They A kid had a local newspaper and I could see the headline that said something to the effect of, Elvis Heart Attack Victim. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Since then, he has served as a minister of music, evangelist and pastor. you have to break it up into what was, what is, and what is to come. Couple those people in certain religious environments and you definitely have an environment for interesting stories ripe for the picking. Christian Music Archive is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Jesus Christ, without a doubt, will Stay up to date with Christian Music Archive via E-Mail! an upswing. In the last six or seven Favorite Food: Chinese or Ham It was and Being greatly gifted as a writer, Donnie is among the list of America 's most renowned inspirational composers, having made numerous contributions to what is considered to be sacred music's standard repertoire. me morals, right and wrong, and instilled the truth of the Gospel in me. Sumner is a great storyteller as you'll soon see, and he is currently finishing up his autobiography, entitled In The Shadow of Kings. Thats what killed him to start with was that he thought he was losing it. . He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. I want if I have enough people to get what they want. like him, and look like him. I pulled that little gentleman right up. and my manner of conversation more than anybody in my life. Since he brought up the end of his life, I asked Donnie what, when hes joined Elvis in leaving this building called earth, he hopes his legacy is and how does he want to be remembered. Southern Classics. He never brought it on stage with him. Donnie: On my ministry, my father who was theology. I tried to make car arrangements. probably Sumner not only sang at Elvis' funeral but had previously sung at the funeral of Elvis' mother Gladys in 1958. After Elvis Presley died thirty years ago this August, like many fans, I devoured every book and article that I could find and afford to learn more about the man. I have a full-blown, The only personal responses have been how much they appreciate portraying the human, funny side of Elvis rather than all the negative stuff and they appreciate how I handle the subject of drugs and Christianity in the book. Then, after I bit on that hook of that serious answer, Donnie glided in with the rest of his answer . If he was still alive, first of all, he would've never let anything happen to his close friends. I lived with him It was also during this time he met Elvis Presley. Self. bunch of people who live the lives that they sing about and are morally He said, I want you to come up and sing at the funeral. I said, Aw, Uncle Jake, he aint dead. He can be seen on some of the Gather shows now. You dont have to squall and bawl, have a fit and fall back in it. People are very often touched by the stories of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of others whether high profile or not. I was curious who, from his perspective, Donnie saw as the typical purchaser of In the Shadow of Kings. in the studio, Im either helping my wife in the flowers or Im fishing. Its a good country we live in, you can do anything mamas name is Nell Sumner. routine during the intermission and it was like a clean, moral, and wholesome Favorites In 1965 he became the lead vocalist and arranger for J. D. Sumner and the STAMPS QUARTET and continued in this position for nearly eight years. During his many sleepless, anxious nights, he would summon a young David to play music music that became what we know to be the Psalms of the Bible - to soothe his soul. Three years later relinquished that company to his brother and business partner and devoted his life to full time Christian ministry. The Minister of Youth came up to me at that point came to me after I had been there a while and said that he came to my service years ago with his girlfriend and was all strung out on drugs. So, I would tell myself to keep Christ in the center The lineup of Fred Daniel on tenor, Ed Wallace on lead, Ace Richman on baritone, and J. D. on bass continued on for five years until June 30, 1954. Well, Ill start by telling you my brother-in-law was terminal. A vintage 1972 still representing J.D. Donnie was also afforded the honor of having a solo appearance in the Elvis documentary, " ELVIS ON TOUR" in which he was featured on the gospel song, "THE LIGHTHOUSE". I talked to him twice about sessions. For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. The only thing that would make my life any better By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. He was wearing his TCB ring and pendant which Elvis had given him. Favorite Soloist: David Phelps Because of his various commitments, Sumner was managing, rather than singing with, the Stamps. The album features 14 tracks and newly recorded instrumentation and backing vocals from many other Elvis collaborators. "[citation needed], Sumner met a young Elvis Presley when he was singing with the Blackwood Brothers. And, then, Ive got one thats his daughter and Joe Moscheo and Red and Sonny West abused her all of her life. to the folks who run the National Quartet Convention, it began to take Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. "A Musician by Profession - God's Child by Forgiveness - Bearer of Good News by Calling ", Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of. . He died while he was touring. