A powerful, pounding piano player and singer, BIG AL DOWNING recorded one the greatest unsung Rock & Roll tracks of all time, ’Down On The Farm’, in 1958.

He went on to enjoy a remarkable career, in which he tasted fame and success across several different musical genres, ranging from R&R, R&B, Soul, and Disco, to Country (he was the second most successful black Country singer, after Charlie Pride).

This unique 30-track compilation focuses on his Rock & Roll years, between 1958-62, during which he operated predominantly as an impersonator of Little Richard and Fats Domino.

In addition to his own recordings during this period, Downing also appears as a sideman herein, playing piano on five of Wanda Jackson’s most rocking sides, notably her UK hits ’Let’s Have A Party’ and ’Mean, Mean Man’.

Among other collectors’ rarities compiled on this set, he is also featured backing Bobby Poe, Bobby Brant, Spic & Span, Clyde Stacy and Big Rivers.