found its mark in the hearts of radio dj's & their listeners and concert-goers alike. 

"After all we've been through this past year with the devastating hurricanes and other hardships, this song provides that calm assurance that He's always known us and will always be with us," Downing shares.  "I'm just ecstatic that this particular song is getting such good airplay...it's my favorite on the album, and I'm thankful for all the support radio is giving us on it."

"He Already Knew Me" is promoted by Jeff O'Neal & Heritage Communications. 

Downing's last success on the chart occurred when "Climbing Jacob's Ladder" was proclaimed the highest ranking single (#25) by a soloist in Southern Gospel Music, according to Singing News Magazine's 1999 year-end chart.  The song peaked at number 8 in May of that year, a rare accomplishment in the group-dominated industry. 

Now celebrating more than forty-two years in gospel music, Ann Downing's continues to travel each weekend as a soloist and popular women's speaker.  She's well remembered for her work with the Speer Family which garnered her induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and for co-founding the legendary Downings with husband Paul.  More recently, she's been widely known for her association with Bill Gaither and the Homecoming Friends.

Visit Ann on the web: www.anndowning.com

More than likely you’ve seen Ann Downing as one of the anchors on the popular Gaither Homecoming Video series. After all, she has the distinction of having been involved in the Gaither video phenomenon since their very first video release. 

Yet, maybe you didn’t realize how much more is going on in her ministry these days. 
As a Dove Award winner, a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and recipient of the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Living Legend Award, Ann maintains a vigorous calendar that includes church concerts, speaking engagements and women’s retreats. Because of her calling, she often finds herself crisscrossing the United States and Canada as she communicates the Good News in song and word. Ann’s versatile musical and presentation style appeals to a variety of tastes and ages. 

Having been raised on a small cotton farm in rural Mississippi, she has had a special love for music and singing for as long ago as she can remember.  Right out of high school she accepted a position with the legendary Speer Family. Later she married the man of her dreams, Paul Downing, and eventually co-founded a group that would ultimately help shape the face of Gospel music — the legendary Downings. 

Although extremely successful as a member of the Gospel music community, Ann has faced her share of difficult problems over the years, as well. Her ministry press packet describes several of these issues:  “Fading success?  She’s been there!  Crumbling marriage or financial ruin?  She’s been there!  Lost a spouse or experienced a devastating trauma in your family?  Ann’s walked in your shoes!” 

Financial difficulties and marital problems inundated Paul and Ann during the 1980s. The Downings even disbanded for a while. Yet, through counseling, prayer and dependence on Christ, Paul and Ann eventually pulled closer and their marriage again flourished. By God’s grace, their marriage became stronger than ever and the Lord was once again blessing their careers and lives. 

Perhaps this is the very reason why she is constantly in demand for speaking engagements: Ann can truly identify with others.  Most importantly, she has a unique gift of conveying how the Lord has worked in her life, and offering that same hope and comfort to those who are troubled or hurting. 

“I started going to Christian conferences at one time in my life.  I guess it was then that I recognized my own need to offer more than just music and singing,” Ann explained.  “It became evident to me that there was more I needed to share—more that I needed to talk about— that wasn’t particularly included in the verses of my songs. 

“Florence Littauer [a gifted Christian speaker] has been a great mentor to me. Florence once told me, after watching one of my concerts and hearing me sing, that there was a lot more inside me that I needed to tell — by speaking.  I appreciated the fact even then that women do draw from other women.” 

It wasn’t long afterwards, with Florence’s support, Ann began speaking before various groups in addition to her singing schedule. 

Because of her past experiences, including marriage problems, financial setbacks, insecurities and career snags, she has the ability minister to others who are facing similar issues. “We are comforted so that we can comfort others,” she said. “We are to comfort others with the comfort that we’ve received. I think comfort not only means feeling better for a specific moment in time; it can also mean learning new concepts to better face life. 

