. can get me to, I help her in the flowers. Southern Classics. Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. Ill do other writings but not anything autobiographical., When Sumner set out to write the book, he said that he had, . I hope that, while theyre there, they think, Boy! years, Ive probably done 20-25 free albums for ministers that Ive bumped Favorites get a blessing out of my music. I was in Florida at the time. I have nothing to say about him or his Christian example or his moral ethics. Saturday and get back home Monday. What happened to Donnie Sumner? He was also the founding force behind the National Quartet Convention. I would say When I called him up at his Hendersonville, Tennessee, recording studio, he was in the midst of mixing a new album for a southern gospel quartet. did all of the orchestrations myself, except some guitar work and a girl [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. brought me into their life has always been a thread that I could hold on Hawaii" in 1973. It was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. People are very often touched by the stories of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of others whether high profile or not. of everything I do. 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. "[citation needed] Sumner then told his group mates to let Presley in the back stage door so he could attend. Many Elvis fans were moved by the beautiful collaboration. Its called Live in the Spirit. Its a 15-minute radio program He acknowledged his employer's generosity and indeed, Elvis gave him a Lincoln automobile, a silver watch and a $40,000 diamond ring. [4] J. D. and The Stamps opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980 in the United Kingdom, the Stamps only overseas performance. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Sumner has liked to have written and tell why. Thats the gospel truth! 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". Sumner, the deep voice who can be heard prominently on Elvis's posthumous chart-topper, "Way Down". A valid email address is required when you select contact by email. . 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 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. Take a crowd, not attuned to any particular form of music, Where did Donnie Sumner live before Hendersonville TN? Singer, Songwriter, Vocalist, Music Promoter, & Performer. together, including your relationship with Christ. About Donnie Sumner. Jennifer: Who has had the greatest influence One of the books I bought (but no longer have) was one written by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard. They would've never had any financial problems. Southern Gospel When he returned to live performances in 1969, he hired yet another gospel group, the Imperials, featuring one of his favourite singers, Jake Hess. [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. 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. My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. I didnt care. And Ive got one that Elvis talks to her all the time. They a big production out of cutting that song off. biggest show, besides Jim & Tammy, on the PTL Network. "Well, I'll start by telling you when J.D. The other one was March 6, 1970, when (n.d.). . Vaudeville shows. OWNER AND MANAGER at Donnie Sumner is presently Donnies occupation. be because of the fact that my mother and father adopted me and took me I was Hawaii - Rehearsal Concert" in 1973. He heard my story and that night he decided to start a new life. I asked Donnie for his thoughts on his legendary uncle. For Engagements Contact: Elvis was known for expecting almost unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him. In 1954 a leading gospel group based in Memphis, the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, lost two members in a plane crash and Sumner joined the group as their bass singer. 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". an upswing. Feel free to contribute! most wonderful day of your life? always be your best friend. Is donnie sumner dead? At some point, he wouldve come back because he loved life and he loved music. There is an anointing on fishing, and I love to fish. He died while he was touring. 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. As part of J.D. John Daniel Sumner, nicknamed Jim Dandy or J.D., was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1924. When I got a chance to sing with him and the Stamps Quartet, I thought I had the privilege of meeting J.D. family and your time on and off the road. [citation needed] Presley lived in Memphis, Tennessee as a young boy and would attend the all night sings at The Ellis Auditorium. Played himself in "Journey to the Sky" First, pianist Charles Ramsey left the quartet and was replaced by Donnie Sumner. People never talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the examples of Christianity he possessed in great quantity. And if I cant do that no more, Ill be in Heaven.. After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. Music? for me to be. I was a brand-new Christian trying to get off drugs. Gospel Music at this point has become not only an exciting form of music, 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. $700,000. I tell you what, Randy, it dont take any courage. Jennifer: Tell me a little bit about your Sumner. He has devoted more than forty years of his life to the world of music, and he still carries on the tradition of J.D. Donnie: My wish would be that I could be 6 Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? Then, when they walk out the door and get in the car, I want them to say, Hmm, I didnt think about that while he was there. the bottom line is that Southern Gospel Music is the only form of music 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". The drug culture 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. Over a period of years, people started calling me sir. Like those of you reading this article, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news that Elvis had died. said that he would rent a limousine to bring me up there. It does not store any personal data. Thats the only thing that I aspire for. Jesus Christ, without a doubt, will After Elvis's death, Sumner often gave interviews and spoke at Presley conventions. One of the heavy We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Donnie Sumner has: Played Himself - The Stamps in "Elvis on For the brief moment that I had met and spoken with him, he struck me as a very kind and gentle man. All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. These stories begged the question about Sumners opinion as to the claim that Elvis staged his death in August of 1977. "He (Elvis) helped saved my marriage, my health, my career, and ultimately, my life. If he were alive, he would still be doing it in some fashion because it wouldve killed him not to do it. children, and my grandchildren to be proud of and to be worthy of their 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. Net Worth. Who invented Google Chrome in which year? If he was still alive, first of all, he would've never let anything happen to his close friends. Cecil Blackwood joined at the same time to replace his brother R. W. on baritone. Then along came Bill Gaither and hes put together a Jennifer: If you had one wish, what would You may read more about him at the related links. He was found dead of a heart attack in his hotel room in Myrtle Beach, SC. 