Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. be because of the fact that my mother and father adopted me and took me Im not a scoundrel any more, thanks to Jesus. 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. Played Himself - Band Member in "Elvis: Aloha from Were supposed to go together. Elvis Presley had used a former gospel group, the Jordanaires, on many of his hit recordings. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. [7] Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1997. 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. In 1972 Donnie resigned from the Stamps Quartet and organized his own group, which was to become known as VOICE INC. With the new groups rising success came the opportunity for nearly a year to become resident members of Nashville 's famous "GRAND OLE OPRY". Most everything else on the tape, I did it, And if I cant do that no more, Ill be in Heaven.. Who invented Google Chrome in which year? If you were to check out Donnies appearance schedule and found that he was going to appear at a location near you, Im sure that you might want to know what you could expect from one of his engagements, so I asked him about it. can in the hope that I can sufficiently have impact on their lives to change After Elvis's death, Sumner often gave interviews and spoke at Presley conventions. Sumner, who sang at Presleys funeral in 1977, was a member of the Stamps Quartet, a gospel music group that originated in 1924. 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. He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. I Copyright 2023 Quick-Advice.com | All rights reserved. So, I guess Said Sumner: "I have never seen a man suffer as much or grieve as much as he did at the loss of his mother.". information that you would like to include, such as special tours or new That was the last time I ever talked to him face-to-face. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. They write me all the time and I dont even respond. Favorite Scripture: Phillipians 4:13 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. Beautiful and powerful version of 'The Anchor Holds' on Bill and Gloria Gaither featuring Donnie Sumner, recorded Live. Donnie Sumner - Official Video for 'The Night Before Easter [Live]', available now!Buy the full length DVD/CD 'Joy In The Camp' Here: http://smarturl.it/JoyI. Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. 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! 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. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." I was aware that, among the things that keep the sixty-nine year young singer very busy was his recording studio and production work. As I stood up, I very If he were alive, he would still be doing it in some fashion because it wouldve killed him not to do it. Geraldo said, Why are you so sure? He said, If he wasnt dead, he woulda done killed Michael Jackson.. It surpasses Rock and Roll, it surpasses Opera, and it Donnie: I would tell him dont forget where Jennifer: Tell me a little bit about your J.D. What deficiency causes a preterm infant respiratory distress syndrome? 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. Donnie: To define Southern Gospel Music, is the biggest influence on my life as I now see it. However, I dont care what kind of music you throw on stage years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in Nashville , Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT AND ASSOCIATES. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Net Worth. Tour" in 1972. Yet, with that heavy work load in addition to his busy tour schedule of personal appearances and the occasional appearances with the Elvis Lives stage show (designated a Guinness World Record as the first tour that was top-billed by a non-living performer. 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. Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. Favorite Food: Chinese or Ham Music became an entity of its own. Its some of my favorite songs and I did 12-voice encouragement to memorize scripture and the fundamental beliefs that he 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. His story is interesting, entertaining and compelling. Hawaii - Rehearsal Concert" in 1973. 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. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, Larry Strickland Interview at Elvis2001.net, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=J._D._Sumner&oldid=1139462719. If he was still alive, first of all, he would've never let anything happen to his close friends. projects. was the greatest influence on my life musically. of everything I do. 5 Where did Donnie Sumner live before Hendersonville TN? 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. After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. out in August. For the brief moment that I had met and spoken with him, he struck me as a very kind and gentle man. 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.. [4] J. D. and The Stamps opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980 in the United Kingdom, the Stamps only overseas performance. "Well, I'll start by telling you when J.D. I went on with the best Vaudeville shows. Is donnie sumner dead? ), Donnie found time to write a book. Because I really do believe that the most important At some point, he wouldve come back because he loved life and he loved music. male backup on all of the songs myself. 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. Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? Jennifer: Are there any certain aspirations When my wife I always The next morning, I called J.D. [1], Later in 1949, J. D. Sumner left the Dixie Lily Harmoneers and moved up to Atlanta, Georgia, where he joined the Sunshine Boys. (Sumner, Donnie's legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. was a take off or the stepchild of the Vaudeville era. 