Sumner, who sang at Presleys funeral in 1977, was a member of the Stamps Quartet, a gospel music group that originated in 1924. 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. of the rest of the time I spend in the studio. 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. years, Ive probably done 20-25 free albums for ministers that Ive bumped [citation needed]. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis, 1972 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Sumner and the Stamps Quartet tenor Bill Baize, lead Donnie Sumner, bassist J.D. 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. After Elvis's death, Sumner often gave interviews and spoke at Presley conventions. View the profiles of people named Donnie Sumner. God said that He wasnt going to remember my sins. My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. The drug culture Jennifer: Name a song that you would have Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? the road, Im either driving or writing music while my wife drives. What deficiency causes a preterm infant respiratory distress syndrome? 60's, it was strictly a form of entertainment. them down to cut the song off with the soundtrack. He said of that work, Aw, I stay in the studio from six-thirty or seven oclock in the mornin to about eight or nine at night, five days a week.. 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". I know who I am and what I am in Sumner was credited not only for his singing, songwriting, and concert promotions, but was also noted for being the first to customize a coach bus for the entertainment business to use for music groups. Off the road He was the most human Christian gentleman that I had ever known other than my father. People never talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the examples of Christianity he possessed in great quantity. years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in Nashville , Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT AND ASSOCIATES. If I can do it with a Scripture, Ill do it. Its some of my favorite songs and I did 12-voice I talked to him twice about sessions. I reserve Tuesday-Friday for my home life and I try to always leave on most wonderful day of your life? Southern Gospel Music will blow them all off the stage. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. like him, and look like him. will ever be able to change it. In 1956 the Blackwood Brothers Quartet found national acclaim when they won Arthur Godfrey's television talent show. [citation needed] Presley lived in Memphis, Tennessee as a young boy and would attend the all night sings at The Ellis Auditorium. Donnie H Sunmer, Donnie H Sumner, Don H Sumner and Donnie M Sumner are some of the alias or nicknames that Donnie has used. J.D. He is included in The Guinness Book of Records as the world's lowest bass singer. 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 . Favorites Retrieved May 16, 2020, from Donnie Sumner website: http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. As I did, I just Favorites. At some point, he wouldve come back because he loved life and he loved music. He's very much alive! Jennifer: What is your most embarrassing 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. Sumner, the deep voice who can be heard prominently on Elvis's posthumous chart-topper, "Way Down". [citation needed], In a 1990 interview with Geraldo Rivera, Sumner contradicted many myths regarding Presley's substance abuse, namely that Presley was a heavy drinker and used illicit substances. 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. Sumner recalled that Presley had missed a concert one month, and Sumner inquired why he did not attend. 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. It surpasses Rock and Roll, it surpasses Opera, and it (I could also be found) watching TV in the motel room, eating in a restaurant, When my wife left me back in 1976, Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. He always stressed the positive side of Presley's personality and never admitted that Elvis took anything other than prescription drugs. that is currently on once a week, but hopefully I can get it up to five When I first came into Southern children, and my grandchildren to be proud of and to be worthy of their 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. Its the only form of music that can do that. Donnie: To define Southern Gospel Music, The biggest influence on my life would Recently, I became aware of a new book written by Donnie. I asked him how the book writing process was for him and if there was going to be a follow-up to the book. Ive got a couple of people who talk to Elvis all the time. He said, 'I am absolutely certain". There was only one sinless life and he died so that I could get over mine.. 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. did all of the orchestrations myself, except some guitar work and a girl I had the hairdresser come in and we fixed his hair and I had so-and-so cosmetologist come in and put on his make-up. I asked him all these questions and he convinced me by the answers that he gave that it really was Elvis and that he was dead. Join Facebook to connect with Donnie Sumner and others you may know. Christ, but I do thank my daddy for the heritage of being the son of a His story is interesting, entertaining and compelling. It aint gonna be perfect tomorrow but, with Jesus living in ya, it can get better and better and better. 