Downings - The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference

[AnnyZorn]

Hahahah!!! Wow!

[numoneuncfan]

I grew up with this song. I love the Downings and thank you so very much for this post :)

[ladytxlove]

Knowmusicman, sorry, did not intend to hit thumbs down on you. I meant to hit thumbs up and my husband came in behind me scaring me. Hit is by mistake. Blame him, not me, lol.

[knowMusicMan]

Mr. Adkins,

Thanks for the video. I went to a church last week in Lexington, KY. Wayne Hilliard and his group Higher Ground was there. His lead singer is a fellow named Eddie Combs. It was one of the most dynamic groups I have heard in a long time. They blew me away. Of course, you know that the man with Ann in this song is Wayne Hilliard.

[sharkey6885]

err... sorry misnhevn... think I might have hit thumbs down on you. was unintentional. This song will always be one of my favorites from that era. Wish gospel would return to its roots and sing songs that preach rather than jam

[Misnheavn]

No prob sharkey. I have done the same thing myself, unfortunately. Wish there was a way we could reverse it when that happens. I totally agree with the classic sounds and groups we enjoyed back in the day. Blessings!

[sharkey6885]

My parents had a Downings album when i was very young. Was raised on them Fla. Boys, The Singing Rambo's etc. I still love them. But, sorry folks, LOL @ the 70's! :)

[Misnheavn]

Young Joy Gardner ! Do you have a clip of "I've Got Confidence" ?

[bakogoofball]

That would be nice. She really did a great job with that song. I have the audio here at home  but would love the video if it exists!

[bakogoofball]

Where can I find some of the old Downings records (or if on CD if possible)? I loved this group in the 70s.

[Mingowildcat]

Thank you for posting! Could you post The Downings singing "Sheltered in the Arms of God"? My mother bought that album in 1969, and "This is the Day" in 1970. They were great albums and we nearly wore them out. I'd love to hear anything from those early recordings.

[ArtsyPhilosophyGuy]

Joy was a total hottie...and I say that with the most respectful and Christian sentiments.

I would love to hear "Happiness." Can someone post that please?

[VestalIsMyIdol]

My uncle says the same thing...they went t school together lol

[DaManFromPlaid]

Ooops sorry, I mistakenly wrote 'Jill' (where'd that come from? Brain fade!) I meant to write JOY whose name was Dyson who married Dony McGuire while in the group. She remarried in later years after the group broke up and goes by her married name, Joy Gardener. She is still preforming for the Lord! The Downings 'Operator' went to #6 in Nov '76!

[DaManFromPlaid]

Wow! Thanx so much for this! Does anyone have their video of Operator? That was a big top 10 hit for them in '75 '76 They did it on Pat Robertson's 700 Club (lip sycnhed) & that vid ended up in rotation on Dr Gene Scott's Festival show (Mon-Sat 7-12PM) in the late 70's-early 80's along with the Statesmen's tune I Wanna Know. Anybody have Operator by the Downings? Jill sang this tune & really belted it out! (SO much better than the Manhattan Transfer cover!) Help please! Message me anytime!!

[EONSFTFAN]

I have Operator on CD from a buddies promo 45 copy of it. It would certainly be GREAT if someone released the complete Heartwarming/Impact catalogs on CD. I'd jump at the chance to own may of those albums. especially stuff by The Hemphills, The Downings, The Speers and many others that escape my memory right now.

[jamesbustamante]

THANK YOU!!!

[militarychief]

Is that Joy Gardner with the long hair?

[adkinsda]

Yes

[ExisteDios]

hahahahah yes, she looks hilarious...

[GospelPhil]

Another one of the great basses that died too early! He was a car salesman from California and I first heard them in Memphis at the NQC in the 1960's.

[dlwoods7]

That was so amazing to see. I remember seeing them Live in Toronto when I was a young teen. I have always loved The Downings. Joy has always had an amazing voice. It was nice to this older video of Ann and Paul. Who was the other male singer? I didn't know there was any Videos of The Downings. Thanks for posting this wonderful memory.

[rubyeba]

His name is Wayne Hilliard - one of the founders of Higher Ground Singers - along with the great Linda Robinson - married to Linda Adkins - formerly of the Sammy Hall Singers.

[1954terry1954]

wow, sammy hall singers, thats a name i havnt heard/spoken in many decades.  talk about going back to the earliest days of contemporary Christian music! i think i will go look for any sammy hall/pat terry vids that might be on youtube.

[metro143]

Sammy Hall still has a ministry and a website. He also has several songs on youtube

[saintarvin1]

truly great....

[lilwildkatgurl]

How NICE! ;0)

[watermelonridge]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have searched in vain for video of the Downings. I LOVED their music!" This Is How It Is Live!" was one of the best recording of all time! With this post, you have made my day!!!!! :-)

[lonemapper]

Thanks for the vid. Have also wanted to see a cut of the Downings for Paul was probably one of the best bass voices around. Thanks

[biglhot75]

Ive wanted to see the Downings sing, Thank you