The Downing Family - Bluegrass Gospel Music

Hello,

I host a weekly gospel bluegrass radio show called Walkin' on Water that airs on 5 different radio stations spread around the US and on Guam. You have me on your mailing list courtesy of my lead station, which is WTRL FM in Vonore, TN. I'm just writing to say thank you for sending me a copy of Walk the Sea with Me. I play your music an average of 20 songs each week on my show, and of the 1000+ songs I played last year, your music is consistently some of the best available. At the moment I'm drawing from about 7000 gospel bluegrass songs in our library, so you are quite good!

I've only had a chance to take one listen, but I like very much Gabriel Blow Your Trumpet and God Spoke His Name. I'm also partial to When I Wake Up to Sleep No More, and I'll be playing these and more in the next few weeks. When time allows later this fall, I'll do a show featuring your music and when it's done I'll send you a copy via download.

Thanks again, and my God richly bless your ministry.

In Jesus,

Tom Macomber

www.wowrec.com

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Dear Downings:

Thank You so much for your music this past Sunday at the Chili Feed. It was such a blessing to hear you again. Your music was truly inspiring. It was obvious that God was present that night.

It is always great when an evening climax's with a NEW SOUL BEING SAVED!

May God continue to bless your entire family.

K.Soucy & Members of Center Christian Church

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Dear 99.5FM:

Last Saturday night, my husband and I saw the Downings perform at the Southern Gospel Sing Concert, and they were a blessing. I then woke on Sunday morning and heard them again on your radio program. We are from out of town and our friends in Tulsa gave me your email address to tell you thank you for playing their music. I am the city mayor of our little town in California and was visiting friends here in Tulsa, when they invited my husband and I to the Saturday night concert. We were so blessed to hear this family. Our city and other small towns in southern California have a "Family Fest" every year, in which we pay tribute to one of God's strongest tools that His Gospel travels..... the family.

It's coming under attack today more than ever, and especially in our state as the anti-family, anti-traditional marriage folks continue their strikes. Our message this year is more important now than it has ever been before. There are about 6 to 8 cities that will participate and I was wanting to extend an invitation to the Downing family to perform this year. We've had some very famous families perform in the past (Lewis Family, Hoppers, Forbes Family, Isaacs and others).

This family, even though is probably not well known in our area, will present the family-style love and Godly music we've been looking for. Where some lost folks won't listen to southern gospel music, many of them will be "enticed" to hear bluegrass. And when they do, they'll be blown away with the Downings. What a wonderful family of believers that is carrying His message to groups that would never hear the gospel otherwise.

Could you tell me how to contact them? We didn't get any of their music, but our friends in Tulsa are going to be trying to get some and send to us. A few of our city council members said that they heard the Downings on a radio station in Pasadena. Our friends in Tulsa said that your radio station in Tulsa is playing their music regularly, so I just may have missed them here in California.

Thank you again for your powerful ministry, and keep my friends in Tulsa "knee deep" in good gospel music from the Downings.(I may have to make another trip to Tulsa).

Sincerely,

L & B Beechor

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Dear Downings:

As burned out as I have been at work, I slipped away early yesterday and took in some Bluegrass performances. Bluegrass often involves the work of families or family members -- the Monroe Brothers, the Stanley Brothers, the Louvin Brothers, the Osborne Brothers, the Whites, the Cox Family -- just to name a few. What I saw yesterday were all family bands.

The Downing Family from Catoosa, OK, is a Bluegrass Gospel group, and they are really a family -- Dad, two adult daughters, and a son-in-law, along with their banjo player, Dave Tindale. Luke Miller, the son-in-law, not only does great vocal work, but he does some decent guitar-picking in the breaks. The sisters' vocals are extraordinary. There was a CD playing before the show started, and, having never seen the band before, I did not realize there were two women in the line up -- on fiddle and mandolin as well as vocals. It was annoying me that I couldn't place the voices. I tried to get it to sound like Rhonda Vincent, Alison, or perhaps Claire Lynch but nothing quite matched. Then the band came out, the girls started singing, and I was blown away, and not for the last time.

