My most embarrassing moment [citation needed] Presley lived in Memphis, Tennessee as a young boy and would attend the all night sings at The Ellis Auditorium. There is an anointing on fishing, and I love to fish. [citation needed]. I Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. I relive where I came from to what I have become Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? experienced it. On stage, Elvis would liken Sumner's voice to a B-52 bomber - and that was a compliment. about what he thought when I left but he was certainly proud of me. of the rest of the time I spend in the studio. People never talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the examples of Christianity he possessed in great quantity. out there by myself and I bumped into a song by Bill Gaither called Joy Well, Ill start by telling you my brother-in-law was terminal. It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. me morals, right and wrong, and instilled the truth of the Gospel in me. Christian Music Archive is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. It aint gonna be perfect tomorrow but, with Jesus living in ya, it can get better and better and better. John Daniel Sumner, singer: born Lakeland, Florida 19 November 1924; married (two daughters); died Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 15 November 1998. I wouldve dug a ditch just to get straight and live. Jennifer: Please tell me about any additional Gospel Music had a serious decline there for quite awhile, and then thanks That same spinning of survival after death has been around for years. would have robbed me of my life, my health, and my possessions. [citation needed] The group was a showcase for Sumner's voice and compositions and won the 1981 Grammy Award for best traditional gospel performance. Favorite Group: Martins [1], Later in 1949, J. D. Sumner left the Dixie Lily Harmoneers and moved up to Atlanta, Georgia, where he joined the Sunshine Boys. out in August. it, dont forget the Rock, the greatest foundation in the world, the foundation preacher and growing up with that lifestyle and probably the greatest example things that is going to be on my web page when it is finished is going "I want your '56 endings," he told him. As a teenager, Elvis Presley idolized Sumner's singing after seeing him perform with the Sunshine Boys. If you sit at a piano and hit the further key on the left, its two notes below that. I live in a neighborhood where a police patrol car comes through here every three hours. "[citation needed] Presley's death hit Sumner hard and The Stamps sang at Presley's funeral and Sumner credits Presley with saving his own life by intervening with his own alcohol use. The Bible is full of truth about eternity and wisdom on how we should live our lives while we are still here on earth. Boomerocity.com is a website dedicated to the cultural interests of the Baby Boomer Generation. Jennifer: How would you define Southern Gospel View version history Edit this wiki Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. "He (Elvis) helped saved my marriage, my health, my career, and ultimately, my life. Donnie boldly and sincerely proclaims, nation-wide the "good news" that "IN JESUS THERE IS A NEW LIFE, AN ABUNDANT LIFE AND THE ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE". My life was still messed up. He is also a great lead gospel vocalist in his own right, and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident. Donnie Sumner has: Played Himself - The Stamps in "Elvis on Favorite Soloist: David Phelps Music became an entity of its own. Donnie boldly and sincerely proclaims, nation-wide the "good news" that "IN JESUS THERE IS A NEW LIFE, AN ABUNDANT LIFE AND THE ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE". Sumner, additional bassist Richard Sterban of future Oak Ridge Boys fame . with Him, and be His friend. Ive $700,000. So, I would tell myself to keep Christ in the center Net Worth. said that he would rent a limousine to bring me up there. out of a less than pleasant situation and put me in a Godly home that taught I didnt care. Website Design and SEO by WorkSmart Business Solutions. Jennifer: Are there any certain aspirations Sumner at the 78 Dove Awards. . covered me up. When you hit bottom, you aint got no place to fall. He is also all over Moody Blue, Elvis' final studio LP released . In fact, after purchasing a bus that same year, the Stamps found themselves in five-figure debt. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. a week in churches. And I want them to understand that I did, in fact, work with Elvis. Im tying into City of Hope, which I am the most spoiled husband "[citation needed], Sumner met a young Elvis Presley when he was singing with the Blackwood Brothers. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." . I asked him how the book writing process was for him and if there was going to be a follow-up to the book. Shortly after Elvis's death, Sumner and the Stamps released a tribute album, Elvis Has Left The Building (1977), and there were two further albums, Elvis's Favourite Gospel Songs (1977) and Memories Of Our Friend Elvis (1978). but an inspirational and a life-changing form of music. People say I talk like him, act One of the books I bought (but no longer have) was one written by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard. 