“I often jokingly say that I only have one topic I speak on: ‘ME!’ A lot of topics come out of that, and there are things the Lord has shown me over the years that I feel compelled to share.” The Middle Tennessee Women’s Retreat (MTWR) is just one example of Ann’s many involvements as a Christian speaker. 

“Many years ago, Paul and I were asked to speak at women’s retreats in southern California. We could see the value of having something like this. We got involved where we would meet with others, from all walks of life, at a first class hotel, in a setting with no denominational or cultural barriers. We gathered with open ears and open hearts. Women could use the retreat to relax in luxurious surroundings while getting together with other women to grow in the Lord. We especially liked this unique idea of women assembling together who didn’t know each other. They just came to enjoy the experience of being with other women. When we attended the retreats in California, we saw women coming from everywhere:  not just California — from all over the country. 

“In 1991, Paul and I came back home and started planning the same kind of thing here in our state, naming it the ‘Middle Tennessee Women’s Retreat.’” Then unexpectedly, on December 29, 1991, Paul suffered cardiac arrest, and for the next fifty-six days Ann spent nearly all of her time in the intensive care waiting room. She visited Paul for a few minutes every two hours, in compliance with the hospital’s strict visitation policy. Through those heart-wrenching days, Ann never gave up hope for her husband’s healing, and because she fully expected Paul to recover, she allowed brochures to be mailed and plans to move forward concerning their upcoming Tennessee retreat. Many people responded and signed up for that first MTWR. 
Sadly, Paul never got to see the fruit of his and Ann’s labor. 

On February 23rd, 1992, about three months before that first retreat, he entered the gates of that Heavenly City and met his Lord face to face.  Although he never lived to see their dream materialize, he would be proud to know that the retreat has gone on to become a yearly event. 

“Paul and I never realized when we started praying about and planning the Middle Tennessee Women’s Retreat fifteen years ago that it would become an annual retreat that draws women from all over the United States, Canada, and even Europe.” 

Homecoming Video Memories 

“Paul and I always did everything together. I can vividly recall recording that very first video that Bill Gaither made with many of his old friends from Gospel music. 

“Bill Gaither recently told me that when he looks back at that video and watches Paul’s body language and mannerisms, he sees a man at peace with himself. I think that is so true. Paul died several months after that first video was taped, and it was dedicated to his memory. 

“Another one of my memories on the Gaither videos was my first taping after Paul had gone home to be with the Lord. It was very, very hard for me. All the songs we sang seemed to be talking about Heaven or death. Gloria Gaither was so gracious to come over and sit by me, hold me and encourage me. The first and second video tapings really helped me in my grief process.” 

On The Road 

As with most Gospel artists, Ann is on the road nearly every week and may only be home for a few days each week. However, her perspective is especially interesting when it comes to life on the road. 

“The road has never been a problem for me. Actually, when you stop to think of it, this is my job! Most people get up early on Monday morning, work eight hours a day and do that five days a week. They think nothing of it. And in a way, life on the road is the same. It’s my job,” she said and laughed. “Although my friends still occasionally ask me why I have to travel so much, I often joke and ask, ‘Don’t you get it? This is what I do. So, why do you go to work every day?’” 

Ann says that it takes a full week-long commitment to keep all the facets of Ann Downing Ministries going. “Although there are times when I can sneak away for a moment or two, there is still something to be done every day. 

“I may get tired at times, but I never get weary of what I do,” she said, explaining that there is a special gratification in being involved in the Lord’s ministry and serving others. 

Ministry and Business 

Ann said that she believes that some people may spend too much time trying to draw definite lines of distinction between the types of Gospel music — whether it be Southern Gospel or Contemporary.  “Some people say the Downings were instrumental in bringing the contemporary sound to Gospel music. At the time we never called what we sang ‘contemporary’ — we just sang what we liked,” she said, smiling. 

“Nowadays, Gospel has turned into such a huge industry.  But I guess that’s what happens when something has been around as long as it has. 

“People often tell me that they believe Gospel music is more of a ministry than it once was. I don’t know if that’s really true. It’s always been a ministry and a business —and it continues to be so. 