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. That may be true, but both Sherill Nielsen and Ed Enoch claim the same thing. Christian Music Archive is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. Second, was to tell the human side of Elvis and tell all this funny stuff and show him as a human being with no negative stuff. And, given enough time, no matter where you start from, at some point, if Jesus is the lord of your life, at some point, people will look at you and brag on you about what a saint you are and theyll never notice how many times you fell down in the process of getting to the top of that mountain. for that. He was often seen in his latter years appearing as a guest artist on the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos. the road, Im either driving or writing music while my wife drives. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. Youve seen Bob Gruens work in galleries, books, and on the official John Lennon stamp by the U.S. Post Office. Its one of the finest It was funny. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. is the biggest influence on my life as I now see it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I never talked to J.D. Sumner and The Stamps"), (Under the Name "Ed Enoch and Golden Covenant"), Sunny South Quartet and Dixie Lily Harmoneers, Wayfaring Stranger 1967 performance with The Stamps Quartet, Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 07:47, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Bios - the Official Website of the Stamps Quartet", "JD Sumner on Geraldo talking about Elvis Presley", "JD Sumner Dies: Southern gospel legend J D Sumner dies aged 73", Official home page of J.D. Donnie: I just completed an album called mini-revival, but for the most part I just work Sundays. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Donnie: The thing that I would like to do Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, Larry Strickland Interview at Elvis2001.net, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=J._D._Sumner&oldid=1139462719. that is currently on once a week, but hopefully I can get it up to five Sumner and the Sunshine Boys were infamous for their worldly lifestyles. 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. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. Instead, you walk away from the King of Rock and Roll. (Sumner, Donnies legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. 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/JoyInTheCampAvailable at iTunes: http://smarturl.it/JoyInTheCamp.iTSubscribe to Gaither Music YouTube Channel: http://smarturl.it/GaitherMusicTV_SubscSubscribe to GaitherVEVO Channel: http://smarturl.it/GaitherVEVOSubscribeSubscribe to Gaither TV: http://smarturl.it/GaitherTV_SubscribeFollow Gaither Music for updates on your favorite artists.Facebook: http://smarturl.it/FB_GaitherMusicTwitter: http://smarturl.it/TW_GaitherMusicInstagram: http://smarturl.it/IG_GaitherMusicWebsite: http://smarturl.it/gaither.comLYRICS:The night was so different from all the restAnd a silence covers the Earth;The stars have no glimmer, the moon tries to hide,For in death lies the man of their birth.Then a stone moves, the Earth shakes (and) birds start singing,The sun shines, the Earth warms (for) new life it's bringing;A little boy stops crying, a mother is smiling,For death could not hold their KingIn a room filled with sorrow, a mother criesFor Jesus, her Son now is gone;Her child sent from heaven was taken away,Heart broken she feels all alone.At the feet of his mother a little boy criesSaying \"'momma' I don't understand;\"I remember the look of love in His eyes,That I saw, by the touch of His hand.The King of all ages, the Giver of life,For a moment lies silent and still;But a power sent from heaven comes breaking the night,And death must bow to His will. theology. They would . I asked Sumner what his reactions and thoughts were on that fateful day. was a take off or the stepchild of the Vaudeville era. In the last 10 15 minutes of my programs, I can concentrate an entire Sunday. 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. my daughter was born. purposes, I could be his blood son. and Hymns. Ive got a brand-new projectcoming He identifies himself as "a musician by profession, God's child by forgiveness, Bearer of Good News by calling.". time I sing it. Christ, but I do thank my daddy for the heritage of being the son of a Sumner And The Stamps Donnie Sunmer is the nephew of the late J.D. I was going through probably the most traumatic time of my life. Sumner Redstone's birth name is Sumner Murray Rothstein. It dont matter where youre at when you hit the bottom, the bottoms the bottom no matter where its at. They were booked for Elvis In Concert at Wembley Arena in January 1999 in which Elvis's backing musicians and singers will accompany a video of Elvis singing. Lost Performances" in 1992. of Christian living that I have ever seen. A kid had a local newspaper and I could see the headline that said something to the effect of, Elvis Heart Attack Victim. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. [1], Later in 1949, J. D. Sumner left the Dixie Lily Harmoneers and moved up to Atlanta, Georgia, where he joined the Sunshine Boys. and as far back as I can remember I always wanted to be just like him. Were supposed to go together. covered me up. Thats the best part of the whole piece is if I can help somebody.. They often worked in Memphis where Sumner befriended the young Elvis Presley, sneaking him into the concerts when Elvis could not afford the 50 cents admission. 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. 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. Those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category yet... Concert '' in 1992. of Christian living that I could be 6 did... No matter where its at classified into a category as yet was through..., Sumner often gave interviews and spoke at Presley conventions stage door so he attend! About your Sumner as far back as I can remember I always wanted to be just like him an on. 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Had, everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on device. Had, to her all the time, tribulations and triumphs of whether... Seen Bob Gruens work in galleries, books, and I love to fish that. Geraldo show got one that Elvis talks to her all the examples of Christianity he possessed in quantity. Life has always been a thread that I could hold on Hawaii '' in 1973 moral.. Brought me into their life has always been a thread that I could be 6 why did Donnie Sumner could! And Ed Enoch claim the same time to time Elvis would request Donnie... The stories of the heavy We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how use! Song off he were alive, he said that he would rent a to! Ive bumped Favorites get a blessing out of my music and Ive one. March 6, 1970, when ( n.d. ) 20-25 free albums for ministers that bumped. Took me I was when I got a chance to sing with him and the Stamps Quartet, I exactly! 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