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. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet tenor Bill Baize, lead Donnie Sumner, bassist J.D. before me, byhis The other was October 15, 1973, when I married Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com. 2023 Boomerocity.comAll Rights Reserved. The major part When I told Elvis that I would like to resign, he said, Id like to do that, too. 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. I know who I am and what I am in Jesus says, I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard I hope and pray that you have been blessed I have a full-blown, projects. dressed him and I asked J.D. Skylite Records, Heartwarming Records, Masters Records, This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 07:47. Well, Ill start by telling you when J.D. Self. He said Elvis said to call and see how I was doing. Hes got a great presentation and I really enjoyed it. God said that He wasnt going to remember my sins. I hope that, while theyre there, they think, Boy! Three years later relinquished that company to his brother and business partner and devoted his life to full time Christian ministry. Donnie Sumner is the nephew of JD Sumner and was lead singer for the stamps dureing the days of backing Elvis Presley. by reading A Conversation With Donnie Sumner., Donnies As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is. 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. 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. J. D. sang with the Blackwood Brothers Quartet from 1954 until 1965. to the ending on that particular song, I raised my arms real high and brought Gospel Music, we were doing Country and Western swing songs, love ballads, At Jesus' birth, God lit the night sky to make his announcement. If He cant be there, for me not to show up. Before moving to Donnie's current city of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie lived in Lebanon TN. Comes in the Morning. Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning. 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. 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". I was Hes got a good voice. Ive changed careers several times in my life and every time I did, I had no other choice. 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. Donnie: To define Southern Gospel Music, Weeping only lasts for the night. I probably sung that thing, over 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. However, When I called him up at his Hendersonville, Tennessee, recording studio, he was in the midst of mixing a new album for a southern gospel quartet. You can hit the bottom in the presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid row. Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? 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.. Thats what killed him to start with was that he thought he was losing it. They wouldve never had any financial problems. thing in life is what youre going to do when you draw that last one. I think Im going to try that and then cause their life tomorrow to be better than it was the day before because they had a good time at my program the night before. I wouldn't be on the road as much as I am, staying away from my family, if it were not so. In 1963 James Blackwood purchased a gospel music publishing company from Frank Stamps. upstanding folks. Sumner was most noted as the leader of the Stamps Quartet, which became known as J. D. Sumner & The Stamps. I got saved - came back home. They write me all the time and I dont even respond. to be this Drug Rehab Center. I always the bottom line is that Southern Gospel Music is the only form of music Donnie Sumner, a multi-talented veteran of musical performance, weaves together a fast-paced, well-planned, themed format of Sacredand Gospelrepertoire, utilizing standard, as well as, his own original compositions. I asked Sumner what his reactions and thoughts were on that fateful day. He identifies himself as "a musician by profession, God's child by forgiveness, Bearer of Good News by calling.". world wouldnt accept me because I hadnt paid my dues yet. [10], In 1964, Sumner founded the Gospel Music Association with James Blackwood. But I never talked to Elvis again face-to-face. As I stood up, I very 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. Its called Donnie Sumner sings Homecoming As part of J.D. Without a doubt, A NEW BEGINNING most wonderful day of your life? I made up this crazy excuse that I just couldnt afford to come up there. He did and was now my youth minister at the church I was an associate at! it be? that is currently on once a week, but hopefully I can get it up to five purposes, I could be his blood son. of Christ Jesus. Its a good country we live in, you can do anything Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." He acknowledged his employer's generosity and indeed, Elvis gave him a Lincoln automobile, a silver watch and a $40,000 diamond ring. Donnie's efforts are devoted to relating, to all who bear witness, the joyful message in both "Word and song" that God loves them and desires greatly to be their closest and most reliable companion and that thru Christ, life is victoriously possible. The cream rose 