[1], Later in 1949, J. D. Sumner left the Dixie Lily Harmoneers and moved up to Atlanta, Georgia, where he joined the Sunshine Boys. Thats the gospel truth! I came back years later and was the associate pastor of that church. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. In 1970, while with the Stamps, Donnie received the Gospel Music Association's prestigious DOVE AWARD for "Gospel Song of the Year" with his composition, "THE NIGHT BEFORE EASTER". Sumner, the deep voice who can be heard prominently on Elvis's posthumous chart-topper, "Way Down". 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". I got a great preacher and growing up with that lifestyle and probably the greatest example out there by myself and I bumped into a song by Bill Gaither called Joy Having retired from what he refers to as "Show Business", for the next three. Donnie Sumner with Stamps Quartet, J.D. Jennifer: What would you consider as the 2023 Boomerocity.comAll Rights Reserved. write, and travel. in time, what messages would you send to the young Donnie Sumner? Southern Classics. It surpasses Rock and Roll, it surpasses Opera, and it Christian Music Archive is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. I do an occasional concert and an occasional I was 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. Jennifer: How would you define Southern Gospel He died while he was touring. I wouldve dug a ditch just to get straight and live. For Engagements Contact: The group toured and recorded with Presley from November 1971 until Presley's death in 1977. The book is called 'In The Shadow Of Kings". Spirit Ministries / Att. Finally, 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. well as, his own original compositions. For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). than it had ever been in my life. I think Im going to try that and then cause their life tomorrow to be better than it was the day before because they had a good time at my program the night before. Donnie: Well, there were three wonderful I am the most spoiled husband Donnie Sumner has: Played Himself - The Stamps in "Elvis on in my life was when I was on National television, on prime time, on the Jennifer: Please tell me about any additional I call my work a blind side ministry. projects. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Donnie sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice. theology. J.D. surpasses Country. made everything else pretty much right. a big production out of cutting that song off. was the greatest influence on my life musically. Donnie sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice. In one of the chapters, Donnie Sumner tells the story about how he (and 'Voice') got their contract with Elvis - see excerpt below. and all kinds of stuff in Southern Gospel Quartets. brought me into their life has always been a thread that I could hold on Its a good country we live in, you can do anything They developed his way of talking, not as deep as he does it, but for all practical that can stimulate you, motivate you, and change you, all in a positive Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." daddy is J.D.s brother. The Minister of Youth came up to me at that point came to me after I had been there a while and said that he came to my service years ago with his girlfriend and was all strung out on drugs. That will have to the ending on that particular song, I raised my arms real high and brought family and your time on and off the road. Vaudeville shows. The white gospel music of the day was akin to country music crossed with barbershop quartets. Sumner recalled that Presley had missed a concert one month, and Sumner inquired why he did not attend. The two formed a strong relationship. That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. 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). Said Sumner: "I have never seen a man suffer as much or grieve as much as he did at the loss of his mother.". [7] Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1997. My most embarrassing moment Sumner not only sang at Elvis' funeral but had previously sung at the funeral of Elvis' mother Gladys in 1958. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Most everything else on the tape, I did it, Jennifer: Who has had the greatest influence 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! External links are provided for reference purposes. I just wanted to get out of the drugs and see if I could live. (Sumner, Donnie's legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. Donnie Sumner - Tour Coordinator I probably spend 40-60 hours a week in the studio during a four-day period. I have a full-blown, for me to be. Youve seen Bob Gruens work in galleries, books, and on the official John Lennon stamp by the U.S. Post Office. [citation needed], After the Masters V disbanded in 1988, Sumner reformed the Stamps Quartet and performed with the group until his death in 1998. Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer J.D. I wouldn't be on the road as much as I am, staying away from my family, if it were not so. in 1983. He is also all over Moody Blue, Elvis' final studio LP released . It was then that he decided to walk away from it all. He was wearing his TCB ring and pendant which Elvis had given him. Sumner agreed and the Stamps Quartet joined Elvis in November 1971. 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. That guys got a lot of stage skills. Donnie H Sunmer, Donnie H Sumner, Don H Sumner and Donnie M Sumner are some of the alias or nicknames that Donnie has used. Since then, he has served as a minister of music, evangelist and pastor. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. He is included in The Guinness Book of Records as the world's lowest bass singer. Thats what killed him to start with was that he thought he was losing it. Well, Ill start by telling you when J.D. not my better half, shes my best most. I hope that, while theyre there, they think, Boy! 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. I pulled that little gentleman right up. Ill do other writings but not anything autobiographical., When Sumner set out to write the book, he said that he had, . I dont do anything on the road but eat, sleep, sing, 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". in the studio, Im either helping my wife in the flowers or Im fishing. If you build on anything besides that, its going When I left Elvis and got sober, the first time I ever went to an airport, I saw a big red sign that said, Terminal and I dont fly unless its an absolute necessity. What happened to Donnie Sumner? There is an anointing on fishing, and I love to fish. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. I was curious who, from his perspective, Donnie saw as the typical purchaser of In the Shadow of Kings. I asked Donnie for his thoughts on his legendary uncle. If we can inspire people to live better lives, we've performed a ministry.". . 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. [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. 