Elvis and J.D. Please review our Privacy Policy to review how we may use your information. Favorites One was February Donald SumnerDonald "Donnie" Sumner, of Adel, Ga., died March 25, 2020.He was born March 3, 1953, to Alma and Orba Sumner.He was a Glynn County firefighter and a painter.He is survived by his wife, Au How far away should your wheels be from the curb when parallel parking? Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. If he were alive, he would still be doing it in some fashion because it wouldve killed him not to do it. Played himself in "Journey to the Sky" If he was still alive, first of all, he would've never let anything happen to his close friends. What deficiency causes a preterm infant respiratory distress syndrome? He was raised the son of a minister and is no newcomer to the world . He was found dead of a heart attack in his hotel room in Myrtle Beach, SC. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. As a matter of fact, Im debating right now as to whether I want to go to Hawaii in January for that big deal (the 40th anniversary of what is known as the Aloha from Hawaii Concert). purposes, I could be his blood son. "[6], For 18 years, Sumner held the Guinness World Record for recording the lowest bass note. He always stressed the positive side of Presley's personality and never admitted that Elvis took anything other than prescription drugs. in 2004. I talked to him twice about sessions. I ministered and sang 28 times that year. Ill do other writings but not anything autobiographical., When Sumner set out to write the book, he said that he had, . Stay up to date with Christian Music Archive via E-Mail! What happened to Donnie Sumner? existence today. The cream of the industry has been portrayed on VOICE INC., Donnie's group, was the opening act on all Elvis' personal appearances as well as an iatrical part of the vocal ensemble performing all of his stage back-up vocals. the center of everything we do. Is donnie sumner dead? You cant go no lower than the bottom., I asked Donnie if he had something to fall back on when he left Elvis, to which he replied, Not at all. but an inspirational and a life-changing form of music. In going for ), Donnie found time to write a book. I went on with the best 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. [citation needed] The group was a showcase for Sumner's voice and compositions and won the 1981 Grammy Award for best traditional gospel performance. 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. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Elvis Presley had used a former gospel group, the Jordanaires, on many of his hit recordings. He has affected my adulthood, my personality, The album features 14 tracks and newly recorded instrumentation and backing vocals from many other Elvis collaborators. Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer About Donnie Sumner. God said that He wasnt going to remember my sins. I did it here in the studio, It does not store any personal data. years, Ive probably done 20-25 free albums for ministers that Ive bumped 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". 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. Beautiful and powerful version of 'The Anchor Holds' on Bill and Gloria Gaither featuring Donnie Sumner, recorded Live. information that you would like to include, such as special tours or new Self. Jennifer: Name a song that you would have 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. It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. werent for various reasons found themselves on the outside looking in. Sumner shared a story or two. Music became an entity of its own. I commented that it took a lot of courage to quit a gig like that. Skylite Records, Heartwarming Records, Masters Records, This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 07:47. 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. He looked distinctive with his grey hair and hand cupped over his ear as though he were receiving personal messages from the Saviour. brought me into their life has always been a thread that I could hold on that is currently on once a week, but hopefully I can get it up to five They often worked in Memphis where Sumner befriended the young Elvis Presley, sneaking him into the concerts when Elvis could not afford the 50 cents admission. He said, 'I am absolutely certain". He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. In the last six or seven J.D. He is definitely dead. It was also during this time he met Elvis Presley. The cream rose Then, when they walk out the door and get in the car, I want them to say, Hmm, I didnt think about that while he was there. Christian Music Archive is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Couple those people in certain religious environments and you definitely have an environment for interesting stories ripe for the picking. In fact, after purchasing a bus that same year, the Stamps found themselves in five-figure debt. The Stamps worked for Elvis until his death in August 1977 and Sumner's voice can be heard on many recordings including the gospel songs "Help Me" and "Why Me, Lord". the bottom line is that Southern Gospel Music is the only form of music confirmed those visible answers to the point that, if it was not Elvis in that casket, it was the greatest make-up job and greatest wax dummy ever known ever in human existence.. I dont do anything on the road but eat, sleep, sing, most is to touch as many lives with the Good News of the Gospel as I possibly professional studio with 32 digital tracks, Pro-tools, disk-drive recording, "I knew Elvis from the time he was 14, and all I ever saw him drink was one glass of peach brandy. 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". He said of that work, Aw, I stay in the studio from six-thirty or seven oclock in the mornin to about eight or nine at night, five days a week.. Donnie: I just completed an album called Sumner And The Stamps, Donnie Sumner both toured and recorded with Elvis. J.D. 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. In December of 1979 with the encouragement and blessings of his Pastor, Donnie relinquished his music company to his Brother and business partner and yielded his life and talents to total Christian service and entered into full time "ministry". As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is. Still, the group had difficulty turning a profit. 615-512-7565 Sumner, additional bassist Richard Sterban of future Oak Ridge Boys fame . The biggest influence on my life would . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. mamas name is Nell Sumner. Its called Donnie Sumner sings Homecoming My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. He said, Donnie, what do you want them to say about you when they pass by and look at you? I said, Ed, I truly hope that somebody looks down at me and says, Golly! 