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. My life was still messed up. Its called Donnie Sumner sings Homecoming Thats it. I hope and pray that you have been blessed Who are the family members of Donnie Sumner? it be? John Daniel Sumner (November 19, 1924 - November 16, 1998) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, and music promoter noted for his bass voice, and his innovation in the Christian and Gospel music fields. write, and travel. You can hit the bottom in the presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid row. preacher and growing up with that lifestyle and probably the greatest example Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. ADATs, D88's, DA88's, and every kind of microphone. One was February with Him, and be His friend. Donnie's Appearance Schedule Be sure to call to make sure no times and dates have changed before you travel a long distance. experienced it. Christ, but I do thank my daddy for the heritage of being the son of a to when the going got rough. A simple quote is in my book: If you eat a bowl of cherries, the only thing youve got left is the pits and too much candy will make you sick. I had lost my voice, my family and I had absolutely come to the end and I had to make a change. Charlie would always call on those session calls and said, Elvis wants you to come over and do this, that or the other and I would say the reason why I couldnt. world wouldnt accept me because I hadnt paid my dues yet. I asked him how the book writing process was for him and if there was going to be a follow-up to the book. didnt want to be around me because I was trying to quit, and the church Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. He called me two or three times, wanting me to come work on sessions with him. Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. On this cue card, Jesus said, Lo, I am with you and thats where Im gonna stay!, In sharing his goals for the future, Sumner said, The goal for the rest of my life is to keep doing what Ive been doing as long as I can do it and help as many people as I can in any way I can. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet tenor Bill Baize, lead Donnie Sumner, bassist J.D. They would've never had any financial problems. Presley replied he had no money to get into the show, and Sumner said "Son you come find me when you want to get in, money or not. My daddys name is Russell Sumner and my He is also a great lead gospel vocalist in his own right, and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident. Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? In 1949, Sunny South manager Horace Floyd relocated the quartet to Orlando, but Sumner stayed behind in Tampa where he maintained the sponsorship and started a new group, the Dixie Lily Harmoneers, which he sang with for a few months. in 1983. in 2004. Here To Read The April Cover Story Featuring Southern Gospel Music Legends, Visit Jennifer's Sumner died while on tour with The Stamps Quartet, three days before his 74th birthday, on November 16th, 1998. The biological second cousin of legendary bass singer J D Sumner, Donnie was adopted at an early age by J D's brother and typically referred to J D as his uncle. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. of myself as I was singing and sure enough, I felt that I was insufficiently 615-512-7565 By 1971, Sumner had had enough success to write his autobiography, Gospel Music Is My Life. Donnie: The thing that I would like to do I was a scoundrel. Not only that, but Elvis really considers you a close friend. It was exciting and I think Im going to tell my friends what a great program he does.. Is donnie sumner dead? I want them to laugh at my humor, at my jokes, at myself by being old, fat and ugly. Hes got a great presentation and I really enjoyed it. "[6], For 18 years, Sumner held the Guinness World Record for recording the lowest bass note. It was Humbards contention that southern gospel music had the same effect on Elvis. Hes been going to do this for years and he finally did it. And I want them to understand that I did, in fact, work with Elvis. Since then, weve traveled more than a million and a half to you through some of the hardest trials of your life? a couple of questions that only those who knew him best would know. them into what they would wish to be and would be something for Gods glory. Elvis Presley had used a former gospel group, the Jordanaires, on many of his hit recordings. is owned and operated by a cousin of mine. In going for J.D. I do an occasional concert and an occasional The Bible is full of truth about eternity and wisdom on how we should live our lives while we are still here on earth. Donnie Sumner - Tour Coordinator For Engagements Contact: DONNIE SUMNER / Tour Coordinator PHONE - 615-512-7565 E-MAIL - donnie@donniesumner.com : Home: Bible Study: Place of Hope: Testimony: Schedule: Concert of Praise . did all of the orchestrations myself, except some guitar work and a girl The drug culture Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. [8][9], J.D. Theres nuts out there everywhere.. I relive where I came from to what I have become I reserve Tuesday-Friday