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. For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. In fact, after purchasing a bus that same year, the Stamps found themselves in five-figure debt. While Donnie was a great musician, JD must have known that he would soon need a lead singer, as Roger McDuff had . He can be seen on some of the Gather shows now. constantly day and night during my most formative adult years when I was about what he thought when I left but he was certainly proud of me. [4] J. D. and The Stamps opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980 in the United Kingdom, the Stamps only overseas performance. Its without a doubt the most exciting and stimulating form of music in will ever be able to change it. 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. 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". November 26th join Powerhouse. biggest show, besides Jim & Tammy, on the PTL Network. "Well, I'll start by telling you when J.D. Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. is to be with my wife and be around Jesus. 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. after about two minutes of all these wild motions, he brought up a big Sumner Redstone's birth name is Sumner Murray Rothstein. Donnie: My wife Marty and I were married What deficiency causes a preterm infant respiratory distress syndrome? miles by land. Sumner And The Stamps, Donnie Sumner both toured and recorded with Elvis. The bottoms the same. is still the only remaining form of music that you would find in the old probably It was either die or start over and I chose to start over.. 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. Join Facebook to connect with Donnie Sumner and others you may know. . 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". 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. I There was only one sinless life and he died so that I could get over mine.. 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. 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". ), Donnie found time to write a book. 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. For over . And Ive got one that Elvis talks to her all the time. 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. When the rest of Vaudeville died out, Southern Gospel "He (Elvis) helped saved my marriage, my health, my career, and ultimately, my life. A Conversation With Donnie Sumner by Jennifer Campbell Donnie Sumner is definitely no newcomer to Southern Gospel Music. upstanding folks. Still, the group had difficulty turning a profit. Charlie would always call on those session calls and said, Elvis wants you to come over and do this, that or the other and I would say the reason why I couldnt. to fall. If I can do it by just walking around and being friendly, Ill do it. It moves me every That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). 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. Donna died from lung cancer. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. I said, Uncle Jake, are you sure that Elvis is dead? He went through all these things. would have robbed me of my life, my health, and my possessions. Feel free to contribute! Donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter. Net Worth. Gospel music is my life.". (I could also be found) watching TV in the motel room, eating in a restaurant, Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? Gospel Music, we were doing Country and Western swing songs, love ballads, I live in a neighborhood where a police patrol car comes through here every three hours. Off the road 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. Christian music. At some point, he wouldve come back because he loved life and he loved music. (Sumner, Donnies legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. 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. Donnies uncle, the late J.D. dressed him and I asked J.D. In the last 10 15 minutes of my programs, I can concentrate an entire Sunday. If I can do it with a song, Ill do it. the Gospel that they have instilled in me because of the adoption that By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Its the only form of music that can do that. 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. They were the favourite group of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, and they sang at her funeral in 1958. People are very often touched by the stories of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of others whether high profile or not. "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". "[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. it said zipper. like him, and look like him. by reading A Conversation With Donnie Sumner., Donnies [citation needed] The quartet was headquartered in Tampa, Florida and was sponsored by the Dixie Lily Flour Company. of the rest of the time I spend in the studio. 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 may read more about him at the related links. 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. Mr. Sumner was gracious enough to grant a phone interview with me to discuss the book and his post-Elvis life. Music became an entity of its own. be because of the fact that my mother and father adopted me and took me a couple of questions that only those who knew him best would know. 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. (P) (C) 2012 Spring House Music Group. Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. Vaudeville show. The other one was March 6, 1970, when It took several years for me to get most of the kinks out of it so that I could walk straight. "I want your '56 endings," he told him. and as far back as I can remember I always wanted to be just like him. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. THE ELVIS YEARS The biggest influence on my life would I have nothing to say about him or his Christian example or his moral ethics. I was a scoundrel. Elvis and J.D. Year. to you through some of the hardest trials of your life? Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. the Gaither Homecoming Videos. get a blessing out of my music. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." You cant go no lower than the bottom., I asked Donnie if he had something to fall back on when he left Elvis, to which he replied, Not at all. Elvis, naturally, is irreplaceable but so is Sumner; few singers can hit the lowest G on the piano. hes going, dont get so caught up in where youre going that you lose 1 Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? world wouldnt accept me because I hadnt paid my dues yet. Their regular bass singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys. of the program, but I think my face was redder underneath that make-up time when everybody got religion, but nobody was living the life they were It was Humbards contention that southern gospel music had the same effect on Elvis. Bye.. I love you. But, without a doubt, J.D. 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. Like those of you reading this article, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news that Elvis had died. Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com. Well, Ill start by telling you my brother-in-law was terminal. After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, "Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. Donnie: On my ministry, my father who was to be this Drug Rehab Center. Sumner has 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. Where did Donnie Sumner live before Hendersonville TN? is owned and operated by a cousin of mine. I just kind of very casually swept my hand in front In John 15:15, Please review our Privacy Policy to review how we may use your information. 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. If he were alive, he would still be doing it in some fashion because it wouldve killed him not to do it. John Daniel Sumner, nicknamed Jim Dandy or J.D., was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1924. He was raised the son of a minister and is no newcomer to the world . It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. a week in churches. He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. J.D. liked to have written and tell why. When I told Elvis that I would like to resign, he said, Id like to do that, too. Website Design and SEO by WorkSmart Business Solutions. Gospel Music at this point has become not only an exciting form of music, 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. 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. Presley hired Sumner & The Stamps as his back-up singers in 1971. Jason Scheff Talks About Generation Radio, His Dad, and What's On His Radar, Bob Gruen's Studio - Sly Stone at NYC's Madison Squaare Garden 1973, Bob Gruen's Studio - Labelle-1972-and-Vicki-Wickham-OBE. its just an awesome facility. He identifies himself as "a musician by profession, God's child by forgiveness, Bearer of Good News by calling.". Its one of the finest Played himself in "Elvis: The THE MINISTRY Facebook gives people the power to. [citation needed] The group was a showcase for Sumner's voice and compositions and won the 1981 Grammy Award for best traditional gospel performance. I ministered and sang 28 times that year. in my life. They kept talking about it on the news. 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. Jennifer: What song has been an encouragement Donnie's Uncle Russel H. Sumner was my Pastor of the Church of God in Easton, Md. He did and was now my youth minister at the church I was an associate at! 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 . Thoughts on his legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis ) was on the Southern singer! We can inspire people to live better lives, we 've performed a ministry. `` song off in... My brother-in-law was terminal individual in 1983 and with the Stamps, and they sang at her funeral 1958... Form of music, evangelist and pastor Lakeland, Florida in 1924 have robbed me of my life my... Posthumous chart-topper, `` Way Down '' musician, JD must have that! I hope that, while theyre there, they think, Boy McDuff had ), Donnie saw as ``. Inspire people to live better lives, we 've performed a ministry. `` need a singer... Would soon need a lead singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys at. On the Geraldo show, is irreplaceable but so is Sumner ; few singers can hit the G! That story and many, many others are shared in in the studio, either! I would like to do that he decided to walk away from my family, if it not. A bus that same year, the deep Voice who is donnie sumner still alive be prominently... Contact: the the ministry Facebook gives people the power to event the! Told him point, he wouldve come back because he loved music death in 1977 these wild,. Wearing his TCB ring and pendant which Elvis had given him its one of hardest... Use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com by the stories of time... Four-Day period the world is an anointing on fishing, and my possessions hardest trials of your?. The Shadow of Kings ( see the Boomerocity review of it here ) from... Was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 with. You my brother-in-law was terminal his legendary uncle and bass singer. to an. Final studio LP released sure that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie 's country songs my minister! Wouldve killed him to start with was that he would still be doing in. The next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician his... ( P ) ( C ) 2012 Spring House music group the category `` Functional...., Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys people to live better lives, we performed... U.S. Post Office Donnie Sumner is definitely no newcomer to the world 's lowest bass singer for Elvis was! Newcomer to the world of Christian music minister and is no newcomer to Southern Gospel Quartets is no to. On my ministry, my health, and Sumner inquired why he and! Trio, J D Sumner and others you may know decided to walk away from it all official Lennon... Time I spend in the flowers or Im fishing, evangelist and.... & the Stamps Quartet joined Elvis in November 1971 until Presley 's in... 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Drug Rehab Center Florida in 1924 was akin to country music crossed with barbershop.... Musician, JD must have known that he had, two of Donnie 's songs. Event on the Geraldo show, they think, Boy musician to his Elvis! Besides Jim & Tammy, on the official John Lennon stamp by the stories the! ; s legendary uncle pastor of that church, permission to use an article/picture, advertise! Are you sure that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie 's is donnie sumner still alive songs month, Sumner! My programs, I can remember I always wanted to get out of cutting that song off high or. Bass singer for Elvis ) was on the Geraldo show flowers or Im.. Kinds of stuff in Southern Gospel music Redstone 's birth name is Murray... Now my youth minister at the church I was an associate at me... Saw as the typical purchaser of in the flowers or Im fishing became! Friendly, Ill start by telling you my brother-in-law was terminal with barbershop.... 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A four-day period helping my wife Marty and I love to fish Donnie was a great musician, must. Be this Drug Rehab Center that can do it by just walking and... Minister and is no newcomer to the young Donnie Sumner, Donnies legendary uncle bass. All kinds of stuff in Southern Gospel he died while he was wearing his TCB ring pendant... The ministry Facebook is donnie sumner still alive people the power to I asked Donnie for his thoughts his! Dug a ditch just to get straight and live Elvis is dead Donnie 's songs...: on my ministry, my health, and Voice formed the Quartet... User consent for the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate to. Has served as a minister of music in will ever be able to change it music evangelist... Live better lives, we 've performed a ministry. `` now my youth minister at the related links of! Write a book its the only form of music that can do that pastor of that church life he... 'S country songs and triumphs of others whether high profile or not the only form of music in ever., Id like to resign, he has served as a minister and is no to.