“For example, the National Quartet Convention is a business—no bones about it! However, keep in mind, being that it’s a business doesn’t mean people aren’t encouraged and lives aren’t changed through the NQC. It takes a business to create such a wonderful musical setting like that. 

“I don’t personally believe that business is the secular side of our ministry, as I sometimes hear others say. If we know the Lord and we are committed Christians, then whether we are doing business or we are ministering, it is the same thing. Hopefully, a business is just a part of who we are. We better handle our business with the same integrity as we handle our on-stage performance.” 

Salvation Experience 

“I was saved when I was a child. I think I was nine years old,” Ann said. “I remember there was a summer revival at our little home church in Mississippi. It was going to be the last night of a revival and I had known all day long that I wanted to accept Jesus. Actually, I had previously raised my hand at the end of a service, during the altar call, when the preacher asked, ‘Would anyone here like to be prayed for.’ The preacher was the only one who knew I raised my hand, since everyone else was praying. From that moment on I planned to go forward. 

“On the final night of the revival I walked forward (during the altar call) and told the preacher I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart. The preacher prayed with me that night. Since that experience as a child, I have had to commit and re-commit my life to the Lord; but, it was that special moment at our Mississippi church when I got saved.” 
 

Momma’s passing 

Ann’s mother, Ms. Lillie Sanders, passed away at the age of 94 on Sunday, May 8, 2005, in Calhoun City, MS. After Paul had passed away in 1992, Ms. Lillie traveled with Ann on many occasions and had come to know many Gospel artists and fans across the country. 

“Momma was used by God to bring strength to my life,” Ann stated. “She was the center of my family and the real glue that held it all together. Her passing has left a big hole in our family. Daddy has been in Heaven for 21 years, and my husband Paul has been dead for almost fourteen years. I have no children. So, not only do I miss Momma and all the things she was to me as a Momma, I also miss another family member not being here. My family is now so small. 

“Momma did just about anything and everything she wanted to do. She would always say, ‘I can do anything I ever did — I just can’t do it for as long as I used to.’ Almost up until the end, Momma mowed her own yard and did everything around the house. Then, about three years ago, she underwent emergency surgery that took its toll on her. She was fairly active for a while after that, yet osteoporosis continued to make her less mobile. She never lost her will to live, but she wasn’t able to go out and do like she had once done. That was so difficult for her. I am so thankful that her mind was clear all the way up to the time that she slipped into Heaven.” 

Music Project and Goal for the Future 

Ann’s current project is a compelling recording, entitled, God Looking In. The first single off the new album, “Earth Has No Sorrow,” has garnered a great deal of radio airplay across the country. 

The power and clarity of Ann’s voice remains solid in this collection of heart-stirring songs, and it continues to receive rave reviews. “I am also excited about my current single, ‘He Already Knew Me,’ and hope that it will minister to others,” she said. 

“Nowadays I find myself writing or co-writing a lot of songs. In the future, that’s something that I want to build upon. I wrote nine of the eleven songs on this newest project. Before I was always content to interpret other people’s songs, but I have found that it’s not the same as writing something that I want to say. Then, too, it is such a wonderful encouragement hearing other people sing your songs. 

“As for my goals for the future, I do have a dream of someday having my own television show. I feel strongly about it and have been told that this might be something I’d be well-suited for. I guess I need to get busy and make that happen,” Ann said, with a chuckle. 

Even after 42 years of success in Gospel music, at a time when others might consider slowing down, Ann’s enthusiasm and calling is unwavering. It seems certain that the best for Ann Downing is awaiting on the horizon. 

For more information about Ann Downing, see www.anndowning.com , or write: Ann Downing Ministries, P.O. Box 767, Hendersonville, TN 37077. 

by Keith Davis 
 

Keith Davis is a book author, general manager of a daily newspaper and co-founder of Woodland Gospel Publishing House and Woodland Press, LLC. He is a longtime fan of Southern Gospel Music. He and his wife, Cheryl, reside in Chapmanville, West Virginia. You can visit him on the web at www.woodlandgospel.com . Comments to Keith can be directed to: kdavis@woodlandpress.com . 

