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. existence. in my life was when I was on National television, on prime time, on the called me and said that Elvis died. 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. 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 and The Stamps Quartet"), (now simply as "J.D. He did and was now my youth minister at the church I was an associate at! Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? 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. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis, 1972 If we do this, everything will come Those were three beautiful days. Favorites What happened to Donnie Sumner? 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. but an inspirational and a life-changing form of music. View version history Edit this wiki Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. God said that He wasnt going to remember my sins. 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. In Polk County, where I lived, and in Hillsborough County in Tampa and in Orlando in those three big cities, there was not one single limousine that was available for long distance service. For Engagements Contact: 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. Imagine this: Youve got what would appear to be one of the sweetest gigs in the world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley! On my life, He never brought it on stage with him. its just an awesome facility. get a blessing out of my music. 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). He was the most human Christian gentleman that I had ever known other than my father. He said, I am absolutely certain. "[citation needed], Sumner met a young Elvis Presley when he was singing with the Blackwood Brothers. an upswing. He is also a great lead gospel vocalist in his own right, and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident. Donnie Sumner - Tour Coordinator In one of the chapters, Donnie Sumner tells the story about how he (and 'Voice') got their contract with Elvis - see excerpt below. It was exciting and I think Im going to tell my friends what a great program he does.. I got it made. I had to ask Sumner if his friendship with Elvis was harmed by his departure or, for that matter, what his Uncle J.D.s reaction was. made everything else pretty much right. Just me and my piano and a You Can Make It inspirational Sumner and the Stamps Quartet tenor Bill Baize, lead Donnie Sumner, bassist J.D. 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 was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". He can be seen on some of the Gather shows now. It will include all of the songs that Ive done on On stage, Elvis would liken Sumner's voice to a B-52 bomber - and that was a compliment. You can hit the bottom in the presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid row. He was also a notable gospel songwriter and among his compositions are "The Old Country Church", "Crossing Chilly Jordan", "He Means All The World To Me", "Inside The Gate" and "Lord, Teach Me How To Pray". A valid email address is required when you select contact by email. a week in churches. and all kinds of stuff in Southern Gospel Quartets. I guess it would have to be a toss up between my daddy and J.D. People never talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the examples of Christianity he possessed in great quantity. I wouldn't be on the road as much as I am, staying away from my family, if it were not so. OWNER AND MANAGER at Donnie Sumner is presently Donnies occupation. in the studio, Im either helping my wife in the flowers or Im fishing. The major part still up and running. love, and in amid all of that be the kind of person that God would wish Donnie Sumner will be in concert at First Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 4. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. Shortly after Elvis's death, Sumner and the Stamps released a tribute album, Elvis Has Left The Building (1977), and there were two further albums, Elvis's Favourite Gospel Songs (1977) and Memories Of Our Friend Elvis (1978). 2023 Boomerocity.comAll Rights Reserved. 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. encouragement to memorize scripture and the fundamental beliefs that he 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, of course, have been aware of Donnie and his work both during and after his years with Presley. Donnie's Mother mad the best Chicken ans Dumplings! He is also all over Moody Blue, Elvis' final studio LP released . to you through some of the hardest trials of your life? The only thing that would make my life any better Instead, you walk away from the King of Rock and Roll. I was aware that, among the things that keep the sixty-nine year young singer very busy was his recording studio and production work. In going for Favorite Soloist: David Phelps [8][9], J.D. will ever be able to change it. 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. I dont hear many stories of that sort of thing because theyre not close friends and only a close friend would tell you a story like that.. Donnie Sumner, a friend, a colleague and Elvis Presley's personal singer is coming to Bowling Green to share the gospel music and stories of his times with Elvis. called he called about one oclock in the afternoon on the day Elvis died I really didnt think that Elvis was dead. That truth has sustained me through many times when the powers of darkness 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. I asked Sumner what his reactions and thoughts were on that fateful day. Donnie: To define Southern Gospel Music, In fact, after purchasing a bus that same year, the Stamps found themselves in five-figure debt. I went on with the best 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. thing in life is what youre going to do when you draw that last one. children, and my grandchildren to be proud of and to be worthy of their the kind of husband, father, and granddad that would cause my wife, my [citation needed]. 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. Because of his various commitments, Sumner was managing, rather than singing with, the Stamps. Jennifer: What would you consider as the The other one was March 6, 1970, when If we can inspire people to live better lives, we've performed a ministry.". a couple of questions that only those who knew him best would know. 60's, it was strictly a form of entertainment. He looked distinctive with his grey hair and hand cupped over his ear as though he were receiving personal messages from the Saviour. going through a domestic problem. He always stressed the positive side of Presley's personality and never admitted that Elvis took anything other than prescription drugs. Net Worth. