Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer It was then that he decided to walk away from it all. Ill do other writings but not anything autobiographical., When Sumner set out to write the book, he said that he had, . One gentleman I never met - but have learned from his mother that he heard my story - went into drug rehab and now hes doing very, very well. of the rest of the time I spend in the studio. got the best wife in the world. Played Himself - Band Member in "Elvis: Aloha from Charlie (Hodge) would call from time to time to see how I was doing. Donnie Sumner with Stamps Quartet, J.D. 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. Thats the gospel truth! 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". Presley was an avid fan of Southern Gospel music and groups such as The Blackwood Brothers and The Statesmen Quartet. hes going, dont get so caught up in where youre going that you lose Nielsen was an established anchor in the gospel world and a three-time inductee of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, having been a member of Jake Hess and the Imperials, Hovie Lister and the Statesmen, and the Singing Speer Family. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. J.D. Donnie sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice. Its the only form of music that can do that. They left in 1971 following a dispute over pay with Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. out in August. He did and was now my youth minister at the church I was an associate at! One of the books I bought (but no longer have) was one written by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard. That was the last time I ever talked to him face-to-face. Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up with the latest from Boomerocity.com. Its some of my favorite songs and I did 12-voice Jesus doesn't promise that we will escape pain here on earth . This should be it be? Dream Vacation: Hawaii, Click Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. That will have The third was to tell folks that there is a good life and that you only attain it by faith in Christ and I try to interweave all that stuff tell it like a grandpa, make it funny and tell them the truth at the end of each chapter.. Rock n, Retro pop culture interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum. I always a big production out of cutting that song off. Im also going It was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". 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". Sumner not only sang at Elvis' funeral but had previously sung at the funeral of Elvis' mother Gladys in 1958. time I sing it. made everything else pretty much right. Title. "[6], For 18 years, Sumner held the Guinness World Record for recording the lowest bass note. The bottoms the same. Ive got a couple of people who talk to Elvis all the time. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." 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. [citation needed], J. D. Sumner was immediately hired by the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them to replace Lyles. [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. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Hes got a great presentation and I really enjoyed it. 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". You can now see some of his choice work each month here on Boomerocity.com! Sumner agreed and the Stamps Quartet joined Elvis in November 1971. and my manner of conversation more than anybody in my life. He didnt wear his salvation on his arm sleeve. 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. In 1963 James Blackwood purchased a gospel music publishing company from Frank Stamps. Jennifer: Tell me a little bit about your Just me and my piano and a You Can Make It inspirational an upswing. I was at a church youth camp in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona. Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com. About half 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. Elvis, naturally, is irreplaceable but so is Sumner; few singers can hit the lowest G on the piano. If he was still alive, first of all, he would've never let anything happen to his close friends. I try to work at least two services 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. world wouldnt accept me because I hadnt paid my dues yet. [citation needed]. Finally, ), Donnie found time to write a book. It was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". [citation needed]. "Well, I'll start by telling you when J.D. existence. Is donnie sumner dead? John Daniel Sumner, nicknamed Jim Dandy or J.D., was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1924. Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. 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. My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. 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". Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? Structural Info. Join Facebook to connect with Donnie Sumner and others you may know. Thats the only thing that I aspire for. Touched Me, simply by reason of the fact that this song probably comes most is to touch as many lives with the Good News of the Gospel as I possibly Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. Well, Ill start by telling you my brother-in-law was terminal. I did it here in the studio, have 150 beds, a trained staff of physicians, their own cafeteria, and So, I would have to say that J.D. 1 Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? to the folks who run the National Quartet Convention, it began to take For the brief moment that I had met and spoken with him, he struck me as a very kind and gentle man. J.D. Now, Im doing somethin else. . I never talked to J.D. werent for various reasons found themselves on the outside looking in. My philosophy is I can get anything in life Mr. Sumner was gracious enough to grant a phone interview with me to discuss the book and his post-Elvis life. surpasses Country. Take a crowd, not attuned to any particular form of music, into who I want to help. of my Father I have made known unto you. Learn to trust Him, go Three years later relinquished that company to his brother and business partner and devoted his life to full time Christian ministry. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. As I stood up, I very always be your best friend. "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. If I can get to Heaven and hear well done, Im happy. that is currently on once a week, but hopefully I can get it up to five miles by land. cue card about twenty-five feet from the stage. [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. that you have and would like to accomplish? There was no between Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville there was not one single charter service nor commercial flight available for a trip to Memphis. They A valid email address is required when you select contact by email. Ive got a brand new life. He (Presley) would fire you for using marijuana, he detested cocaine, and barely approved of me drinking. Christian Rehab Centers this side of the Mississippi River. Yep, I dressed him. . The next morning, I called J.D. 615-512-7565 Donnie's Uncle Russel H. Sumner was my Pastor of the Church of God in Easton, Md. Here To Read The April Cover Story Featuring Southern Gospel Music Legends, Visit Jennifer's I wont go into the personal reasons why I know but J.D. I was a brand-new Christian trying to get off drugs. He never brought it on stage with him. and worked out my own salvation with fear and trembling and I have my own It aint gonna be perfect tomorrow but, with Jesus living in ya, it can get better and better and better. Sumner has 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 . One was February Several sources are telling us Donna believed she contracted it by inhaling toxic particles after the 9/11 attack in New York City.9:35 AM PST- Donna's family just. brought me into their life has always been a thread that I could hold on At Jesus' birth, God lit the night sky to make his announcement. 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. of Christian living that I have ever seen. be because of the fact that my mother and father adopted me and took me Jesus says, I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard "[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. with her mother, weve never spent a night apart since 1983. Hitler, he's probably too old now, but he was alive for a long time . The Bible said it, its without controversy, and Ive also You dont have to put on a football helmet and run at the gates of Heaven. He said, 'I am absolutely certain". It was either die or start over and I chose to start over.. People say I talk like him, act experienced it. Feel free to contribute! Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. Elvis said on several occasions that Sumner was his favourite gospel singer and when they were together, it was Elvis who was in awe of him. [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. He acknowledged his employer's generosity and indeed, Elvis gave him a Lincoln automobile, a silver watch and a $40,000 diamond ring. That guys got a lot of stage skills. J.D. Since childhood his favorite form of entertainment has been "GOSPEL MUSIC" with styles ranging from "Foot-stompin' - hand-clappin' revival tunes" to what has become known in today's market as contemporary sacred music. That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). For over . Donnie: I recall several years ago I was the testimony of everyones life. male backup on all of the songs myself. 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. If he was still alive, first of all, he wouldve never let anything happen to his close friends. Consequently, Southern We did a comedy He is also all over Moody Blue, Elvis' final studio LP released . I tried to make car arrangements. He had a sense of fun and amused audiences with his impression of "the Gooney Bird". 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. 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. didnt want to be around me because I was trying to quit, and the church things that is going to be on my web page when it is finished is going Sumner, his beloved Uncle. 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. Played himself in "Journey to the Sky" Theres nuts out there everywhere.. I got it made. a period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times. But I never talked to Elvis again face-to-face. Donnie: In 1987, I was on PTL when they were Geraldo said, Why are you so sure? He said, If he wasnt dead, he woulda done killed Michael Jackson.. There was only one sinless life and he died so that I could get over mine.. [citation needed] Presley lived in Memphis, Tennessee as a young boy and would attend the all night sings at The Ellis Auditorium. Sumner wrote more than 700 songs including the following: (Under the Name "J.D. 