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For Immediate Release

From Ann Downing Ministries

Date:  July 2005

Nashville, TN—Ann Downing, one of gospel music’s finest female soloists, has released a new single to radio through Heritage Communications on their Heritage Gold compilation disc for June 2005.  The single, “He Already Knew Me” is the sophomore release from her latest project, “God Looking In” and was co-written by Downing and songwriting friend Daryl Williams. 

About Jeff O’Neal and Heritage Communications, Ann says, “I’m excited to be working with Jeff!  His reputation with the radio industry as well as with some of my artist friends is exceptional.”

Although Ann’s latest project contains nine songs co-written with some of the greatest songwriters in gospel music as well as the opportunity to sing a duet with her late husband Paul, “He Already Knew Me” is easily Ann’s favorite song from the album. 

“Psalm 139 has become one of my favorite passages in the Bible,” Ann shares.  “It was my husband Paul’s favorite and as I was journaling one morning, I began thinking how awesome it is that there has never been a time when God didn’t know me; that He knew me before I ever began searching for Him.  Even then, He knew where I was the whole time.”

Ann recently added the song to her concert repertoire and audiences have responded enthusiastically to the message and performance of the song.  She says, “It’s a comforting thing to me to be reminded in these uncertain days that He knows where this whole thing is going and has His plan already laid out for me.  I think we all need to be reminded of that truth.” 

After 42-years in gospel music and receiving various awards including a Dove Award and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Ann Downing continues to travel each weekend maintaining a full schedule of concerts and speaking engagements throughout the United States and Canada. 

Ann is well-known for her regular appearances on the popular Gaither Homecoming Videos series.

For more information about Ann Downing, or to schedule an interview or request liners, send an email to AnnDowning@anndowning.com or call 615-232-8571.

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SG History 101--The Downings (found on sogospelnews.com, click link for article)

SGN Scoops April 2005 Cover Story (found on sgnscoops.com...a print media magazine as well)

SGM Radio's Featured Artist of the Month for May 2005  (found on sgmradio.com)

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PRESS RELEASE ----------------SGN SCOOPS - 573-438-9221

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  05/17/2005
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Thousands of ballots came in for the second round (of three) of balloting for the 2005 Diamond Awards. The Diamond Awards are quickly turning into an international event. Ballots arrived from around the world. They are coming in from Canada, Israel, Australia, Norway, Burmuda, Germany, Great Britian, Croatia, Uganda, and New Zealand. This round of balloting has selected the Top 5 nominees in each category.

The 2005 SGN SCOOPS DIAMOND AWARDS is being sponsored this year by LAMP MUSIC GROUP, and The Diamond Awards Presentation Ceremony will take place on Friday, September 16th at the EXECUTIVE WEST HOTEL at the entrance of the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center in Louisville, KY, during NQC Week. The Diamond Awards will start at 1:00 PM in the Scot Room.

JUDY NELON, president of the Southern Gospel Music Guild; and Allen Smith, publisher of SGN SCOOPS has just been added as an Award Presenter at the
2005 Diamond Awards.

Listed below are the Top 5 FINALISTS for the 2005 Diamond Awards.

J.D. SUMNER LIVING LEGEND AWARD: Ann Downing, Chris Freeman, Ronnie Hinson, Connie Hopper, and Eva Mae LeFevre.

GROUP OF THE YEAR: The Crabb Family, The Freemans, Gaither Vocal Band, The Hoppers, and The Hoskins Family.

TRIO OF THE YEAR: Greater Vision, HisSong, Karen Peck & New River, The Talley Trio, and Testify.

DUET OF THE YEAR: Amazed, The Goldens, Tim & Mary Alice Lovelace, the McRaes, and Young Harmony.