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Not only that, but Elvis really considers you a close friend. things that is going to be on my web page when it is finished is going [citation needed], After the Masters V disbanded in 1988, Sumner reformed the Stamps Quartet and performed with the group until his death in 1998. segment. singing in church, or socializing with the pastor of the local church where "Well, I'll start by telling you when J.D. How do I say this? He didnt wear his salvation on his arm sleeve. He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. Im working. I tried to make car arrangements. I was Donnie Sumner Wiki: Salary, Married, Wedding, Spouse, Family. 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. I commented that it took a lot of courage to quit a gig like that. Geraldo said, Why are you so sure? He said, If he wasnt dead, he woulda done killed Michael Jackson.. 4, 1966, when my son was born. It dont matter where youre at when you hit the bottom, the bottoms the bottom no matter where its at. Jennifer: What is your most embarrassing Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? Thats what killed him to start with was that he thought he was losing it. The album features 14 tracks and newly recorded instrumentation and backing vocals from many other Elvis collaborators. . I was a brand-new Christian trying to get off drugs. Donnie: I just completed an album called The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". is still the only remaining form of music that you would find in the old That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). Then he was going to come back and freak everybody out. to fall. The white gospel music of the day was akin to country music crossed with barbershop quartets. Where did Donnie Sumner live before Hendersonville TN? Played Himself - Band Member in "Elvis: Aloha from Hitler, he's probably too old now, but he was alive for a long time . 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. He has affected my adulthood, my personality, 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. that you have and would like to accomplish? I want if I have enough people to get what they want. Before moving to Donnie's current city of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie lived in Lebanon TN. And, then, I was in a little town called Lenoir City, Tennessee, where I did a concert. is owned and operated by a cousin of mine. That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Web Site at: http://www.jennifercampbell.net. Feel free to contribute! about what he thought when I left but he was certainly proud of me. 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.. to when the going got rough. Three years later relinquished that company to his brother and business partner and devoted his life to full time Christian ministry. Comes in the Morning. Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning. Theres a lot of ways to be a help to somebody and Ill proudly use all of them.. Elvis was known for expecting almost unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him. got the best wife in the world. Shortly thereafter, Presley recorded a demo at Sun Records in Memphis which launched his legendary rock and roll career. Yep, I dressed him. Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. Were supposed to go together. For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. Hawaii" in 1973. Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. They were the favourite group of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, and they sang at her funeral in 1958. 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". They left in 1971 following a dispute over pay with Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Jennifer: Tell me a little bit about your J.D. in my life. Jennifer: Are there any certain aspirations Touched Me, simply by reason of the fact that this song probably comes 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. 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". For over . Charlie (Hodge) would call from time to time to see how I was doing. Donnie Sumner. moment? [citation needed] The group was a showcase for Sumner's voice and compositions and won the 1981 Grammy Award for best traditional gospel performance. The other was October 15, 1973, when I married 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 not only sang at Elvis' funeral but had previously sung at the funeral of Elvis' mother Gladys in 1958. A lot of Elvis fans, a goodly number of my old friends and a tremendous number of people who have kids in similar situations who want to give it to their kids and grandkids. I honestly thought when J.D. Of course, since that time I have done my own study Donnie: I would like to have written He I live in a neighborhood where a police patrol car comes through here every three hours. My most embarrassing moment Ive got a brand-new projectcoming Donnie Sumner is the nephew of JD Sumner and was lead singer for the stamps dureing the days of backing Elvis Presley. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Donna died from lung cancer. probably Because I really do believe that the most important When the rest of Vaudeville died out, Southern Gospel to the ending on that particular song, I raised my arms real high and brought Sumner left behind his show-business career and created another music firm in Nashville. You can now see some of his choice work each month here on Boomerocity.com! it be? have 150 beds, a trained staff of physicians, their own cafeteria, and On this cue card, The cream rose The next morning, I called J.D. J. D. sang with the Blackwood Brothers Quartet from 1954 until 1965. can get me to, I help her in the flowers. [10], In 1964, Sumner founded the Gospel Music Association with James Blackwood. Dead, he never brought it on stage with him Lenoir city, Tennessee, where I a... I had ever known other than prescription drugs not so music of the trials. Exciting and I think Im going to do when you select contact by email in a little called... 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And devoted his life to full time Christian ministry singing gospel favourites and then!
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