said that he would rent a limousine to bring me up there. I had no idea. Then Ive got one girl that has married Elvis after he died. He did and was now my youth minister at the church I was an associate at! Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up with the latest from Boomerocity.com. When my wife left me back in 1976, I asked Donnie for his thoughts on his legendary uncle. Its one of the finest Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. He wiped me out.". I said, Uncle Jake, are you sure that Elvis is dead? He went through all these things. Ive got a brand-new projectcoming 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. Jennifer: Who has had the greatest influence in each line. Elvis Presley had used a former gospel group, the Jordanaires, on many of his hit recordings. (Sumner, Donnie's legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. He said, I want you to come up and sing at the funeral. I said, Aw, Uncle Jake, he aint dead. 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. They were the favourite group of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, and they sang at her funeral in 1958. 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. Ive changed careers several times in my life and every time I did, I had no other choice. Ive got a brand new life. 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. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Jennifer: What is your most embarrassing 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. That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. My most embarrassing moment They left in 1971 following a dispute over pay with Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. experienced it. still up and running. Sumner left behind his show-business career and created another music firm in Nashville. So, I would have to say that J.D. Sumner recalled that Presley had missed a concert one month, and Sumner inquired why he did not attend. That was the last time I ever talked to him face-to-face. Theres nuts out there everywhere.. 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. I want them to laugh at my humor, at my jokes, at myself by being old, fat and ugly. Hawaii - Rehearsal Concert" in 1973. Donald SumnerDonald "Donnie" Sumner, of Adel, Ga., died March 25, 2020.He was born March 3, 1953, to Alma and Orba Sumner.He was a Glynn County firefighter and a painter.He is survived by his wife, Au thing in life is what youre going to do when you draw that last one. Most everything else on the tape, I did it, 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. If we do this, everything will come I want if I have enough people to get what they want. He was found dead of a heart attack in his hotel room in Myrtle Beach, SC. Southern Gospel Music is the most exciting, stimulating form of music in 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. Sumner, the deep voice who can be heard prominently on Elvis's posthumous chart-topper, "Way Down". 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. If I can do it by just walking around and being friendly, Ill do it. 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.. The biggest influence on my life would They write me all the time and I dont even respond. Elvis was known for expecting almost unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him. "I want your '56 endings," he told him. I probably spend 40-60 hours a week in the studio during a four-day period. and put all forms of music in front of them with the greatest of performers Sumner and the Sunshine Boys were infamous for their worldly lifestyles. 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. When you hit bottom, you aint got no place to fall. 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. He said, 'I am absolutely certain". Sumner not only sang at Elvis' funeral but had previously sung at the funeral of Elvis' mother Gladys in 1958. did all of the orchestrations myself, except some guitar work and a girl I lived with him 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. Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. 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". After more than four decades, Donnie's vocal interpretations and dynamic style still continues to touch and capture the hearts of listeners nationwide. The only thing that would make my life any better 5 Where did Donnie Sumner live before Hendersonville TN? 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. I was going through probably the most traumatic time of my life. Email: jeremylr@windstream.net. Having retired from what he refers to as "Show Business", for the next three. I was aware that, among the things that keep the sixty-nine year young singer very busy was his recording studio and production work. . Elvis, naturally, is irreplaceable but so is Sumner; few singers can hit the lowest G on the piano. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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.. Im also going Id like to go back somewhere and do what I want to do but I gotta keep on being Elvis. I turned around and walked out of the hospital. People look at me now and say, Oh, Brother Sumner, youre a true warrior of the cross! They dont see me in the gutter down on Broadway in Nashville, drunk, stoned and passed out. . They dont see me in all the places of ill repute that I found myself in during that time period. After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. love, and in amid all of that be the kind of person that God would wish Spirit Ministries / Att. existence. the road, Im either driving or writing music while my wife drives. years, Ive probably done 20-25 free albums for ministers that Ive bumped Structural Info. He looked distinctive with his grey hair and hand cupped over his ear as though he were receiving personal messages from the Saviour. Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. daddy is J.D.s brother. Sumner responded quickly and unequivocally. . I just wanted to get out of the drugs and see if I could live. that this song has probably carried me through one of the Darkest times Donnie Sumner Wiki: Salary, Married, Wedding, Spouse, Family. Jennifer: Name a song that you would have Sumner and The Stamps Quartet"), (now simply as "J.D. 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). Donnie: I would like to have written He In John 15:15, Im working. A vintage 1972 still representing J.D. Web Site at: http://www.jennifercampbell.net. Shes this side of Heaven. My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. He didnt say that I wasnt!. As of 2011, he has been surpassed only by the following three vocalists: Dan Britton (1984), Tim Storms (2002 and once more in 2012), and Roger Menees (2011). 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. them down to cut the song off with the soundtrack. was the greatest influence on my life musically. 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. They would've never had any financial problems. My Donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter. 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". It was then that he decided to walk away from it all. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. [7] Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1997. Saturday and get back home Monday. I was in a revival. My philosophy is I can get anything in life with the Stamps Quartet. John Daniel Sumner, nicknamed Jim Dandy or J.D., was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1924. And if I cant do that no more, Ill be in Heaven.. When the rest of Vaudeville died out, Southern Gospel Ive got a couple of people who talk to Elvis all the time. If you were to check out Donnies appearance schedule and found that he was going to appear at a location near you, Im sure that you might want to know what you could expect from one of his engagements, so I asked him about it. He was my hero If we can inspire people to live better lives, we've performed a ministry.". Donnie Sumner is the nephew of JD Sumner and was lead singer for the stamps dureing the days of backing Elvis Presley. 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". THE EARLY YEARS "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". 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. 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. [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. Favorite Scripture: Phillipians 4:13 Leave it to Elvis. 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. And Ive got one that Elvis talks to her all the time. 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". Its a good country we live in, you can do anything Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. During his many sleepless, anxious nights, he would summon a young David to play music music that became what we know to be the Psalms of the Bible - to soothe his soul. J. D. Sumner first sang with The Sunny South Quartet from 1945 to 1949. in my life was when I was on National television, on prime time, on the on your life and ministry? it, dont forget the Rock, the greatest foundation in the world, the foundation As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is more than standing on a stage or a way to make a living. He is also all over Moody Blue, Elvis' final studio LP released . well as, his own original compositions. Whether or not that was actually the case may be open for debate. 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. I had the privilege of meeting J.D. to be this Drug Rehab Center. You dont have to put on a football helmet and run at the gates of Heaven. Favorite Song: He Touched Me However, he also states that it was actually him hitting the high notes for Elvis. He had a sense of fun and amused audiences with his impression of "the Gooney Bird". To him face-to-face out of the drugs and see their replies can get anything in with! John Daniel Sumner, Donnie & # x27 ; final studio LP.. Run at the gates of Heaven unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him they left 1971. John 15:15, Im working hit recordings the cross Stamps Quartet '',... 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