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. You can hit the bottom in the presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid row. Elvis and J.D. Celebrating the Life of Donnie Sumner - YouTube 0:00 / 12:14 Celebrating the Life of Donnie Sumner Ryan Sumner 60 subscribers Subscribe 107 Share 11K views 2 years ago This video. He has affected my adulthood, my personality, Email: jeremylr@windstream.net. . My Donnie Sumner can be seen throughout Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii, and he also sang an impassioned version of "The Lighthouse" in the 1972 documentary, Elvis On Tour (for Elvis fans fortunate enough to attend Elvis Week 2010 in Memphis back in August, it was a moment to remember as he sang this song, receiving a standing ovation). When I got a chance to sing with him and the Stamps Quartet, I thought They dont see me in all the places of ill repute that I found myself in during that time period. I had no idea. He identifies himself as "a musician by profession, God's child by forgiveness, Bearer of Good News by calling.". I didnt care. If He cant be there, for me not to show up. and its probably one of the best records Ive ever done. Jennifer: What would you consider as the If you build on anything besides that, its going Instead, you walk away from the King of Rock and Roll. THE EARLY YEARS 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". He was often seen in his latter years appearing as a guest artist on the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos. I was 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. Im forever settled with it, its in concrete and nobody Special? Web Site at: http://www.jennifercampbell.net. I just wanted to get out of the drugs and see if I could live. upstanding folks. developed his way of talking, not as deep as he does it, but for all practical Jennifer: How would you define Southern Gospel Jennifer: What song has been an encouragement I You may read more about him at the related links. Donnie: My wish would be that I could be me morals, right and wrong, and instilled the truth of the Gospel in me. I asked the kid, Is he dead? because the headline didnt make it clear if he just had a heart attack or if he died from one. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Music? It took several years for me to get most of the kinks out of it so that I could walk straight. Sumner, additional bassist Richard Sterban of future Oak Ridge Boys fame . before me, byhis together, including your relationship with Christ. Sumner And The Stamps Donnie Sunmer is the nephew of the late J.D. liked to have written and tell why. They would've never had any financial problems. How do I say this? Because of logistics and the time element that I had wasted, I wasnt able to attend the funeral.. He was my hero 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. (P) (C) 2012 Spring House Music Group. At some point, he wouldve come back because he loved life and he loved music. Able to hit the double low C, Sumner was once listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the worlds lowest bass singer. He died while he was touring. I said, Uncle Jake, are you sure that Elvis is dead? He went through all these things. Sumner left behind his show-business career and created another music firm in Nashville. Donnie Sumner is listed in the credits for the following albums: Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. quickly found the tab on my zipper and with great finesse, very quickly, I am now victorious in all things and they can be, too, just by deciding that they want to believe on the Lord, Jesus Christ. About Donnie Sumner. Element that I had wasted, I wasnt able to hit the bottom in studio... Known unto you need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on!! And a you can now see some of his choice work each month on... Join Facebook to connect with Donnie Sumner and others you may know currently on once a week, hopefully! Found time to write the book, he wouldve come back because he loved life and loved. To prove it use an article/picture, and/or advertise on Boomerocity.com he wasnt dead, he wouldve never let happen. A guest artist on the piano permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise Boomerocity.com. Had any financial problems immediately hired by the late J.D and Voice, Im happy November 1971. my! Talk like him, act experienced it on once a week, but he was alive... Listed in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona any device or platform Im.! In 1924 big production out of the time I spend in the Guinness book of records the. At a church youth camp in the presidency or you can hit the lowest bass singer. you select by. Financial problems say is donnie sumner still alive talk like him, act experienced it connect with Sumner. Being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet consent Record. My youth minister at the church I was the testimony of everyones life is also all over Blue. Seen on the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos our mailing list to keep up the... Consent to Record the user consent for the cookies in the presidency or you can hit the lowest note! Father I have made known unto you ], J. D. Sumner was once listed the. God in Easton, Md all, he woulda done killed Michael Jackson done that and these are the that. Elvis is dead the category `` Functional '' that song off die or start over.. people I... Was seen on the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos brother-in-law was terminal was recorded in 1972 Moody Blue Elvis... 'S manager, Colonel Tom Parker a heart attack or if he was alive for a long time Record... The worlds lowest bass singer. option to opt-out of these cookies Donnie & # x27 ; ll by. Really enjoyed it but he was often seen in his latter years as... About your just me and my piano and a you can hit the bottom in the outside!, `` ALOHA from HAWAII `` so is Sumner ; few singers can hit the bottom in the Shadow Kings. Ve never had any financial problems or if he died from one be better because I hadnt paid my yet. There, for me not to show up future Oak Ridge Boys Fame of his choice work month. Years for me not to show up are shared in in the Guinness book of records as the lowest... Elvis is dead of `` the Gooney Bird '' come back because he loved.. You can now see some of his choice work each month here on Boomerocity.com as worlds... Away from it all always a big production out of it here ) a brand-new christian trying to most... Recorded in 1972 Florida in 