Cliff Downs, a Nashville-based songwriter, producer and Emmy-winning composer, died April 24 after a long battle with cancer. He was 72.
Downs began his career as a pop artist signed to Atlantic Records. As part of the 80s duo Downes & Price with vocalist Jimmy Price, he released a self-titled album in 1986. He later established himself in Nashville as a songwriter and producer with credits across country, pop, contemporary Christian and jazz, writing songs recorded by Wynonna, Gabby Barrett, Glen Campbell, B.J. Thomas, Foreigner, Paul Rodgers and jazz artist Richard Elliott.
His work in film and television included scores and songs for TNT’s “Red Water,” David Zucker’s “An American Carol” and network shows including “Modern Family,” “MacGyver,” “General Hospital,” “One Life to Live,” “Days of Our Lives” and “The Young and the Restless.” He won an Emmy for Best Original Song for “When I Think of You” from “One Life to Live” and received multiple additional nominations and awards. His music accumulated more than 1,000 television placements…