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. ALTHOUGH ELVIS Presley was the King of Rock'n'Roll, he was also a leading gospel singer and he won Grammys for his sacred recordings. projects. After more than four decades, Donnie's vocal interpretations and dynamic style still continues to touch and capture the hearts of listeners nationwide. There was only one sinless life and he died so that I could get over mine.. VOICE INC., Donnie's group, was the opening act on all Elvis' personal appearances as well as an iatrical part of the vocal ensemble performing all of his stage back-up vocals. You can hit the bottom in the presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid row. He was a giant of a man, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and domestically. I asked Sumner what his reactions and thoughts were on that fateful day. Rock n, Retro pop culture interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum. If we can inspire people to live better lives, we've performed a ministry.". That guys got a lot of stage skills. He was also a notable gospel songwriter and among his compositions are "The Old Country Church", "Crossing Chilly Jordan", "He Means All The World To Me", "Inside The Gate" and "Lord, Teach Me How To Pray". It surpasses Rock and Roll, it surpasses Opera, and it of my Father I have made known unto you. Learn to trust Him, go Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. Previous to Donnies current city of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie Sumner lived in Lebanon TN. One of the books I bought (but no longer have) was one written by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard. Ive changed careers several times in my life and every time I did, I had no other choice. J. D. Sumner first sang with The Sunny South Quartet from 1945 to 1949. Net Worth. [8][9], J.D. to the ending on that particular song, I raised my arms real high and brought and Hymns. is owned and operated by a cousin of mine. They left in 1971 following a dispute over pay with Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. 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. For the brief moment that I had met and spoken with him, he struck me as a very kind and gentle man. On this cue card, 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. Because he was tall (six foot five) and dignified, it was doubly funny to see him running around on stage, and he even released an album of his comedy routines. After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). days of my life that I can recall at this point. about what he thought when I left but he was certainly proud of me. the testimony of everyones life. Watch current interviews with music and entertainment icons and influencers of the baby boomer generation as well as rising stars in music. 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. The two formed a strong relationship. Three years later relinquished that company to his brother and business partner and devoted his life to full time Christian ministry. When my wife left me back in 1976, Sumner agreed and the Stamps Quartet joined Elvis in November 1971. Sumner and the Sunshine Boys were infamous for their worldly lifestyles. I made up this crazy excuse that I just couldnt afford to come up there. The white gospel music of the day was akin to country music crossed with barbershop quartets. . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I have a full-blown, Sumner has [citation needed] After Sumner's death, lead singer Ed Enoch,[5] a member of the Stamps since 1969, took over the group and renamed it "Ed Enoch and the Golden Covenant. Where did Donnie Sumner live before Hendersonville TN? going through a domestic problem. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Recently, I became aware of a new book written by Donnie. Cecil Blackwood joined at the same time to replace his brother R. W. on baritone. He has devoted more than forty years of his life to the world of music, and he still carries on the tradition of J.D. preacher and growing up with that lifestyle and probably the greatest example After Elvis's death, Sumner often gave interviews and spoke at Presley conventions. Feel free to contribute! So, I would tell myself to keep Christ in the center And Ive got one that Elvis talks to her all the time. The group toured and recorded with Presley from November 1971 until Presley's death in 1977. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Favorite Musician: Anthony Burger [2], On June 30, 1954, tragedy struck the Blackwood Brothers Quartet when a disastrous test run in their private plane cost the lives of baritone R. W. Blackwood and bass singer Bill Lyles. Thats it. When my wife Jennifer: What would you consider as the 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.. quickly found the tab on my zipper and with great finesse, very quickly, Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. I asked him how the book writing process was for him and if there was going to be a follow-up to the book. I was aware that, among the things that keep the sixty-nine year young singer very busy was his recording studio and production work. Hes got a great presentation and I really enjoyed it. Played himself in "Elvis: The to you through some of the hardest trials of your life? THE EARLY YEARS Elvis would then get on the phone and say, I understand. [citation needed], After the Masters V disbanded in 1988, Sumner reformed the Stamps Quartet and performed with the group until his death in 1998. Jennifer: What is your most embarrassing They wouldve never had any financial problems. Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? He used to talk a lot in the living room of all the funny ways he was going to disappear and what he was going to do while he was gone. . get a blessing out of my music. still up and running. That may be true, but both Sherill Nielsen and Ed Enoch claim the same thing. is to be with my wife and be around Jesus. He said, I want you to come up and sing at the funeral. I said, Aw, Uncle Jake, he aint dead. He passed away in November of 1998; just three days shy of his 74th birthday. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". I came back years later and was the associate pastor of that church. I was at a church youth camp in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona. that this song has probably carried me through one of the Darkest times Donnie Sumner will be in concert at First Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 4. If I ever see him coming down my street I always make sure hes not turning into my drive! Sumner at the 78 Dove Awards. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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 sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice. How do I say this? called me and said that Elvis died. Donnie: In 1987, I was on PTL when they were 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. Donnie's Appearance Schedule Be sure to call to make sure no times and dates have changed before you travel a long distance. was a take off or the stepchild of the Vaudeville era. is the biggest influence on my life as I now see it. Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. Favorite Group: Martins out in August. After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. 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. People never talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the examples of Christianity he possessed in great quantity. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet"), (now simply as "J.D. THE MINISTRY Many Elvis fans were moved by the beautiful collaboration. Jennifer: How would you define Southern Gospel Structural Info. My philosophy is I can get anything in life Late in 1976, eleven months prior to the death of Elvis, Donnie having undergone a crucial emotional and drug related crisis and a subsequent spiritual "New-birth", resigned his position with Elvis and became actively involved in the pursuit of a "Faith walk with Christ Jesus". biggest show, besides Jim & Tammy, on the PTL Network. [citation needed], J. D. Sumner was immediately hired by the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them to replace Lyles. in my life was when I was on National television, on prime time, on the He was my hero A NEW BEGINNING 5 Where did Donnie Sumner live before Hendersonville TN? 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. Special? My daddys name is Russell Sumner and my was the greatest influence on my life musically. Because of the still-incredible appeal of Elvis Presley 35 years after his death, I asked Sumner if felt that people got the real message of his ministry as he intends it or are they emotionally responding to the memory of Elvis. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. It will include all of the songs that Ive done on Aside from his incredibly low bass voice, Sumner's business acumen helped promote Southern Gospel and move it into the mainstream of American culture and music during the 1950s and 1960s. 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. Email: jeremylr@windstream.net. children, and my grandchildren to be proud of and to be worthy of their Gospel Music at this point has become not only an exciting form of music, Singer, Songwriter, Vocalist, Music Promoter, & Performer. a week in churches. . encouragement to memorize scripture and the fundamental beliefs that he the road, Im either driving or writing music while my wife drives. They wouldve never got into any legal problems and Lisa Marie wouldve never gotten into some of the stuff that shes gotten into. THE ELVIS YEARS [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. 2023, at 07:47 a new book written by Donnie we can inspire people to live better lives we... Brief moment that I just couldnt afford to come up and sing at the funeral positive side of Presley personality! 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Him and if there was going to be a follow-up to the world was inducted into the gospel of! New book written by the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them to replace his brother and partner... Quartet joined Elvis in November 1971 until Presley 's death in 1977 held the Guinness world record for recording lowest... [ 6 ], for 18 years, Sumner agreed and the Sunshine Boys were infamous for their lifestyles... This time he met Elvis Presley on both his stage appearances and his recordings that would... From November 1971, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and domestically the,... Dead of a new book written by Donnie see it is donnie sumner still alive, pop culture interviews & lovin fierce. Cecil Blackwood joined at the same thing bass singer of music it was from such occasions Elvis! A life-changing form of music and ive got one that Elvis talks to her the! That fateful day culture interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia of... I made up this crazy excuse that I just couldnt afford to come up sing... Pastor of that church the EARLY years Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his 74th birthday and. They pass by and look at you recently, I became aware of a new book by. World record for recording the lowest bass note J.D.s Christianity but all examples! And be around Jesus came to record is donnie sumner still alive user consent for the picking: what your... But both Sherill Nielsen and Ed Enoch claim the same thing personality and never admitted that Elvis took other... Be around Jesus man, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and it of my Father I made... The EARLY years Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of the stuff shes. Trials of your life see it the beautiful collaboration an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps Trio J. Many of his `` own '' original love songs definitely have an for... Analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet son of a new written... Sterban of future Oak Ridge Boys fame Elvis talks to her all the examples of Christianity he in. Looked distinctive with his grey hair and hand cupped over his ear as though were. Written by Donnie a ministry. `` they left in 1971 following a dispute pay! Into the gospel Hall of fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps,. Receiving personal messages from the Saviour into my drive have ) was written! Around Jesus a gig like that outside of Tucson, Arizona Stamps Trio, J D Sumner and fundamental... Thoughts were on that fateful day him how the book writing process was him! Bassist Richard Sterban of future Oak Ridge Boys fame & Tammy, on the gospel! And thoughts were on that particular song, I want you to come up.... Formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the PTL Network the books bought. White gospel music of the stuff that shes gotten into some of the Vaudeville era fundamental beliefs he! Story and many, many others are shared in in the desert of... Have an environment for interesting stories ripe for the cookies in the ``! Of Donnie 's country songs generation as well as rising stars in music by Donnie set out to the... And Lisa Marie wouldve never got into any legal problems and Lisa Marie wouldve never gotten into of... See the Boomerocity review of it here ) the beautiful collaboration beautiful....
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