What I saw were people who think like me -- not just because they love Bluegrass, but because they believe in family, in Christian principles, and in the wonder of life. I don't know how many of these groups are singing Bluegrass for a living, but they are singing for life, to bring joy into the lives of others. Almost everyone except the parents in all the groups I saw were under thirty-five, most were under twenty-one.

It's easy to think all young people are like the ones who make the evening news, or who are portrayed in movies and on television as disaffected and disturbed. We notice the ones covered in metal and tattoos -- they want us to. We sometimes fail to see the kids who are "normal". The kids I saw yesterday were well-adjusted, informed, intelligent, and talented. They were not raised under a glass dome. They will face challenges and suffer loss and disappointments. Some already have. They will be all right. They are the true descendants of the people who built this nation, and if America falls, they will be the ones who will build again, on the old foundations.

I feel better now.

Fan Blog

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Dear 99.5 FM Radio:

My family had a very tough week, last week, as we lost a very close

loved one. The funeral was in Iowa, so we had a long drive ahead

of us. We were all dreading the trip, as we kept thinking about the

awful loss we had. We brought the Downing Family's CD's with us

and we never felt so comforted by "The Master's Hand" and many

of their other songs.

The words were very powerful, telling us about His

never-ending love, His ultimate sacrifice, and the assurance that

our loved one is resting under "The Shadow of His Wings" today.

We shared their music with our family in Iowa, and they will be buying

the Downing's music as well. Do you know if they travel, as a couple

of churches in Iowa are wanting the Downings to minister to them as well?

Thank you so much for playing their music, exposing us to such

beautiful music -this side of Heaven-.

Could you possibly play either the Shadow or Master's Hand songs on

this Resurrection Sunday?

Sincerely,

The James

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Dear 99.5 FM Radio:

My family had a very tough week, last week, as we lost a very close

loved one. The funeral was in Iowa, so we had a long drive ahead

of us. We were all dreading the trip, as we kept thinking about the

awful loss we had. We brought the Downing Family's CD's with us

and we never felt so comforted by "The Master's Hand" and many

of their other songs.

The words were very powerful, telling us about His

never-ending love, His ultimate sacrifice, and the assurance that

our loved one is resting under "The Shadow of His Wings" today.

We shared their music with our family in Iowa, and they will be buying

the Downing's music as well. Do you know if they travel, as a couple

of churches in Iowa are wanting the Downings to minister to them as well?

Thank you so much for playing their music, exposing us to such

beautiful music -this side of Heaven-.

Could you possibly play either the Shadow or Master's Hand songs on

this Resurrection Sunday?

Sincerely,

The James

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Dear 99.5 Southern Gospel Show:

I am a single mom that is very concerned about the influence of music on my two children. All three of us listened to your shows this last Sunday morning and were truly encouraged with the music you both played. We were especially impressed with a group that I had not heard before. The Downing family had some beautiful music. Even my kids thought they were great. How can I get some more information about them? How can I impress upon you to play more of their music?

Both of your shows stands for what's right about this country. We really need to be hearing that today when our country is falling apart both economically and morally. Please continue your mission to bring all of us great music. Even in very tough financial times for us, I would be willing to support both of your programs and sponsors, in addition to the Downings.

Again, keep on playing that great gospel music and send the Downings a message to keep singing and playing, not stopping like some groups I know about, but stay "In The Shadow of His Wings".

Sincerely,

A. Simon

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Dear Big Country 99.5FM:

I listen to your show all of the time and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy

listening to the Downing family. You've played several of their songs and each

one of them have a very important message.

My grandchildren do not have many role-models today, but this family really

has what our young people need. I would think that most of your listeners are

about my age (58) or older and not as many young people are moved by the

good old gospel music that you play each week.

I've been to the Downing's website, bought both of their CD's and are going to

be inviting them to play at our church. Seeing their pictures and testimonies, I

know that the young people will be drawn to them. We are so close to losing

this young generation today, however, groups like the Downings can slow, maybe even reverse the damage that this dark world is having on our youth.

Please continue to play the Downing's music as they inspire not only my wife and I, but our children and grandchildren as well. Take a look at the little 4-year old that is playing the fiddle in their group. I wish we had a thousand more of her.

We love your show and have steered many more folks to listen, especially with

groups like the Downings.

