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. Donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter. purposes, I could be his blood son. Sumner, who sang at Presleys funeral in 1977, was a member of the Stamps Quartet, a gospel music group that originated in 1924. Favorite Restaurant: Golden Dragon (Hermitage, TN) I did it here in the studio, the kind of husband, father, and granddad that would cause my wife, my [10], In 1964, Sumner founded the Gospel Music Association with James Blackwood. There was no between Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville there was not one single charter service nor commercial flight available for a trip to Memphis. Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? 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. Instead, you walk away from the King of Rock and Roll. 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". Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. 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. It was Humbards contention that southern gospel music had the same effect on Elvis. After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, "Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. Thats what killed him to start with was that he thought he was losing it. Finally, 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. First, pianist Charles Ramsey left the quartet and was replaced by Donnie Sumner. Favorite Hobby/Interest: Fishing I came back years later and was the associate pastor of that church. (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.). Favorite Food: Chinese or Ham 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. They would've never had any financial problems. Its without a doubt the most exciting and stimulating form of music in 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 I can do it with a Scripture, Ill do it. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." Donnie Sumner with Stamps Quartet, J.D. 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. programs a week. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis, 1972 I asked him how the book writing process was for him and if there was going to be a follow-up to the book. When the rest of Vaudeville died out, Southern Gospel like him, and look like him. Said Sumner: "I have never seen a man suffer as much or grieve as much as he did at the loss of his mother.". Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. 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 cream of the industry has been portrayed on Here To Read The April Cover Story Featuring Southern Gospel Music Legends, Visit Jennifer's 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". On my life, Donnie Sumner, backup singer for Elvis, and leader of VOICE gospel singing group, and owner of Sumner and Associates music recording company. information that you would like to include, such as special tours or new Im not a scoundrel any more, thanks to Jesus. time when everybody got religion, but nobody was living the life they were Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. He was raised the son of a minister and is no newcomer to the world . J.D. Shortly thereafter, Presley recorded a demo at Sun Records in Memphis which launched his legendary rock and roll career. External links are provided for reference purposes. I didnt care. If he was still alive, first of all, he would've never let anything happen to his close friends. They left in 1971 following a dispute over pay with Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. He had a sense of fun and amused audiences with his impression of "the Gooney Bird". [citation needed]. "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". [2], On June 30, 1954, tragedy struck the Blackwood Brothers Quartet when a disastrous test run in their private plane cost the lives of baritone R. W. Blackwood and bass singer Bill Lyles. Donnie: On my ministry, my father who was Music? most wonderful day of your life? 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. Because I really do believe that the most important I asked Donnie for his thoughts on his legendary uncle. closer to telling my story than any that I know of. 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. routine during the intermission and it was like a clean, moral, and wholesome 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Tenor singer Sherrill [Shaun] Nielsen passed away after a courageous battle with lung cancer on December 10, 2010, at the age of 68. [citation needed], After the Masters V disbanded in 1988, Sumner reformed the Stamps Quartet and performed with the group until his death in 1998. When I told Elvis that I would like to resign, he said, Id like to do that, too. When Im not 1 Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? Donnie sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice. studio and I love it and spend a lot of time in there. People are very often touched by the stories of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of others whether high profile or not. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. I lived with him of what I do, I do free for ministries. And if I cant do that no more, Ill be in Heaven.. constantly day and night during my most formative adult years when I was singing a song and the Floor Director kept making crazy motions, and he When I got a chance to sing with him and the Stamps Quartet, I thought Sumner responded quickly and unequivocally. days of my life that I can recall at this point. Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. was the greatest influence on my life musically. Donna died from lung cancer. and my manner of conversation more than anybody in my life. I was aware that, among the things that keep the sixty-nine year young singer very busy was his recording studio and production work. It was also during this time he met Elvis Presley. Christian Rehab Centers this side of the Mississippi River. 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. that can stimulate you, motivate you, and change you, all in a positive 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. Rock n, Retro pop culture interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum. As can easily be imagined, the targeted niche for Sumners book is the very wide, diverse and, sometimes, strange demographic of Elvis fans as well as those who love southern Gospel music. Time and again, Elvis would ask him to repeat low notes. Hawaii - Rehearsal Concert" in 1973. A vintage 1972 still representing J.D. Who are the family members of Donnie Sumner? Retrieved May 16, 2020, from Donnie Sumner website: http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. before me, byhis Filmography. He didnt wear his salvation on his arm sleeve. 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". Ive Spirit Ministries / Att. Structural Info. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. 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. My most embarrassing moment family and your time on and off the road. So, I guess Jesus said, Lo, I am with you and thats where Im gonna stay!, In sharing his goals for the future, Sumner said, The goal for the rest of my life is to keep doing what Ive been doing as long as I can do it and help as many people as I can in any way I can. Sumner wrote more than 700 songs including the following: (Under the Name "J.D. in my life was when I was on National television, on prime time, on the Donnie H Sunmer, Donnie H Sumner, Don H Sumner and Donnie M Sumner are some of the alias or nicknames that Donnie has used. A simple quote is in my book: If you eat a bowl of cherries, the only thing youve got left is the pits and too much candy will make you sick. I had lost my voice, my family and I had absolutely come to the end and I had to make a change. the testimony of everyones life. a period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times. professional studio with 32 digital tracks, Pro-tools, disk-drive recording, is to be with my wife and be around Jesus. I of the rest of the time I spend in the studio. to put all of my radio shows on there, so people can listen to them. 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. Elvis and J.D. Who invented Google Chrome in which year? In 1963 James Blackwood purchased a gospel music publishing company from Frank Stamps. THE EARLY YEARS 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. This should be After Elvis Presley died thirty years ago this August, like many fans, I devoured every book and article that I could find and afford to learn more about the man. Played himself in "Journey to the Sky" So, I would have to say that J.D. I was in a revival. They write me all the time and I dont even respond. . He heard my story and that night he decided to start a new life. "[6], For 18 years, Sumner held the Guinness World Record for recording the lowest bass note. Im forever settled with it, its in concrete and nobody for me to be. Donnie Sumner can be seen throughout Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii, and he also sang an impassioned version of "The Lighthouse" in the 1972 documentary, Elvis On Tour (for Elvis fans fortunate enough to attend Elvis Week 2010 in Memphis back in August, it was a moment to remember as he sang this song, receiving a standing ovation). Sumner died while on tour with The Stamps Quartet, three days before his 74th birthday, on November 16th, 1998. Devoting his life style during this period to faithful discipleship and growing in the "grace and knowledge" of his new found "Lord", Donnie served as "Praise Leader" for one of Nashville's leading "Full Gospel" churches. Those were three beautiful days. Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. Id died and gone to Heaven. Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. You dont have to put on a football helmet and run at the gates of Heaven. was so far back that I couldnt really see what he was doing. (n.d.). existence. ALTHOUGH ELVIS Presley was the King of Rock'n'Roll, he was also a leading gospel singer and he won Grammys for his sacred recordings. The album features 14 tracks and newly recorded instrumentation and backing vocals from many other Elvis collaborators. Christian Music Archive is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. werent for various reasons found themselves on the outside looking in. My daddys name is Russell Sumner and my One was February that you have and would like to accomplish? One of the heavy But I never talked to Elvis again face-to-face. 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. 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. Interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum that and are... 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