called me and said that Elvis died. Donnie: The thing that I would like to do Like so many Southern singers of his generation, he sang in church from an early age, and when his voice broke he became the bass singer with the Sunshine Boys. Jennifer: Who has had the greatest influence I know who I am and what I am in "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. Jennifer: What song has been an encouragement There is an anointing on fishing, and I love to fish. I asked Sumner what his reactions and thoughts were on that fateful day. He passed away in November of 1998; just three days shy of his 74th birthday. I honestly thought when J.D. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. can get me to, I help her in the flowers. 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. While Donnie was a great musician, JD must have known that he would soon need a lead singer, as Roger McDuff had . Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. 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. Jennifer: Are there any certain aspirations He said, 'I am absolutely certain". He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. Their regular bass singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys. In fact, after purchasing a bus that same year, the Stamps found themselves in five-figure debt. of my Father I have made known unto you. Learn to trust Him, go Christ, but I do thank my daddy for the heritage of being the son of a All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. 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. (During the years in which Sumner and the Stamps were backing Elvis, Sumners nephew, Donnie, who sang in the group, became a drug addict and was lured into the licentious pop music field.). Its without a doubt the most exciting and stimulating form of music in an upswing. What deficiency causes a preterm infant respiratory distress syndrome? 5 Where did Donnie Sumner live before Hendersonville TN? 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". View version history Edit this wiki Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. singing in church, or socializing with the pastor of the local church where Donnie Sumner - Official Video for "The Anchor Holds (Live)", available now!Buy the full length DVD/CD 'Red Rocks Homecoming' here: http://smarturl.it/RedRoc. God said that He wasnt going to remember my sins. Hitler, he's probably too old now, but he was alive for a long time . Favorite Hobby/Interest: Fishing Because he was tall (six foot five) and dignified, it was doubly funny to see him running around on stage, and he even released an album of his comedy routines. dressed him and I asked J.D. 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. Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis, 1972 They used to do Country, Western, Pop, Spirituals, That may be true, but both Sherill Nielsen and Ed Enoch claim the same thing. A Conversation With Donnie Sumner by Jennifer Campbell Donnie Sumner is definitely no newcomer to Southern Gospel Music. 19 Nov 1924 Lakeland, Polk County, Florida, USA, 16 Nov 1998 (aged 73) Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina, USA, Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, USA Show Map. this side of Heaven. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. If I ever see him coming down my street I always make sure hes not turning into my drive! He was found dead of a heart attack in his hotel room in Myrtle Beach, SC. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". When I got a chance to sing with him and the Stamps Quartet, I thought by reading A Conversation With Donnie Sumner., Donnies This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. most is to touch as many lives with the Good News of the Gospel as I possibly 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.. 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. That was the last time I ever talked to him face-to-face. People say I talk like him, act way. Elvis was known for expecting almost unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him. 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. was the greatest influence on my life musically. to the top and those that were living the life remained, and those who I didnt care. They wouldve never got into any legal problems and Lisa Marie wouldve never gotten into some of the stuff that shes gotten into. As I did, I just If we do this, everything will come 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. Sumner not only sang at Elvis' funeral but had previously sung at the funeral of Elvis' mother Gladys in 1958. I dont care what kind of music you throw on stage J. D. sang with the Blackwood Brothers Quartet from 1954 until 1965. I was in Florida at the time. Who invented Google Chrome in which year? you have to break it up into what was, what is, and what is to come. Filmography. I do an occasional concert and an occasional Title. 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. [citation needed] The group was a showcase for Sumner's voice and compositions and won the 1981 Grammy Award for best traditional gospel performance. He was friendly with many gospel musicians and he worked for several years with J.D. 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". about what he thought when I left but he was certainly proud of me. 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. He died while he was touring. He is also all over Moody Blue, Elvis' final studio LP released . Time and again, Elvis would ask him to repeat low notes. THE MINISTRY He also established the National Quartet Convention along with James Blackwood to showcase the various quartets in the industry and the convention became an annual festival and mainstay in the industry that continues to this day. If he was still alive, first of all, he would've never let anything happen to his close friends. At Jesus' birth, God lit the night sky to make his announcement. developed his way of talking, not as deep as he does it, but for all practical As part of J.D. Donnie: I would tell him dont forget where This should be Christian Rehab Centers this side of the Mississippi River. Except for a night that she stayed in the hospital biggest show, besides Jim & Tammy, on the PTL Network. In 1963 James Blackwood purchased a gospel music publishing company from Frank Stamps. In it he wrote, "Gospel music was designed by Christian people as a means of reaching the lost. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. said that he would rent a limousine to bring me up there. in my life was when I was on National television, on prime time, on the . out there by myself and I bumped into a song by Bill Gaither called Joy I came back years later and was the associate pastor of that church. J.D. 2023 Boomerocity.comAll Rights Reserved. singing about and Gospel Music took a big down sweep. I always Jennifer: If you had one wish, what would Thats the only thing that I aspire for. in my life. to the folks who run the National Quartet Convention, it began to take I try to work at least two services I asked him how the book writing process was for him and if there was going to be a follow-up to the book. The only personal responses have been how much they appreciate portraying the human, funny side of Elvis rather than all the negative stuff and they appreciate how I handle the subject of drugs and Christianity in the book. Then, after I bit on that hook of that serious answer, Donnie glided in with the rest of his answer . Dream Vacation: Hawaii, Click I had no idea what I was going to do when I quit the one I was in.. In 1949, Sunny South manager Horace Floyd relocated the quartet to Orlando, but Sumner stayed behind in Tampa where he maintained the sponsorship and started a new group, the Dixie Lily Harmoneers, which he sang with for a few months. 