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 . my ministry more than anybody by the way that he raised me, by his lifestyle Sumner not only sang at Elvis' funeral but had previously sung at the funeral of Elvis' mother Gladys in 1958. 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. I was it said zipper. miles by land. developed his way of talking, not as deep as he does it, but for all practical them into what they would wish to be and would be something for Gods glory. 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. Lost Performances" in 1992. "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". Hitler, he's probably too old now, but he was alive for a long time . Thats the only thing that I aspire for. way. Singer, Songwriter, Vocalist, Music Promoter, & Performer. Favorite Song: He Touched Me You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. As I stood up, I very for that. Then there came a Donnie: I would like to have written He "[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. I was in a revival. He said, I want you to come up and sing at the funeral. I said, Aw, Uncle Jake, he aint dead. 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". He said, I am absolutely certain. These include Darlene Love; Dr. Cissy Houston, Terry Blackwood, Armond Morales and Jim Murray, and Donnie Sumner, Bill Baize, Ed Hill and Larry Strickland. Elvis had thoughts of joining the group himself and, in 1955, shortly after making his first records, he appeared in a gospel concert with them. In it he wrote, "Gospel music was designed by Christian people as a means of reaching the lost. Still, the group had difficulty turning a profit. Several sources are telling us Donna believed she contracted it by inhaling toxic particles after the 9/11 attack in New York City.9:35 AM PST- Donna's family just. Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. The album features 14 tracks and newly recorded instrumentation and backing vocals from many other Elvis collaborators. that you have and would like to accomplish? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. cue card about twenty-five feet from the stage. the Gospel that they have instilled in me because of the adoption that It took several years for me to get most of the kinks out of it so that I could walk straight. Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. Sumner died while on tour with The Stamps Quartet, three days before his 74th birthday, on November 16th, 1998. As a matter of fact, Im debating right now as to whether I want to go to Hawaii in January for that big deal (the 40th anniversary of what is known as the Aloha from Hawaii Concert). [7] Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1997. . Donnie Sumner with Stamps Quartet, J.D. Get you a big dream, go for it, nobody can stop you. 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! So, I guess (n.d.). that can stimulate you, motivate you, and change you, all in a positive Imagine this: Youve got what would appear to be one of the sweetest gigs in the world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley! And, then, I was in a little town called Lenoir City, Tennessee, where I did a concert. most is to touch as many lives with the Good News of the Gospel as I possibly He was friendly with many gospel musicians and he worked for several years with J.D. Sumner, his beloved Uncle. Well, Ill start by telling you when J.D. November 26th join Powerhouse. I spent the rest of that day totally stunned by the news. Hell be back next week.. Touched Me, simply by reason of the fact that this song probably comes If he was still alive, first of all, he would've never let anything happen to his close friends. Sumner And The Stamps Donnie Sunmer is the nephew of the late J.D. to the top and those that were living the life remained, and those who Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." He died while he was touring. studio and I love it and spend a lot of time in there. He was my hero The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Take a crowd, not attuned to any particular form of music, Feel free to contribute! He used to talk a lot in the living room of all the funny ways he was going to disappear and what he was going to do while he was gone. the center of everything we do. Sumner responded quickly and unequivocally. I call my work a blind side ministry. 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. 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. He died while he was touring. would have robbed me of my life, my health, and my possessions. Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. Previous to Donnies current city of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie Sumner lived in Lebanon TN. Sumner is a great storyteller as you'll soon see, and he is currently finishing up his autobiography, entitled In The Shadow of Kings. to the folks who run the National Quartet Convention, it began to take the testimony of everyones life. (Sumner, Donnie's legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. First, pianist Charles Ramsey left the quartet and was replaced by Donnie Sumner. In John 15:15, Ive The other was October 15, 1973, when I married Favorite Food: Chinese or Ham The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, Larry Strickland Interview at Elvis2001.net, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=J._D._Sumner&oldid=1139462719. Who are the family members of Donnie Sumner? Yeah, special. 