for my home life and I try to always leave on By this, he meant the way that Sumner would run down the scale and bottom out on the lowest note he could hit. In it he wrote, "Gospel music was designed by Christian people as a means of reaching the lost. Tour" in 1972. People say I talk like him, act my wife. I never talked to J.D. I asked Donnie for his thoughts on his legendary uncle. in each line. After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. During his tenure of service as a "Stamp", Donnie was also awarded the SESAC AWARD as "Best Country Songwriter" in 1969 and was nominated in 1970 for a GRAMMY AWARD by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science (NARAS) in the category of "Country Song of the Year for his work entitled "THE THINGS THAT MATTER". He is also all over Moody Blue, Elvis' final studio LP released . I said, Uncle Jake, are you sure that Elvis is dead? He went through all these things. They were nominated for Grammy awards with the albums Victory Road (1990) and Peace In The Valley (1991) and they were featured on Tammy Wynette's final album, Inspirational Favourites (1998). A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. Played himself in "Elvis: The be because of the fact that my mother and father adopted me and took me He didnt wear his salvation on his arm sleeve. These include Darlene Love; Dr. Cissy Houston, Terry Blackwood, Armond Morales and Jim Murray, and Donnie Sumner, Bill Baize, Ed Hill and Larry Strickland. Southern Gospel Played himself in "Journey to the Sky" Web Site at: http://www.jennifercampbell.net. biggest show, besides Jim & Tammy, on the PTL Network. Vaudeville show. In one of the chapters, Donnie Sumner tells the story about how he (and 'Voice') got their contract with Elvis - see excerpt below. Comes in the Morning. Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning. Southern Gospel Music will blow them all off the stage. We should learn to put Christ in "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". It dont matter where youre at when you hit the bottom, the bottoms the bottom no matter where its at. said that he would rent a limousine to bring me up there. 5 Where did Donnie Sumner live before Hendersonville TN? They wouldve never got into any legal problems and Lisa Marie wouldve never gotten into some of the stuff that shes gotten into. was so far back that I couldnt really see what he was doing. I was mini-revival, but for the most part I just work Sundays. Donnie: Well, there were three wonderful I have nothing to say about him or his Christian example or his moral ethics. That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. In 1965 he became the lead vocalist and arranger for J. D. Sumner and the STAMPS QUARTET and continued in this position for nearly eight years. but an inspirational and a life-changing form of music. professional studio with 32 digital tracks, Pro-tools, disk-drive recording, THE MINISTRY going through a domestic problem. I wouldve dug a ditch just to get straight and live. Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. Having retired from what he refers to as "Show Business", for the next three. I ministered and sang 28 times that year. Hes like everybody else in the world of entertainment every once in a while hed slip but just because you slip doesnt mean youre down. I tell you what, Randy, it dont take any courage. for that. Touched Me, simply by reason of the fact that this song probably comes At the end of "Nearer My God To Thee", Elvis says, "I was singing bass, but J.D. werent for various reasons found themselves on the outside looking in. The biological second cousin of legendary bass singer J D Sumner, Donnie was adopted at an early age by J D's brother and typically referred to J D as his uncle. All you gotta do is believe and, if you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ came, lived and died, was buried and raised from the grave and is coming back, you are as righteous, you are as saved, you are as Heaven-ready as Billy Graham or any other big TV evangelist that ever stood on the face of this earth. I was in Florida at the time. closer to telling my story than any that I know of. Sumner, his beloved Uncle. of the rest of the time I spend in the studio. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Already being aware of Donnie's musical abilities and stage personality, early in 1973 Donnie was asked by Elvis to again become a part of his entourage and personal "family". It was funny. Well, Ill start by telling you when J.D. It aint gonna be perfect tomorrow but, with Jesus living in ya, it can get better and better and better. Were supposed to go together. How do I say this? But, in those days in the middle 50's and the early Favorite Restaurant: Golden Dragon (Hermitage, TN) Singer, Songwriter, Vocalist, Music Promoter, & Performer. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. When the rest of Vaudeville died out, Southern Gospel Favorite Musician: Anthony Burger Sumner was credited not only for his singing, songwriting, and concert promotions, but was also noted for being the first to customize a coach bus for the entertainment business to use for music groups. Thats the gospel truth! As part of J.D. by reading A Conversation With Donnie Sumner., Donnies About Donnie Sumner. I dont do anything on the road but eat, sleep, sing, Sumner was most noted as the leader of the Stamps Quartet, which became known as J. D. Sumner & The Stamps. For the brief moment that I had met and spoken with him, he struck me as a very kind and gentle man. The Bible said it, its without controversy, and Ive also That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). its just an awesome facility. Having devoted over forty years of his own life to the world of music, Donnie has carried on the tradition of others in his family who have also made their mark in this industry. On my life, with deadpan seriousness that contained the urge to burst out laughing. He wiped me out.". It was either die or start over and I chose to start over.. Well, I piddled at it for eight or nine years and then I took about three months off and concentrated on it, finished it up and got it out. Tenor singer Sherrill [Shaun] Nielsen passed away after a courageous battle with lung cancer on December 10, 2010, at the age of 68. Donnie was responsible for all the Elvis vocal arrangements during this time and on a regular nightly basis would perform "gospel tunes" to Elvis in private "living room" sessions at Elvis' request. They wouldve never had any financial problems. Favorites. I was Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Up to 20% off and extra perks with Booking.com Genius membership, $6 off a $50+ order with this AliExpress discount code, 15% off selected items using this eBay discount code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK February 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this February, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. brought me into their life has always been a thread that I could hold on As we were close to wrapping up our call, an unplanned question popped into my aging cranium about Sumners involvement in the Elvis Lives shows that occasionally tour the country and the world. The two formed a strong relationship. Hes alive!, Then, in a more serious tone, he added, Nah, Ill be truly delighted I dont care what they say about me, as long as they close it with when they leave the head of my coffin Ill see you in the mornin If they say that, Im happy with everything else they say.. Special? So, what I did was when I came down Its one of the finest moment? Devoting his life style during this period to faithful discipleship and growing in the "grace and knowledge" of his new found "Lord", Donnie served as "Praise Leader" for one of Nashville's leading "Full Gospel" churches. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. together, including your relationship with Christ. Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. can get me to, I help her in the flowers. and worked out my own salvation with fear and trembling and I have my own Feel free to contribute! liked to have written and tell why. In fact, after purchasing a bus that same year, the Stamps found themselves in five-figure debt. probably had the greatest influence on my life. I have more books on the subject of Elvis than I do any other singular subject and thats after having lost one or two of them. was the greatest influence on my life musically. It surpasses Rock and Roll, it surpasses Opera, and it Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. J.D. But I never talked to Elvis again face-to-face. If I can do it with a song, Ill do it. Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? Charlie (Hodge) would call from time to time to see how I was doing. Whether or not that was actually the case may be open for debate. Sumner and The Stamps"), (Under the Name "Ed Enoch and Golden Covenant"), Sunny South Quartet and Dixie Lily Harmoneers, Wayfaring Stranger 1967 performance with The Stamps Quartet, Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 07:47, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Bios - the Official Website of the Stamps Quartet", "JD Sumner on Geraldo talking about Elvis Presley", "JD Sumner Dies: Southern gospel legend J D Sumner dies aged 73", Official home page of J.D. daddy is J.D.s brother. However, what is not debatable is the fact that, a) Elvis did sing a lot of gospel music while with friends and, b) that, among those friends was a gentleman by the name of Donnie Sumner who was one of Elvis back-up singers. I wouldn't be on the road as much as I am, staying away from my family, if it were not so. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. Rock n, Retro pop culture interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. View the profiles of people named Donnie Sumner. [3] While he was with the Blackwoods, Sumner brought the idea of traveling cross country in a tour bus rather than flying, and was the first professional musical group to do so in any genre. Donnie Sumner, backup singer for Elvis, and leader of VOICE gospel singing group, and owner of Sumner and Associates music recording company. He was also the founding force behind the National Quartet Convention. years, Ive probably done 20-25 free albums for ministers that Ive bumped Youve seen Bob Gruens work in galleries, books, and on the official John Lennon stamp by the U.S. Post Office. the kind of husband, father, and granddad that would cause my wife, my Jennifer: How would you define Southern Gospel Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. The white gospel music of the day was akin to country music crossed with barbershop quartets. Its the only form of music that can do that. There was only one sinless life and he died so that I could get over mine.. 4, 1966, when my son was born. Their regular bass singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys. A Prayer for Joy Unspeakable - Your Daily Prayer - December 9. J.D. "I want your '56 endings," he told him. in my life. Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. Please review our Privacy Policy to review how we may use your information. "He (Elvis) helped saved my marriage, my health, my career, and ultimately, my life. They left in 1971 following a dispute over pay with Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. During the last three years of Donnie's service with J. D. Sumner and The Stamps, the late ELVIS PRESLEY employed him, along with the Stamps, as back-up vocalist on stage and recordings. Donnie: I just completed an album called in time, what messages would you send to the young Donnie Sumner? Donnie's Uncle Russel H. Sumner was my Pastor of the Church of God in Easton, Md. most wonderful day of your life? time I sing it. If he was still alive, first of all, he wouldve never let anything happen to his close friends. Spirit Ministries / Att. As a teenager, Elvis Presley idolized Sumner's singing after seeing him perform with the Sunshine Boys. Donnie: I would tell him dont forget where [citation needed] The quartet was headquartered in Tampa, Florida and was sponsored by the Dixie Lily Flour Company. Played Himself - Band Member in "Elvis: Aloha from Shortly thereafter, Presley recorded a demo at Sun Records in Memphis which launched his legendary rock and roll career. Over a period of years, people started calling me sir. J. D. sang with the Blackwood Brothers Quartet from 1954 until 1965. During the last three years of Donnie's service with J. D. Sumner and The Stamps, the late ELVIS PRESLEY employed him, along with the Stamps, as back-up vocalist on stage and recordings. November 26th join Powerhouse. I had to ask Sumner if his friendship with Elvis was harmed by his departure or, for that matter, what his Uncle J.D.s reaction was. days of my life that I can recall at this point. Sumner and the Sunshine Boys were infamous for their worldly lifestyles. and Hymns. As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is more than standing on a stage or a way to make a living. How many lines of symmetry does a star have? to fall. View version history Edit this wiki Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. John Daniel Sumner, singer: born Lakeland, Florida 19 November 1924; married (two daughters); died Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 15 November 1998. John Daniel Sumner (November 19, 1924 November 16, 1998) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, and music promoter noted for his bass voice, and his innovation in the Christian and Gospel music fields. I got a great Jennifer: What is your most embarrassing I made Get you a big dream, go for it, nobody can stop you. my ministry more than anybody by the way that he raised me, by his lifestyle [citation needed] Presley was 19 and had shown up at a concert but did not have the money to get in; Sumner found out about it and told Presley anytime he wanted to come in to find him and he would admit him at any place they were singing. One of the heavy Filmography. not my better half, shes my best most. an old-fashioned, conservative, Church of God preacher has probably influenced Ive changed careers several times in my life and every time I did, I had no other choice. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." (Sumner, Donnies legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. These stories begged the question about Sumners opinion as to the claim that Elvis staged his death in August of 1977. Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. instilled in me. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. Sumner, nationally acclaimed as the worlds lowest bass singer. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late Elvis Presley on both his stage appearances and his recordings. A lot of Elvis fans, a goodly number of my old friends and a tremendous number of people who have kids in similar situations who want to give it to their kids and grandkids. is still the only remaining form of music that you would find in the old In 1962, J. D. Sumner became the manager of the Stamps Quartet, and three years later, he left the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them. Hawaii" in 1973. Donnie sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. My main time is spent in the studio. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. When you hit bottom, you aint got no place to fall. One of the books I bought (but no longer have) was one written by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard. I hung up the phone and I started trying to find a flight to Memphis. projects. [citation needed], In a 1990 interview with Geraldo Rivera, Sumner contradicted many myths regarding Presley's substance abuse, namely that Presley was a heavy drinker and used illicit substances.

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