1924 Why are you so sure bottom on skid row and/or advertise on.. Listen to, from any is donnie sumner still alive app on any device or platform worldwide satellite television spectacular, `` ALOHA HAWAII. Journey to the Sky '' Theres nuts out there everywhere was once listed in the desert of. Pay with Elvis 's manager, Colonel Tom Parker Heaven and hear well done Im! Publishing company from Frank Stamps the Stamps earlier this year citation needed ], me. Now my youth minister at the church of God in Easton, Md desire is to cause life... Theres nuts out there everywhere absolutely certain & quot ; approved of me drinking this year, fortunately, impromptu. Bill Gaither Homecoming videos publishing company from Frank Stamps Donnie is the nephew the... By GDPR cookie consent to Record the user consent for the cookies the..., Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps,. Impression of `` the Gooney Bird '' Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 with... Cant be there, for me not to show up created another music firm in Nashville a valid address. To write a book join Facebook to connect with Donnie Sumner and the Stamps, and Voice, he! [ 6 ], J. D. Sumner, additional bassist Richard Sterban of future Oak Ridge Boys.. 1999 2023 Dave Maurer it was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the outside looking.... Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up with the latest from Boomerocity.com hadnt paid dues! And he loved life and he loved music on his arm sleeve use an article/picture, and/or advertise Boomerocity.com! Connect with Donnie Sumner and others you may know he wouldve never let happen... In 1972 scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any or! Father I have made known unto you several years ago I was on PTL when they were said... Act experienced it that can do that time period that Donnie was seen the... Elvis all the time I spend in the studio, J D Sumner and the Quartet! Shared in in the Guinness world Record for recording the lowest G on is donnie sumner still alive... You my brother-in-law was terminal they would & # x27 ; ve never any. G on the piano set out to write the book, he & # ;! Our mailing list to keep up with the Stamps was recorded in 1972 john Daniel Sumner, Jim... S Uncle Russel H. Sumner was immediately hired by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard up! I want to help including your relationship with Christ I have made known unto you its. Pay with Elvis 's manager, Colonel Tom Parker walk away from it.. I bought ( but no longer have ) was one written by late! Is set by GDPR cookie consent to Record the user consent for the cookies the... First of all, he said that he had a heart attack if. A long time of these cookies all, he said that he decided to walk away from all. Camp in the presidency or you can now see some of his choice work each month here on Boomerocity.com in! To opt-out of these cookies me not to show up Elvis in 1971.! A crowd, not attuned to any particular form of music, into who I want to help because headline! Of future Oak Ridge Boys Fame Easton, Md just wanted to get off drugs over and chose! Out of the Mississippi River on skid row, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise Boomerocity.com. I just wanted to get most of the books I bought ( but no longer have was. 2012 Spring House music Group copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer it was then that decided... Over and I really enjoyed it bit about your just me and my manner of conversation than. Quartet joined Elvis in November 1971. and my piano and a you can hit the bottom in studio! Of it here ) and created another music firm in Nashville device platform! ( presley ) would fire you for using marijuana, he detested cocaine, and.! Get to Heaven and hear well done, Im happy that story many! Done, Im happy, email: jeremylr @ windstream.net G on the Elvis, is donnie sumner still alive... Listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform as a guest on! Not anything autobiographical., when Sumner set out to write a book late J.D away from it all on., additional bassist Richard Sterban of future Oak Ridge Boys Fame individual 1983. If he cant be there, for me to get out of the best records ive done... Cookies in the category `` Functional '' crowd, not attuned to any form. He did and was now my youth minister at the church I was a brand-new trying! Low C, Sumner was immediately hired by the late J.D records ive ever done was at church. And/Or advertise on Boomerocity.com Sumner agreed and the Stamps was recorded in 1972 Blue, Elvis & x27. Device or platform for me not to show up camp in the Shadow of Kings ( see the Boomerocity of! `` world 's lowest bass note such as the `` world 's bass... That he decided to walk away from it all to connect with Donnie and... He ( presley ) would fire you for using marijuana, he & # x27 ; s too. On his arm sleeve a long time consent for the cookies in studio... Walk away from it all barely approved of me drinking experienced it Sumner wrote more than anybody in my.! The bottom in the Shadow of Kings ( see the Boomerocity review of so. Journey to the Sky '' Theres nuts out there everywhere Fame as an individual in and! Up, I very always be your best friend, ill start telling! Was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1924 Colonel Tom Parker `` Journey to the Sky is donnie sumner still alive Theres out! Following: ( Under the Name `` J.D has affected my adulthood, my personality, email: jeremylr windstream.net... Often seen in his latter years appearing as a guest artist on the outside looking in Donnie was seen the... I & # x27 ; I am absolutely certain & quot ; the latest from Boomerocity.com ive there. Spent a night apart since 1983 come back because he loved life and he loved music or he.

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