SOLOIST OF THE YEAR: Big Mo, Mark Bishop, Mike Bowling, Ivan Parker, and Janet Paschal.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Jason Crabb of The Crabb Family, Brian Free of Brian Free & Assurance, Jim Mahalick of The Hoskins Family, Guy Penrod of the Gaither Vocal Band, and Gerald Wolfe of Greater Vision.

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Sheri Easter of Jeff & Sheri Easter, Chris Freeman of The Freemans, Kim Hopper of The Hoppers, Karen Peck Gooch of Karen Peck & New River, and Lauren Talley of The Talley Trio.

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR: Mark Bishop, Gerald Crabb, Rodney Griffin, Milton "Big MO" Ostrander, and Kyla Rowland.

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR: Roger Bennett, Anthony Burger, Channing Eleton, Andrew Ishee, and Sonya Isaacs, .

CHRISTIAN COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR: Tim Lovelace, Mark Lowry, Randy Miller, Jeremy Ostrander, and Aaron Wilburn.

BLUEGRASS GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: The Isaacs, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Lewis Family, New Found Road, and Primitive Quartet.

SUNRISE AWARD: The Dunaways, The Duvalls, Mercy's Mark Quartet, River City Quartet, and Sounds Of Victory.

FAVORITE ARTIST/INDUSTRY WEBSITE: Anthony Burger - www.anthonyburger.com, The Crabb Family - www.thecrabbfamily.com, Legacy Five - www.legacyfive.com, Singing News Magazine - www.singingnews.com, and SoGospelNews.com - www.sogospelnews.com.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR: Live In New York City - Brian Free & Assurance, Masterpiece & More - Anthony Burger, Crabbfest Live 2003 - The Crabb Family, Walk The Talk - Gold City, and Best Of The Isaacs - The Isaacs.

SONG OF THE YEAR: He Came Looking For Me - The Crabb Family, Jerusalem - The Hoppers, I Will Find You Again - The Perrys, His Life For Mine - The Talley Trio, Even In The Valley - The Whisnants,

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Driven - The Crabb Family, Faces - Greater Vision, Traveling On - The McRAes, Life Of Love - The Perrys, The Message - Talley Trio.

THE TOP 5 ONLINE BALLOT and THE TOP 5 PRINTED (PDF) BALLOT WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE AT: www.sgnscoops.com

Those wishing to vote on the Top 5 Ballot for The 2005 DIAMOND AWARDS may go to the SGN SCOOPS MAGAZINE WEB SITE. It is located at: www.sgnscoops.com. 
you will find a pdf ballot there, as well as an online Ballot Voters are asked to vote for ONE in each category. only one ballot, PRINTED or ONLINE per person. ALL DUPLICATE BALLOTS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

Ballots may be mailed to: THE DIAMOND AWARDS, P.O. Box 222, Cadet, MO 63630; or you may vote online at: www.sgnscoops.com.

ALL TOP 5 BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE SGN SCOOPS OFFICE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, JULY 8th, 2005.
 

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For Immediate Release  (May 9, 2005)

Hendersonville, TN--Lillie Sanders, beloved mother of gospel singer Ann Downing passed away at the age of 94 on Sunday, May 8th in Calhoun City, Mississippi.   Former members of the Downings always looked forward to their time on the Sanders farm enjoying her fabulous Southern home cooking.  "Ms. Lillie" prepared meals in the middle of the night many times to have ready for them as the bus rolled in.  After Ann's husband Paul passed away in 1992, Ms. Lillie traveled with Ann many times and endeared herself to other gospel music artists and fans alike.  Ms. Lillie leaves a legacy which will continue on in the lives of all those who met her and were touched by her positive attitude, her kind manner, and the way she lived out her faith.

Visitation will be today, May 9 from 3 pm-9 pm at the Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce, Mississippi.  Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, May 10th at 11 am in the chapel.  Please remember Ann and her family in your prayers during this difficult time.