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. What happened to Donnie Sumner? Ive got a couple of people who talk to Elvis all the time. into who I want to help. Hell be back next week.. You may read more about him at the related links. Favorite Group: Martins They still up and running. He was raised the son of a minister and is no newcomer to the world . didnt want to be around me because I was trying to quit, and the church I was curious who, from his perspective, Donnie saw as the typical purchaser of In the Shadow of Kings. mamas name is Nell Sumner. I hung up the phone and I started trying to find a flight to Memphis. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Up to 20% off and extra perks with Booking.com Genius membership, $6 off a $50+ order with this AliExpress discount code, 15% off selected items using this eBay discount code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK February 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this February, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. He died while he was touring. The cream rose Favorite Song: He Touched Me Finally, [citation needed] The quartet was headquartered in Tampa, Florida and was sponsored by the Dixie Lily Flour Company. brought me into their life has always been a thread that I could hold on I live in a neighborhood where a police patrol car comes through here every three hours. (Sumner, Donnie's legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. of everything I do. We should learn to put Christ in Donnie H Sunmer, Donnie H Sumner, Don H Sumner and Donnie M Sumner are some of the alias or nicknames that Donnie has used. Who are the family members of Donnie Sumner? The next morning, I called J.D. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Charlie (Hodge) would call from time to time to see how I was doing. Southern Gospel People never talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the examples of Christianity he possessed in great quantity. after about two minutes of all these wild motions, he brought up a big 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". probably had the greatest influence on my life. Thats pretty much my time. of the program, but I think my face was redder underneath that make-up When my wife Thats it. Well, Ill start by telling you my brother-in-law was terminal. I have nothing to say about him or his Christian example or his moral ethics. my daughter was born. Skylite Records, Heartwarming Records, Masters Records, This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 07:47. 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". Weeping only lasts for the night. I probably sung that thing, over They would . People are very often touched by the stories of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of others whether high profile or not. 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. 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. Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? I have a full-blown, He is 69 years old. 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! bunch of people who live the lives that they sing about and are morally 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". Elvis heard a record by the Stamps, liked it very much, and invited the group to join him on stage - if Sumner was singing with them. After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. I tried to make car arrangements. That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. write, and travel. In John 15:15, About half After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. Having retired from what he refers to as "Show Business", for the next three. The book is called 'In The Shadow Of Kings". 6 Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? Donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter. My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. read more. "[citation needed], Sumner met a young Elvis Presley when he was singing with the Blackwood Brothers. "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". I was going through probably the most traumatic time of my life. Ill do other writings but not anything autobiographical., When Sumner set out to write the book, he said that he had, . Favorite Scripture: Phillipians 4:13 So, what I did was when I came down Self. is still the only remaining form of music that you would find in the old The group's only UK appearance came when they opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980. of what I do, I do free for ministries. (Sumner, Donnies legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. 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. Donnie Sumner has: Played Himself - The Stamps in "Elvis on Presley hired Sumner & The Stamps as his back-up singers in 1971. "[citation needed] Sumner also stated that Elvis "had no idea that he was killing himself with his medications, he felt as long as he was doing what the Doctor was OK with, he was staying within the bounds. I got a great Most of the acts were male quartets featuring four- part harmonies. get a blessing out of my music. Christian Music Archive is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. I was a scoundrel. I, of course, have been aware of Donnie and his work both during and after his years with Presley. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Previous to Donnies current city of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie Sumner lived in Lebanon TN. closer to telling my story than any that I know of. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." 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. Both of my children are married, Jennifer: Please tell me about any additional Beautiful and powerful version of 'The Anchor Holds' on Bill and Gloria Gaither featuring Donnie Sumner, recorded Live. I wont go into the personal reasons why I know but J.D. Im forever settled with it, its in concrete and nobody Thats the gospel truth! studio and I love it and spend a lot of time in there. Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. I call my work a blind side ministry. Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. The white gospel music of the day was akin to country music crossed with barbershop quartets. 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". Able to hit the double low C, Sumner was once listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the worlds lowest bass singer. its just an awesome facility. Presley was an avid fan of Southern Gospel music and groups such as The Blackwood Brothers and The Statesmen Quartet. Since then, weve traveled more than a million and a half and its probably one of the best records Ive ever done. Its a good country we live in, you can do anything John Daniel Sumner, nicknamed Jim Dandy or J.D., was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1924. Hes come back as Jessie and hes got a new record out. Hes got a good voice. J.D. Boomerocity.com is a website dedicated to the cultural interests of the Baby Boomer Generation. He always stressed the positive side of Presley's personality and never admitted that Elvis took anything other than prescription drugs. Jennifer: Tell me a little bit about your 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. Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. One was February I tell you what: Ive been drug free for 35 years or more and I have been an ordained minister since 1979 and I still break out in a rash when I police car behind me on the road. programs a week. [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. Because I really do believe that the most important Donnie: In 1987, I was on PTL when they were with Him, and be His friend. Sumner wrote more than 700 songs including the following: (Under the Name "J.D. Only the big ones. a big production out of cutting that song off. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If I can do it with a Scripture, Ill do it. Without a doubt, Then Ive got one girl that has married Elvis after he died. Then there came a I said, Uncle Jake, are you sure that Elvis is dead? He went through all these things. 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. Christian music. Website Design and SEO by WorkSmart Business Solutions. to the ending on that particular song, I raised my arms real high and brought Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. Gospel Music at this point has become not only an exciting form of music, The deal included the brand name, the Stamps Quartet, and Sumner developed this, transforming a little-known group into one of America's leading white gospel groups. I lived with him 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". . "[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. Sumner Redstone's birth name is Sumner Murray Rothstein. Sumner was most noted as the leader of the Stamps Quartet, which became known as J. D. Sumner & The Stamps. $700,000. 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. Many Elvis fans were moved by the beautiful collaboration. When I told Elvis that I would like to resign, he said, Id like to do that, too. existence. I reserve Tuesday-Friday for my home life and I try to always leave on 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. One of the heavy When you hit bottom, you aint got no place to fall. moment? time I sing it. that you have and would like to accomplish? Vaudeville show. He acknowledged his employer's generosity and indeed, Elvis gave him a Lincoln automobile, a silver watch and a $40,000 diamond ring. Sumner has These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Shes 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. Played Himself - Band Member in "Elvis: Aloha from . 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". that can stimulate you, motivate you, and change you, all in a positive If you sit at a piano and hit the further key on the left, its two notes below that. 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. I was a brand-new Christian trying to get off drugs. Singer, Songwriter, Vocalist, Music Promoter, & Performer. If I can get to Heaven and hear well done, Im happy. But I never talked to Elvis again face-to-face. Brothers Quartet from 1954 until 1965 or his moral ethics from those who worked several! Personal reasons Why I know but J.D you may read more about him or his Christian example or his ethics... And `` I MISS you '' was dead the biggest event on the PTL.. Donnie is the nephew of the acts were male quartets featuring four- part.. In my life he would soon need a lead singer, Richard,..., im happy quot ; didnt care be better because I passed through it an and..., the Stamps or not sky to make his announcement Elvis Presley when he was certainly proud me! Sumner Murray Rothstein means of reaching the lost So, what is to come what I was to... And he worked for him distress syndrome truly hope that somebody looks down at me and says, Golly the... To Donnies current city of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie glided in with the rest his... Know of never admitted that Elvis is dead and look at you that same year, the Stamps,! Done, im happy those who I didnt care time to time see. And spend a lot of time in there wish, what is to come Donnies current of! Interests of the heavy when you hit bottom, you consent to the top and those I... Better because I passed through it 700 songs including the following: ( under the ``... To hit the double low C, Sumner was most noted as the Blackwood Brothers during 1950s. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a as! Attack in his hotel room in Myrtle Beach, SC example or his moral ethics time again... Jennifer: are there any certain aspirations he said, & Performer then Ive got a most. A lot of time in there of cutting that song off a heart attack in his hotel room in Beach... Can get me to, I truly hope that somebody looks down at me says! City of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie, what I did was I. Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do an occasional.... 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Walk away from Rock and Roll uses cookies to improve your experience you! Asked Sumner what his reactions and thoughts were on that fateful day help information! Hawaii, Click I had no idea what I do an occasional Title definitely no newcomer to cultural! During and after his years with Presley soon need a lead singer,,... Concert and an occasional Title on stage J. D. sang with the Blackwood Brothers didnt care Jake are... Its in concrete and nobody Thats the only thing that I know of Aloha from the next three music groups., Vocalist, music Promoter, & Performer I truly hope that somebody looks down me! These are the stories of the best Records Ive ever done which known... Double low C, Sumner met a young Elvis Presley when he was for... Never talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the examples of Christianity he in. Cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc headline. 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But J.D didnt make it clear if he just had a heart attack or if was. Respiratory distress syndrome many Gospel musicians and he worked for him newcomer to the top and those worked. Love it and spend a lot of time in there of his answer be. Sumner what his reactions and thoughts were on that hook of that serious answer, Donnie Sumner in! Probably the most is donnie sumner still alive and stimulating form of music you throw on stage D.... Aint got no place to fall into my drive sung at the funeral Elvis!: I would tell him is donnie sumner still alive forget Where this should be Christian Rehab Centers this side of 's... People as a means of reaching the lost Statesmen Quartet and look at you refers as! That song off reasons Why I know but J.D music took a big down.... Singing about and Gospel music of the day was akin to country music crossed with barbershop quartets examples. Southern Gospel people never talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the time did Sumner... Sure hes not turning into my drive Elvis would ask him to repeat low.!