Thank you again for playing the best music this side of heaven,

S. Washington

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Dear Downing Family:

For Christmas our son gave us one of your CD's. Previously, he had given us another. Such talent your family has! The instruments, the vocals and the results are wonderful. May God give you continued success as you proclaim His Word in music. It warms my heart.

Sincerely, C.Daniels Los Angeles, CA..

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We enjoyed your music so very much. The talent of playing the stringed instruments and harmony of beautiful voices is a true gift from God. We received such a blessing. Watching the teamwork and the love of family is very inspiring. We hope to get to see you again when you are up this way. I bought one of each of your CDs and one of the newest for our brother-in-law. We enjoy them tremendously.

Jerry and Linda Abercrombie, Southwest City, MO

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Dear Downings:

I appreciate your family and the powerful message that was conveyed at our company Christmas banquet. The Christians are more out-numbered every year in our company and we hardly ever have a chance to share Christ. HOWEVER, after your performance, a giant wave of encouragement hit our company and many people who had no interest in us, our family, or our God, began asking questions about our Savior! Your family's testimony and beautiful music opened up more opportunities for "us Christians" to share the gospel than ever before. Thank you again and please keep up the "music with a light" within this ever-darkening world.

An anonymous, but very grateful company employee.

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Dear Downing Family,

Both of your CDs have been getting a lot of air time on our church's radio station, WLVF 90.3 FM in Haines City, FL at www.gospel903.com.. My wife and I have both of your CDs and wish we you had more. I am on staff at Landmark Baptist College, which is a ministry of Landmark Baptist Church. What a great encouragement your music is to so many here in Central Florida. Mrs. Herring, the lady who runs our bookstore, says she doesn't listen to anything but your CDs. Last month your CD, 'The Writing's On The Wall' was our Good Morning show's CD of the month and this month your CD, 'On The Other Side' is the CD of the month for the Heading Home show in the afternoon. Thank you for being such a great blessing to so many!

His Kingdom First,
Bryan Gentry

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Note to Silver Dollar City:

Was visiting the park today with my family, and sat through a performance by Pure Heart. They had said something about the Downing's being there but we didn't see them on the schedule. We had heard them during the southern gospel festival and loved them. Do they play again during this festival? If so, do you know when, so we can come back and hear them. Thank you for having these wonderful groups at your park. With all of the bad stuff going on in this world today, groups like the Downings, help us to forget and focus what's more important... faith, family, and our freedom.

Tim and Laura Thomas

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Just wanted to tell you how much your music blessed our hearts while on our trip to Branson. God has truly blessed your family w/talent and a servants spirit that proceeds your music. Thank you for your work and labor of love. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting w/your family that evening at Taco Bell there in Branson. We will continue to follow your ministry via the web. Please pray for us as we raise our children for the Lord. My heart's desire is that they will too sing and play for the glory of the Lord. Take care and may God bless y'all richly.

Joel & Jenniffer Smith

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We sent a note to the management of Silver Dollar City, telling them how much we enjoyed the Southen Gospel Festival and your family! Even though there were many great groups there, The Downing's have a very clear and strong message that is "bundled up" within outstanding Bluegrass-style music. Some bluegrass music gets on your nerves after a while, but your bluegrass gospel music can be played a thousand times, and it still sounds as fresh as the first time you hear it! We're looking forward to keeping track of you in the future.

In Him, Jeff & Shirley Norris

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The Downing Family:

We really enjoyed your music at the festival over Labor Day weekend and appreciate the strong Christian, family message that your group sends out. This year @ Silver Dollar City, we got another "dose" of the Downing's great harmonys and a family testimony that this country really needs to see and hear. Your 3-year old grand-daughter was charming. It is obvious that she will steal the show very soon. Thanks for talking to us back at your CD table. We could tell that your heart is driven by this minitry. Please don't stop, as we'll be praying for you and your family to launch your ministry forward in a big way (His Way).

Thanks again, Tereasa and Mike Wilson

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Downings:
My husband and I attended the Southern Gospel festival @ Silver Dollar City and heard you for the first time. We bought both of your CD's and was wondering when you were making another one? On the way back home, we heard you on KTTS Radio in Springfield, MO, doing an acapella song, then again closer to home on a radio station in Ada, Oklahoma. We love your music. Are you going to be back at SDC anytime soon? We brought our Sunday School class this time of about 30 people and had a great time. Keep up the great work!