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For Immediate Release

From: Lighthouse Promotions / Ann Downing Ministries

Subject: ANN DOWNING RELEASES NEW SINGLE

Date: November 30, 2004

Ann Downing, once crowned "Queen of Gospel Music", has released a new solo recording featuring an enormous array of songs co-written by Ann Downing along with several of her friends such as Kyla Rowland, Jeff Silvey, Daryl Williams, Toni Clay and Woody Wright.  This new recording, "God Looking In", has received wide acclaim as probably her finest piece of work ever! "God Looking in" was produced by award winning songwriter Jeff Silvey. 

The first single off of the new project is "Earth Has No Sorrow." The song is being shipped to radio this week by Lighthouse Promotions on Lighthouse Hits Volume 35.  Ann says about working with Lighthouse Promotions, "I'm so thrilled to be working with Lighthouse Promotions and Shane Ferrell. He has a stellar reputation in radio promotion and I'm proud to have him represent this song for me." 

About the song, Ann says "We received such an overwhelming response from folks all over the country from my last single 'Tell Me Again' that we felt this was the best follow-up song to that because of its message.  'Earth Has No Sorrow that Heaven Can't Heal' touches us all because we've all had things happen here that only God can heal in His time and in His way. The response to 'Earth Has No Sorrow' at recent concerts solidified our decision to release it."

Ann is joined on the new single by long time friend, Russ Taff. Ann says, "Russ Taff is an incredible talent and a great friend.  Having him join me on this new single is just a highlight for me.  I'm honored."

Ann Downing's 41 year music career includes a Dove Award and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Ann maintains a full schedule of concerts and church appearances. She aso spends several weekends each year speaking at women's retreats, conferences, and luncheons all over the US and Canada. 

Ann is probably best known these days for her regular appearances on the Gaither Homecoming Video Series. 

For more information on the new single, "Earth Has No Sorrow" or about Ann Downing Ministries, log on to www.anndowning.com or call Lighthouse Promotions - 423-357-7785.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (August 18, 2004)

Nashville, TN--Gospel music legend Ann Downing will release her latest project titled, "God Looking In" September 21, 2004.  Attendees at the National Quartet Convention will likeley be able to purchase copies there a few days before the official release date.  "God Looking In" features 11 songs, nine of which Ann wrote with some of the best Christian writers in the field such as Kyla Rowland, Daryl Williams, Dwight Liles, and others.

Fans from Ann's days with the Speer Family will be excited to hear that a new arrangement of her signature song, "I Must Tell Jesus" is included.  Long-time friend Russ Taff also makes a special guest appearance on the newly penned "Earth Has No Sorrow."  There are several noteworthy moments on the album, but none so captivating as a special surprise recording of the Downings tune, "Are You Tired?" which features a posthumous duet with Ann's husband Paul.

Ann is thrilled with the finished product and is looking to release a single in the near future.  "I'm just blown away by this project.  It's more than I ever dreamed it could be.  I'm thrilled to have recorded so many of my own songs, and then having Russ as a guest on the ablum and the duet with Paul just makes it so special to me."

"God Looking In" produced by award-winning songwriter Jeff Silvey, marks Ann's eleventh solo release and can be ordered on Ann's website www.anndowning.com.

Celebrating over forty years in gospel music, Ann Downing is probably best known these days for her regular appearances on the Gaither Homecoming Video series.  Her most recent single release, "Tell Me Again" has received incredible response from concert and radio audiences alike with calls and emails coming in weekly about the impact the song has had.  Her top ten hit, "Climbing Jacob's Ladder" was most recently featured on the Gaither Homecoming Classics Volume 1 release. 

A Gospel Music Hall of Famer for her work with the Speers, and a Dove Award Winner for her work with the Downings, Ann maintains a full schedule of concerts and church appearances and spends several weekends each year speaking at women's retreats, conferences, and luncheons.

For interviews, radio liners, or product giveaways, contact Laurie Winton 1-877-886-1629 or Laurie@anndowning.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (September ’03):

GOSPEL MUSIC LEGEND ANN DOWNING CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

 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 www.anndowning.com or contact AnnDowning@anndowning.com.