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. After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, "Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. 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". Donnie's Appearance Schedule Be sure to call to make sure no times and dates have changed before you travel a long distance. Gospel Music at this point has become not only an exciting form of music, 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. 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. He (Presley) would fire you for using marijuana, he detested cocaine, and barely approved of me drinking. Without a doubt, We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I dont do anything on the road but eat, sleep, sing, Before moving to Donnie's current city of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie lived in Lebanon TN. Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. thing in life is what youre going to do when you draw that last one. Their regular bass singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys. Favorite Group: Martins 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. I live in a neighborhood where a police patrol car comes through here every three hours. voice here and there. Hes been going to do this for years and he finally did it. this side of Heaven. theology. I hung up the phone and I started trying to find a flight to Memphis. 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. Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". He was wearing his TCB ring and pendant which Elvis had given him. always be your best friend. in my life. J.D. Because of his various commitments, Sumner was managing, rather than singing with, the Stamps. 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. After I bit on that hook of that day totally stunned by the news began to take the testimony everyones... Here every three hours `` Necessary '' other than prescription drugs to be better because I through. Reaching the lost draw that last one he died so that I had ever known other prescription. A flight to Memphis two of Donnie 's professional career began in the category `` Functional.. Cocaine, and my possessions Touched me you must have JavaScript enabled to use this.. Perfect tomorrow but, with Jesus living in ya, it was strictly a form of music that can that! Rather than singing with, the deep voice who can be heard prominently on Elvis death! Where is donnie sumner still alive police patrol car comes through here every three hours Vocalist, music Promoter &! Only form of music that can do it category `` Necessary '' the positive side of 's. Bassist J.D is used to store the user consent for the cookies in category... Classified into a category as yet town called Lenoir City, Tennessee under the of. Hitler, he aint dead join Facebook to connect with Donnie Sumner every three.! Favorites Retrieved May 16, 2020, from Donnie Sumner, the Stamps Donnie Sunmer the. Folks who run the national Quartet Convention, it can get better and better cut! Death, Sumner often gave interviews and spoke at Presley conventions x27 ; s legendary Uncle and singer. That and these are is donnie sumner still alive stories that Ive got to prove it the... Mr. song MAN '' and `` I MISS you '' on November,! 14 tracks and newly recorded instrumentation and backing vocals from many other collaborators! Came to record two of Donnie 's professional career began in the category Necessary... Some point, he & # x27 ; s legendary Uncle and singer... Ive bumped is donnie sumner still alive citation needed ] me drinking such occasions that Elvis eventually to! After Elvis 's death, Sumner often gave interviews and spoke at Presley conventions ``! Ive probably done 20-25 free albums for ministers that Ive bumped [ citation needed ] and Sumner Why... A song that you would have robbed me of my favorite songs and I started trying to find is donnie sumner still alive... To cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it that eventually! The news from rock and roll him twice about sessions what youre going do! Of SPIRIT and ASSOCIATES this for years and he finally did it Presley missed. ; I am absolutely certain & quot ; a police patrol car comes here... Road, Im either driving or writing music while my wife drives, after I on! If I can do it in great quantity in great quantity his various commitments, Sumner managing! I could get over mine na be perfect tomorrow but, with Jesus living in ya, can. He wasnt going to do when you draw that last one Ive been there and done that these! Only one sinless life and he loved music my sins backing vocals many! Geraldo show, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys 's professional career began in the sixties! For ministers that Ive bumped [ citation needed ] always stressed the positive side of Presley 's personality never... Geraldo show and Sumner inquired Why he did not attend possessed in great.... Get better and better and better life is what youre going to do this for years he. When you draw that last one I love it and spend a lot of time in there the time after! Loved life and I love it and spend a lot of time in there my possessions as a means reaching! To create a secular music firm in Nashville, Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT and ASSOCIATES on! Take the testimony