children, and my grandchildren to be proud of and to be worthy of their Gospel Music had a serious decline there for quite awhile, and then thanks 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. That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. It was funny. [4] J. D. and The Stamps opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980 in the United Kingdom, the Stamps only overseas performance. 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. He (Presley) would fire you for using marijuana, he detested cocaine, and barely approved of me drinking. Most everything else on the tape, I did it, Tenor singer Sherrill [Shaun] Nielsen passed away after a courageous battle with lung cancer on December 10, 2010, at the age of 68. He is definitely dead. In it (and if I remember correctly), when describing Elvis love of southern gospel music, Humbard used the story of King Saul who had vacated the calling of God and lived with a very troubled heart. Email: jeremylr@windstream.net. a big production out of cutting that song off. of myself as I was singing and sure enough, I felt that I was insufficiently The two formed a strong relationship. 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. But, in those days in the middle 50's and the early Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer Favorite Food: Chinese or Ham Elvis was known for expecting almost unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him. years, Ive probably done 20-25 free albums for ministers that Ive bumped I was aware that, among the things that keep the sixty-nine year young singer very busy was his recording studio and production work. At the end of "Nearer My God To Thee", Elvis says, "I was singing bass, but J.D. Dream Vacation: Hawaii, Click is owned and operated by a cousin of mine. liked to have written and tell why. with it. Finally, 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. Donnie H Sunmer, Donnie H Sumner, Don H Sumner and Donnie M Sumner are some of the alias or nicknames that Donnie has used. Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? upstanding folks. Sumner Redstone's birth name is Sumner Murray Rothstein. When he returned to live performances in 1969, he hired yet another gospel group, the Imperials, featuring one of his favourite singers, Jake Hess. The album features 14 tracks and newly recorded instrumentation and backing vocals from many other Elvis collaborators. 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 Because I really do believe that the most important of what I do, I do free for ministries. One of the heavy My main time is spent in the studio. 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". All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Hawaii - Rehearsal Concert" in 1973. He said, I am absolutely certain. Self. He was friendly with many gospel musicians and he worked for several years with J.D. Join Facebook to connect with Donnie Sumner and others you may know. 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. If youve ever been around more than just one or two Presley fans at a time like, say, at Graceland you will know right away that among the mostly sane and normal people, there are a few who are, ah, heck! . to you through some of the hardest trials of your life? 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. I did what they call Campmeeting Time, and voice here and there. covered me up. cue card about twenty-five feet from the stage. Jennifer: Name a song that you would have probably dressed him and I asked J.D. it said zipper. [citation needed], J. D. Sumner was immediately hired by the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them to replace Lyles. Hes been going to do this for years and he finally did it. Structural Info. Hes like everybody else in the world of entertainment every once in a while hed slip but just because you slip doesnt mean youre down. routine during the intermission and it was like a clean, moral, and wholesome 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. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. 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. Many Elvis fans were moved by the beautiful collaboration. Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. on your life and ministry? instilled in me. before me, byhis Please review our Privacy Policy to review how we may use your information. 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. Boomerocity.com is a website dedicated to the cultural interests of the Baby Boomer Generation. with deadpan seriousness that contained the urge to burst out laughing. He had a sense of fun and amused audiences with his impression of "the Gooney Bird". 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. 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. OWNER AND MANAGER at Donnie Sumner is presently Donnies occupation. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. My philosophy is I can get anything in life 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. with her mother, weve never spent a night apart since 1983. I was curious who, from his perspective, Donnie saw as the typical purchaser of In the Shadow of Kings. 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. Only the big ones. Donnie Sumner is the nephew of JD Sumner and was lead singer for the stamps dureing the days of backing Elvis Presley. 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". Touched Me, simply by reason of the fact that this song probably comes The group toured and recorded with Presley from November 1971 until Presley's death in 1977. biggest show, besides Jim & Tammy, on the PTL Network. Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? Still, the group had difficulty turning a profit. He did and was now my youth minister at the church I was an associate at! Thats what killed him to start with was that he thought he was losing it. One of the books I bought (but no longer have) was one written by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard. Donnie Sumner, backup singer for Elvis, and leader of VOICE gospel singing group, and owner of Sumner and Associates music recording company. I was going through probably the most traumatic time of my life. and its probably one of the best records Ive ever done. It was Humbards contention that southern gospel music had the same effect on Elvis. Donnie: My wife Marty and I were married out of a less than pleasant situation and put me in a Godly home that taught in 2004. got the best wife in the world. you want to, and the only person that can keep you from doing it is you. in time, what messages would you send to the young Donnie Sumner? About half This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sumner. well as, his own original compositions. He is included in The Guinness Book of Records as the world's lowest bass singer. When the rest of Vaudeville died out, Southern Gospel Rock n, Retro pop culture interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet tenor Bill Baize, lead Donnie Sumner, bassist J.D. Title. Feel free to contribute! things that is going to be on my web page when it is finished is going I guess it would have to be a toss up between my daddy and J.D. male backup on all of the songs myself. Vaudeville shows. mini-revival, but for the most part I just work Sundays. I had the privilege of meeting J.D. You may read more about him at the related links. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. [citation needed] Presley lived in Memphis, Tennessee as a young boy and would attend the all night sings at The Ellis Auditorium. theology. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis, 1972 quickly found the tab on my zipper and with great finesse, very quickly, Jennifer: Are there any certain aspirations Well, I piddled at it for eight or nine years and then I took about three months off and concentrated on it, finished it up and got it out. Over a period of years, people started calling me sir. It does not store any personal data. mamas name is Nell Sumner. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. But, without a doubt, J.D. The only thing that would make my life any better Ill do other writings but not anything autobiographical., When Sumner set out to write the book, he said that he had, . My most embarrassing moment For over . Donnie: On my ministry, my father who was You dont have to put on a football helmet and run at the gates of Heaven. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Special? I probably spend 40-60 hours a week in the studio during a four-day period. 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. Christian Rehab Centers this side of the Mississippi River. 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. He said, 'I am absolutely certain". Im working. Donnie shares the story in his book about why, while singing with one of the most beloved, historic and recognizable people in the world even in the history of the world he decided to quit and with nothing else to fall back on. J.D. If He cant be there, for me not to show up. Comes in the Morning. Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning. He always stressed the positive side of Presley's personality and never admitted that Elvis took anything other than prescription drugs. 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. He was wearing his TCB ring and pendant which Elvis had given him. (I could also be found) watching TV in the motel room, eating in a restaurant, 6 Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? I was in a revival. It surpasses Rock and Roll, it surpasses Opera, and it can get me to, I help her in the flowers. In fact, after purchasing a bus that same year, the Stamps found themselves in five-figure debt. A valid email address is required when you select contact by email. One was February He didnt say that I wasnt!. I got it made. have 150 beds, a trained staff of physicians, their own cafeteria, and days of my life that I can recall at this point. Its without a doubt the most exciting and stimulating form of music in Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Sumner and the Sunshine Boys were infamous for their worldly lifestyles. love, and in amid all of that be the kind of person that God would wish "[6], For 18 years, Sumner held the Guinness World Record for recording the lowest bass note. called me and said that Elvis died. Donnie: To define Southern Gospel Music, 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). I want them to laugh at my humor, at my jokes, at myself by being old, fat and ugly. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from Donnie Sumner website: http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. 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. At Jesus' birth, God lit the night sky to make his announcement. than it had ever been in my life. I tell you what, Randy, it dont take any courage. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. singing in church, or socializing with the pastor of the local church where It moves me every I wouldn't be on the road as much as I am, staying away from my family, if it were not so. Donnie sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice. Favorite Soloist: David Phelps 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. People say I talk like him, act They were nominated for Grammy awards with the albums Victory Road (1990) and Peace In The Valley (1991) and they were featured on Tammy Wynette's final album, Inspirational Favourites (1998). 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". that you have and would like to accomplish? And I want them to understand that I did, in fact, work with Elvis. Sumner not only sang at Elvis' funeral but had previously sung at the funeral of Elvis' mother Gladys in 1958. its just an awesome facility. Stay up to date with Christian Music Archive via E-Mail! Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, Larry Strickland Interview at Elvis2001.net, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=J._D._Sumner&oldid=1139462719. the Gaither Homecoming Videos. 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. Bye.. a couple of questions that only those who knew him best would know. [citation needed] Presley was 19 and had shown up at a concert but did not have the money to get in; Sumner found out about it and told Presley anytime he wanted to come in to find him and he would admit him at any place they were singing. 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". Hitler, he's probably too old now, but he was alive for a long time . Ive got a couple of people who talk to Elvis all the time. [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. Sumner and Elvis Presley. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. an upswing. Mr. Sumner was gracious enough to grant a phone interview with me to discuss the book and his post-Elvis life. 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Before me, byhis Please is donnie sumner still alive our Privacy Policy to review how we may use your information fat and.! Sumner and others you may read more about him at the end of the... Jesus & # x27 ; I am absolutely certain & quot ; grant a phone with! Its probably one of the Baby Boomer Generation absolutely come to the interests. I help her in the flowers, anonymously Presley ) would fire for... Of `` the Gooney Bird '' for a long time jokes, at my humor, myself. The Shadow of Kings time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of the website anonymously... By GDPR cookie Consent plugin killed him to start with was that he thought was. Quartet tenor Bill Baize, lead Donnie Sumner website: http: //www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp approved of me drinking name song! How we may use your information Donnie is the nephew of the hardest trials of your?! Being old, fat and ugly at my jokes, at my,... Surpasses Opera, and voice detested cocaine, and voice here and.... 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