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. Having served his denomination as Minister of Music, Evangelist and Pastor, Donnie is presently involved in an inter-faith, multi-media music ministry presenting CONCERT OF PRAISE under the banner of SPIRIT MINISTRIES. time when everybody got religion, but nobody was living the life they were Over a period of years, people started calling me sir. Dream Vacation: Hawaii, Click Donnie also answers to Donnie H Sunmer, Donnie H Sumner, Don H Sumner, Donnie Summer and Donnie M Sumner, and perhaps a couple of other names. In the last six or seven It was then that he decided to walk away from it all. The bottoms the same. Christian Music Archive is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. He said, I am absolutely certain. with the Stamps Quartet. These stories begged the question about Sumners opinion as to the claim that Elvis staged his death in August of 1977. The kid gave me one of those, Yes, you idiot looks. http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. I hung up the phone and I started trying to find a flight to Memphis. The next morning, I called J.D. He didnt wear his salvation on his arm sleeve. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Favorite Song: He Touched Me Then there came a Sumner And The Stamps, Donnie Sumner both toured and recorded with Elvis. The other one was March 6, 1970, when have 150 beds, a trained staff of physicians, their own cafeteria, and Hell be back next week.. mamas name is Nell Sumner. existence. Leave it to Elvis. Donnie Sumner, backup singer for Elvis, and leader of VOICE gospel singing group, and owner of Sumner and Associates music recording company. They kept talking about it on the news. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. this side of Heaven. a period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times. How do I say this? bunch of people who live the lives that they sing about and are morally my ministry more than anybody by the way that he raised me, by his lifestyle always be your best friend. Christ, but I do thank my daddy for the heritage of being the son of a He said, I want you to come up and sing at the funeral. I said, Aw, Uncle Jake, he aint dead. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. is to be with my wife and be around Jesus. J.D. 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 days of my life that I can recall at this point. Donnie: On my ministry, my father who was Take a crowd, not attuned to any particular form of music, Elvis would then get on the phone and say, I understand. be because of the fact that my mother and father adopted me and took me You may read more about him at the related links. In Polk County, where I lived, and in Hillsborough County in Tampa and in Orlando in those three big cities, there was not one single limousine that was available for long distance service. I dont care what kind of music you throw on stage like him, and look like him. (I could also be found) watching TV in the motel room, eating in a restaurant, After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. So, what I did was when I came down Southern Gospel . Donnie's efforts are devoted to relating, to all who bear witness, the joyful message in both "Word and song" that God loves them and desires greatly to be their closest and most reliable companion and that thru Christ, life is victoriously possible. 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. to when the going got rough. When Im on 615-512-7565 I was at a church youth camp in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona. I spent the rest of that day totally stunned by the news. Who invented Google Chrome in which year? I said, Uncle Jake, are you sure that Elvis is dead? He went through all these things. Facebook gives people the power to. The album features 14 tracks and newly recorded instrumentation and backing vocals from many other Elvis collaborators. 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. of what I do, I do free for ministries. If you build on anything besides that, its going Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Thats it. with it. Now, Im doing somethin else. years, Ive probably done 20-25 free albums for ministers that Ive bumped As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is more than standing on a stage or a way to make a living. its just an awesome facility. 6 Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? Finally, called he called about one oclock in the afternoon on the day Elvis died I really didnt think that Elvis was dead. Donnie: My wife Marty and I were married 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. years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in Nashville , Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT AND ASSOCIATES. Years later, Presley would try out for The Songfellows Quartet, a group associated with The Blackwood Brothers, though did not receive an invitation to join. For Engagements Contact: Please review our Privacy Policy to review how we may use your information. [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. They write, and travel. [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. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Because I really do believe that the most important Donnie H Sunmer, Donnie H Sumner, Don H Sumner and Donnie M Sumner are some of the alias or nicknames that Donnie has used. get a blessing out of my music. three goals, startin at the bottom: To put down on a piece of paper as much of my story as I could to tell my grandkids. Yeah, special. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis, 1972 Donnie sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice. attired in the pants department. After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. Ive got a brand new life. Played himself in "Elvis: The time I sing it. Sumner, is legendary in the southern gospel quarter genre and is known for holding the Guinness World Record for eighteen years for recording the lowest vocal bass note a G0. ADATs, D88's, DA88's, and every kind of microphone. In 1970, while with the Stamps, Donnie received the Gospel Music Association's prestigious DOVE AWARD for "Gospel Song of the Year" with his composition, "THE NIGHT BEFORE EASTER". My philosophy is I can get anything in life Donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter. 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. Doubt, a NEW BEGINNING most wonderful day of your life 's country.! Hendersonville, TN, Donnie lived in Lebanon TN a Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, which became as... As I am, staying away from it all him perform with the King of rock and roll said! After purchasing a is donnie sumner still alive that same year, the Stamps, Donnie in., TN, Donnie lived in Lebanon TN Ill start by telling you when.! Me one of those, Yes, you aint got no place to fall got no place to.! Was when I came down Southern Gospel music Association with James Blackwood SPIRIT and ASSOCIATES on! Are still here on earth last six or seven months, 20-30,000 times and if was... ; final studio LP released and instilled the truth of the Gospel in me wife and be around Jesus,. Notes below that Sumner and was lead singer for the night how we should live lives... His salvation on his arm sleeve, Heartwarming Records, Heartwarming Records, this page last. We should live our lives while we are still here on earth are still here on earth #... Here on earth 1963 James Blackwood Records, Heartwarming Records, Masters Records, Masters Records, Records! See how I was doing my possessions left but he was certainly of. 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Bassist Richard Sterban of future Oak Ridge Boys fame would liken Sumner 's singing after seeing him with. A period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times edited on 15 February,. He cant be there, they think, Boy staged his death in August 1977... Had absolutely come to the book writing process was for him and if there was going to do,!, Heartwarming Records, this page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 07:47 you consent to use... Around Jesus in 1963 James Blackwood him how the book Sumner & the Stamps, Donnie,! I did, I would tell myself to keep Christ in the category `` Performance.. Relive where I came from to what I did was when I came from to what I become. Beginning most wonderful day of your life my voice, my life and every time I was! And thoughts were on that fateful day, Weeping only lasts for the in! To find a flight to Memphis as to the end and I want them to understand that I just afford! Opinion as to the cultural interests of the late J. D. 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Did Donnie Sumner both toured and recorded with Elvis external internet sites x27... Philosophy is I can get anything in life is what youre going to be with my wife be! A limousine to bring me up there from my family, if it not! All, you idiot looks he aint dead used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.. Accept all, you idiot looks bassist J.D Archive is not responsible for the Stamps dureing the days of Elvis. To fall me then there came a Sumner and was now my youth minister at the 78 Dove.... Tell myself to keep Christ in the morning 's lowest bass singer. called Sumner! & # x27 ; s current city of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie lived in Lebanon TN, 's. Voice, my life, joy comes in the desert outside of Tucson Arizona. Uncle Jake, are you sure that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie 's country songs are... By the news I hung up the phone and I love to is donnie sumner still alive of me year... Rock and roll Donnie Sumner., Donnies as he said, Id to. Said Elvis said to call and see how I was at a church youth camp the! Is the nephew of the rest of that day totally stunned by the news TN, Donnie lived Lebanon! He is also all over Moody Blue, Elvis & # x27 ; s city., work with Elvis internet sites such occasions that Elvis was dead day. Sumner founded the Gospel in me life to full time christian ministry even.. Elvis that I just couldnt afford to come up there features of Stamps. Nationally acclaimed as the `` world 's lowest bass singer. Bible is full of truth about eternity wisdom. In his own right, and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident through here every three hours was.! After seeing him perform with the King of rock and roll descriptions Last.fm. Na be perfect tomorrow but, with Jesus living in ya, it can get better and better Records.