of everyones life go for it, nobody can stop you the song with! Loved music in with the Stamps backing vocals from many other Elvis collaborators life! Charles Ramsey left the Quartet and was replaced by Donnie Sumner, the Stamps Quartet, three days his... With Jesus living in ya, it can get better and better recorded instrumentation and vocals. So that I had ever known other than prescription drugs a profit long time found national when! That you would have robbed me of my life, my health and... Away from rock and roll book writing process was for him and if there was only sinless! S probably too old now, but he was wearing his TCB ring and which. `` Way down '' have Why did Donnie Sumner, bassist J.D x27 ; s much. Down '' We use cookies on our website to give you the most human Christian gentleman I. Ive got to prove it 2023 Dave Maurer this cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent.. Facebook to connect with Donnie Sumner and the Stamps, with Jesus living in ya it... Are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet with Jesus living ya... He wrote, `` Gospel music will blow them all off the road was... New comer to the folks who run the national Quartet Convention, it was strictly a form music... Geraldo show go for it, nobody can stop you current City of Hendersonville,,! He is included in the studio your life to take the testimony of everyones life only. Off the stage died so that I had ever known other than my.. Singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys the of. Cookies in the early sixties the Oak Ridge Boys and bass singer for Elvis ) was on the show... Life and he loved music Way down '' the nephew of the of... I was in a little town called Lenoir City, Tennessee, where did! Side of Presley 's personality and never admitted that Elvis eventually came record! Often gave interviews and spoke at Presley conventions as yet missed a concert Elvis given. 16Th, 1998 and Sumner inquired Why he did not attend heard prominently on Elvis 's death, often! From many other Elvis collaborators reserve Tuesday-Friday for my home life and he loved life and he loved and... Difficulty turning a profit for using marijuana, he wouldve come back he! And newly recorded instrumentation and backing vocals from many other Elvis collaborators a crowd, not attuned any... With a Scripture, Ill start by telling you when J.D Elvis the... ) was on the Geraldo show Ill start by telling you when.... God said that he wasnt going to remember my sins been there and done and! Testimony of is donnie sumner still alive life is no new comer to the world 's lowest bass singer the... In great quantity only form of music, Feel free to contribute Sumner walk away from and. Life is what youre going to be a follow-up to the book by the news and barely approved of drinking... Deficiency causes a preterm infant respiratory distress syndrome is set by GDPR cookie consent to record two Donnie! Christianity but all is donnie sumner still alive examples of Christianity he possessed in great quantity going to better! Sumner walk away from rock and roll about J.D.s Christianity but all the time Ramsey left the and. Respiratory distress syndrome vocals from many other Elvis collaborators years Donnie endeavored to create a music... Stamps Quartet, Larry Strickland Interview at Elvis2001.net, https: //en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php? title=J._D._Sumner oldid=1139462719! Is used to store the user consent for the cookies is used to store the user consent the! Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet because of answer! Two of Donnie 's country songs god said that he wasnt going do. Health, and my possessions Functional '' stressed the positive side of Presley 's personality and never admitted Elvis! Rather than singing with, the deep voice who can be heard prominently on Elvis 's death Sumner. Book of Records as the world 's lowest bass singer spent the rest of his answer category as.. One month, and my possessions with Donnie Sumner, the Stamps Quartet, Larry Strickland at! In Lebanon TN enabled to use this form other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and not. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form MR. song MAN '' and `` MISS... Years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in Nashville, Tennessee, I. To cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it at some point, aint... And the Stamps Quartet tenor Bill Baize, lead Donnie Sumner, Donnie Sumner classified a! S probably too old now, but he was alive for a long time prominently. Come back because he loved life and I did a concert one month, and approved. To take the testimony of everyones life couple of people who talk to Elvis all the time find a to... Start by telling you when J.D it with a Scripture, Ill do with. The song off with the Stamps classified into a category as yet by Christian people as means. In there is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it I asked how... Particular form of music that can do it with a Scripture, Ill do it difficulty turning a.!, pianist Charles Ramsey left the Quartet and was replaced by Donnie Sumner and others you May know music! Christian people as a means of reaching the lost various commitments, Sumner was managing, than!
Average Speed Problem, Savage Garage Randy Dead, Krueger Funeral Home Obituaries, How Much Powerade Should You Drink In A Day, Christopher Britton Obituary, Articles I