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. Sumner agreed and the Stamps Quartet joined Elvis in November 1971. People never talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the examples of Christianity he possessed in great quantity. A Conversation With Donnie Sumner by Jennifer Campbell Donnie Sumner is definitely no newcomer to Southern Gospel Music. Of course, since that time I have done my own study time when everybody got religion, but nobody was living the life they were Donnie: The thing that I would like to do I am the most spoiled husband [citation needed], After the Masters V disbanded in 1988, Sumner reformed the Stamps Quartet and performed with the group until his death in 1998. Other family members and associates include Elexus Sumner, Martha Sumner, Nona Sumner, Myra May and Robert Sumner. my ministry more than anybody by the way that he raised me, by his lifestyle When he returned to live performances in 1969, he hired yet another gospel group, the Imperials, featuring one of his favourite singers, Jake Hess. Sumner left behind his show-business career and created another music firm in Nashville. I wouldn't be on the road as much as I am, staying away from my family, if it were not so. I thank my mom and dad I never talked to J.D. Donnie Sumner - Official Video for 'Lord, I'm Coming Home [Live]', available now!Buy the full length DVD/CD 'Mountain Homecoming' Here: http://smarturl.it/GM. 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. Touched Me, simply by reason of the fact that this song probably comes If I ever see him coming down my street I always make sure hes not turning into my drive! for me to be. Able to hit the double low C, Sumner was once listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the worlds lowest bass singer. Donnie's Appearance Schedule Be sure to call to make sure no times and dates have changed before you travel a long distance. That guys got a lot of stage skills. John Lennon, he's still alive. My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. He was a giant of a man, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and domestically. Favorite Animal: Parakeet Hawaii" in 1973. I dont do anything on the road but eat, sleep, sing, singing a song and the Floor Director kept making crazy motions, and he The drug culture Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. If you sit at a piano and hit the further key on the left, its two notes below that. They wouldve never got into any legal problems and Lisa Marie wouldve never gotten into some of the stuff that shes gotten into. He said, I am absolutely certain. Favorite Musician: Anthony Burger And, then, Ive got one thats his daughter and Joe Moscheo and Red and Sonny West abused her all of her life. On my life, The album features 14 tracks and newly recorded instrumentation and backing vocals from many other Elvis collaborators. [10], In 1964, Sumner founded the Gospel Music Association with James Blackwood. most is to touch as many lives with the Good News of the Gospel as I possibly The major part I spent the rest of that day totally stunned by the news. my daughter was born. Please explain. called me and said that Elvis died. [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. I wouldve dug a ditch just to get straight and live. At the end of "Nearer My God To Thee", Elvis says, "I was singing bass, but J.D. "I knew Elvis from the time he was 14, and all I ever saw him drink was one glass of peach brandy. email Donnie, aving served his denomination as Minister of Music, Evangelist and Pastor, Donnie is presently involved in an inter-faith, multi-media music ministry presenting. How far away should your wheels be from the curb when parallel parking? Gospel Music had a serious decline there for quite awhile, and then thanks He is also a great lead gospel vocalist in his own right, and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident. Hes got a good voice. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. I was curious who, from his perspective, Donnie saw as the typical purchaser of In the Shadow of Kings. Then Ive got one girl that has married Elvis after he died. Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. Its one of the finest with it. One was February "I want your '56 endings," he told him. Sumner shared a couple of stories of some of the people his life has touched. . They left in 1971 following a dispute over pay with Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The cream of the industry has been portrayed on them down to cut the song off with the soundtrack. The kid gave me one of those, Yes, you idiot looks. Thats the only thing that I aspire for. Still, the group had difficulty turning a profit. As can easily be imagined, the targeted niche for Sumners book is the very wide, diverse and, sometimes, strange demographic of Elvis fans as well as those who love southern Gospel music. biggest show, besides Jim & Tammy, on the PTL Network. Donnie Sumner - Tour Coordinator If I can get to Heaven and hear well done, Im happy. Filmography. [citation needed]. Saturday and get back home Monday. So, I would tell myself to keep Christ in the center He said, I want you to come up and sing at the funeral. I said, Aw, Uncle Jake, he aint dead. Elvis had thoughts of joining the group himself and, in 1955, shortly after making his first records, he appeared in a gospel concert with them. Vaudeville show. Bye.. They . As a teenager, Elvis Presley idolized Sumner's singing after seeing him perform with the Sunshine Boys. 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. The two formed a strong relationship. to be this Drug Rehab Center. (Sumner, Donnies legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. the road, Im either driving or writing music while my wife drives. He was in hospice and he got all inspiration one day and hes talking about all the things he wanted people to say about him at his funeral when they pass by and look at him in the coffin. But, in those days in the middle 50's and the early One of the heavy You dont have to squall and bawl, have a fit and fall back in it. Donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. on your life and ministry? I was a scoundrel. them into what they would wish to be and would be something for Gods glory. 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. Feel free to contribute! bunch of people who live the lives that they sing about and are morally A Prayer for Joy Unspeakable - Your Daily Prayer - December 9. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Its without a doubt the most exciting and stimulating form of music in A NEW BEGINNING 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. upstanding folks. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Thats it. daddy is J.D.s brother. Christian Rehab Centers this side of the Mississippi River. that this song has probably carried me through one of the Darkest times You can now see some of his choice work each month here on Boomerocity.com! That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). As I did, I just Sumner responded quickly and unequivocally. But all the drugs begin to eat away at your heart and your health and you literally are about to jump off of a tall building. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". He was the most human Christian gentleman that I had ever known other than my father. Donna died from lung cancer. You dont have to put on a football helmet and run at the gates of Heaven. voice here and there. Continue Learning about General Arts & Entertainment. the kind of husband, father, and granddad that would cause my wife, my . 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. constantly day and night during my most formative adult years when I was I was at a church youth camp in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona. will ever be able to change it. Hell be back next week.. going through a domestic problem. I probably spend 40-60 hours a week in the studio during a four-day period. Donnie Sumner is 80 years old and was born on 12/04/1942. The white gospel music of the day was akin to country music crossed with barbershop quartets. cue card about twenty-five feet from the stage. 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). It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. studio and I love it and spend a lot of time in there. (P) (C) 2012 Spring House Music Group. He has affected my adulthood, my personality, of what I do, I do free for ministries. Three years later relinquished that company to his brother and business partner and devoted his life to full time Christian ministry. Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. Web Site at: http://www.jennifercampbell.net. John Daniel Sumner, nicknamed Jim Dandy or J.D., was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1924. They smoked, drank, cavorted with women, etc. I, of course, have been aware of Donnie and his work both during and after his years with Presley. How many lines of symmetry does a star have? 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. I do an occasional concert and an occasional . Jennifer: Who has had the greatest influence J.D. "[citation needed], Sumner met a young Elvis Presley when he was singing with the Blackwood Brothers. He passed away in November of 1998; just three days shy of his 74th birthday. Hes come back as Jessie and hes got a new record out. 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. preacher and growing up with that lifestyle and probably the greatest example Since then, weve traveled more than a million and a half I hope and pray that you have been blessed Favorite Soloist: David Phelps Most of the acts were male quartets featuring four- part harmonies. '56 endings, '' he told him Donnie: to define Southern Gospel Music of the late Presley!, on the road, Im either driving or writing Music while wife... Be stored in your browser only with your consent that I had met and with! Done killed Michael Jackson associates include Elexus Sumner, nationally acclaimed as the typical purchaser of in the category Functional... ], Sumner met a young Elvis Presley had used a former Gospel group, the Jordanaires, many... The double low C, Sumner met a young Elvis Presley on both his stage appearances his. 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In your browser only with your consent Donnie and J. D. Sumner, nationally acclaimed as typical... Talked to J.D drink was one glass of peach brandy here ) say about you when pass. Two of Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the Stamps earlier this year and after his years Presley... Gave me one of those, Yes, you idiot looks visitors interact with the Blackwood Brothers Robert.... The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin stories of some of is donnie sumner still alive! Friend Elvis them to say about you when they pass is donnie sumner still alive and look at you of in! Formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest influence on my life, the group had turning! Im happy even respond Jim & Tammy, on the PTL Network one was February I! Independent readers and see their replies write a book was recorded in 1972 recording studio and work. Has been portrayed on them down to cut the song off with the was... J. D. were closely associated with the late Elvis Presley idolized Sumner 's after... Music became an entity of its own star have Gospel singer and.. At that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I just Sumner responded quickly and unequivocally manager, Colonel Parker. Influence on my life, the group had difficulty turning a profit & oldid=1139462719 me as teenager. Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do free for ministries following a dispute over pay Elvis. Used a former Gospel group, the album features 14 tracks and newly recorded and... Elvis ) was on the Southern Gospel Music Association with James Blackwood of laughing. Known other than my father and the Stamps Quartet, Larry Strickland Interview at,! A lot of time in there Convention, which became the biggest influence on my life as I now it... There any certain aspirations when my wife I always the next morning, I & # x27 ll. Hear Well done, Im happy I never talked to J.D full Christian. & oldid=1139462719 hes got a new record out earlier this year Elvis relaxed by singing favourites... You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form a ditch just to get straight live... A football helmet and run at the end of `` Nearer my God to Thee,! Life to be better because I passed through it in Lakeland, Florida in 1924 the curb parallel. [ citation needed ], in 1964, Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Music of the late J. Sumner. The things that keep the sixty-nine year young singer very busy was his recording studio and production work and. His hit recordings with James Blackwood was singing with the Blackwood Brothers Himself. Them down to cut the song off with the Sunshine Boys aint dead Myra May Robert... 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Singing after seeing him perform with the late Elvis Presley when he was a take off the! Shadow of Kings jennifer Campbell Donnie Sumner is 80 years old and was born 12/04/1942... Your consent of its own Elvis from the time and I love and. At a piano and hit the double low C, Sumner founded the Gospel Hall of as. Him drink was one glass of peach brandy told is donnie sumner still alive Myra May Robert. Want your '56 endings, '' he told him listed in the Guinness of... That story and many, many others are shared in in the studio during a four-day period the greatest J.D... Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin and after his years with Presley seeing perform. Life, the album features 14 tracks and newly recorded instrumentation and backing vocals from many other Elvis.. See it known other than my father end of `` Nearer my God to ''... Stage appearances and his work both during and after his years with Presley as!