D&G Tackoby

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Dear Downings:

We just heard that you were nominated for 2007 SPGMA's Bluegrass Gospel Group of the Year! What a honor and so deserved. Your family has truly blessed us with your music and testimony. We saw you play at Silver Dollar City and you were the best group there. We especially loved "little Ashley". In a world of turmoil and turbulance, your family brings a peace and calm to everyone that hears you. We want to have you come to a Three-Church Gospel Festival in OKC yet this year. About 1,500 to 2,000 people will be there and will be blessed just as the two bus loads of folks that heard you at SDC. We'll be contacting you.

Sincerely, Debra B.

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SDC:

Just a quick note to tell you how much we enjoyed the southern gospel picnic festival. Great groups.. Ascension Quartet, The Downings, Easter Brothers.

D.Bowman

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Dear Silver Dollar City:

We really enjoyed the music this last weekend at the Gospel festival. Karen Peck, Daily & Vincent and The Downing's were our favorites. Thank you so much for your attention to faith and family. We sat through the Downing's shows for three days and they were delightful. Karen Peck and New River, along with Daily and Vincent were very good as well. Any plans on someday maybe using the Opry House and have these three groups do a combined concert? Each of them have a different kind of spin on Gospel music and all of them would bring the crowds in. We're coming back again this coming weekend to enjoy your park again. Thanks again for bringing this great music experience to me and my family.

J.Wilson

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My husband and I were just in Branson this past weekend to hear you sing at the Southern Gospel Festival. He made the comment that it would be great if you did a CD of just hymns. We love your music and really enjoyed the show. We hope to catch you again somewhere close to home. We live in Inola. Thanks for sharing the Gospel with others.

J.Stacy

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Dear Silver Dollar City:

Several couples went with us to visit SDC for the first time, wanting to see the Downing family play. We heard them at the Tulsa Southern Gospel Sing earlier this year and they mentioned to everyone that they were playing at the southern gospel festival. They are awesome! We stayed for three days, listening to them over and over. We bought both of their CD's and have been playing them again and again, only hearing more messages of hope and encouragement then any other group we heard at your park. Are the Downing's coming back again this year? What about next year? We have shared their music with our friends and are planning on coming back to SDC this weekend to hear more quality groups. Please keep in touch with the Downing's as they have so much to offer everyone. We know that you have a lot of other wonderful groups at the park, many, very big names, however, after hearing them and then the Downing's, we're now a permenent fan of the Downings. Thank you so much for having them play at your festival. Can you place us on your email list to let us know when you will have them again? Thank you again very much,

D.T.

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I just wanted to tell you how much your music blessed our hearts while on our trip to Branson. God has truly blessed your family w/ talent and a servants spirit that proceeds your music. Thank you for your work and labor of love. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting w/ your family that evening at Taco Bell there in Branson. (I can�t believe we were eating there considering that is about all we have back home. HA!) We will continue to follow your ministry via the web. Please pray for us as we raise our children for the Lord. My heart�s desire is that they will too sing and play for the glory of the Lord.

I have the pleasure of serving as the Station Manager of WLVF Gospel 90.3 FM in Haines City, Florida. Our format is primarily Southern Gospel and Bluegrass Gospel Music. Another one of my duties here at the radio station is hosting the afternoon drive time show. On the "Headin' Home Show" we focus on playing Bluegrass Gospel. Another DJ here at the station suggested that I visit your website. I did so just moments ago and was able to listen to most of the samples of the songs on your latest CD. I was truly blessed by what I heard and I believe that our listeners would love to hear your music. Therefore I would like to use the songs from your two CDs listed on your website for airplay on our station. We would love you to listen to our station as your schedule allows at www.gospel903.com.

Every month our live drive-time shows feature a "CD of the month," and
just two days ago one of the morning DJs brought in their personal copy
of your latest CD to inform me that he wanted to feature it as June's
"CD of the month." "The Good Morning Show" airs every weekday from 7
a.m.-9:30 a.m., and beginning next Monday "The Downing Family" will be
aired on Gospel 90.3 FM and www.gospel903.com.

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We just finished playing both of the Downing family's CD and what a great sound they have. We are truly thankful that you had them back this year.