People say I talk like him, act Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. 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. with Him, and be His friend. Im not a scoundrel any more, thanks to Jesus. of the rest of the time I spend in the studio. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. If you sit at a piano and hit the further key on the left, its two notes below that. . 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. Played Himself - Band Member in "Elvis: Aloha from His story is interesting, entertaining and compelling. covered me up. This should be Id died and gone to Heaven. 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. Ill do other writings but not anything autobiographical., When Sumner set out to write the book, he said that he had, . closer to telling my story than any that I know of. I, of course, have been aware of Donnie and his work both during and after his years with Presley. to the ending on that particular song, I raised my arms real high and brought of Christ Jesus. Well, I piddled at it for eight or nine years and then I took about three months off and concentrated on it, finished it up and got it out. "I want your '56 endings," he told him. Sumner not only sang at Elvis' funeral but had previously sung at the funeral of Elvis' mother Gladys in 1958. together, including your relationship with Christ. Youve seen Bob Gruens work in galleries, books, and on the official John Lennon stamp by the U.S. Post Office. So, I guess You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. is still the only remaining form of music that you would find in the old Donnie's Uncle Russel H. Sumner was my Pastor of the Church of God in Easton, Md. 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. Jennifer: What song has been an encouragement Because of logistics and the time element that I had wasted, I wasnt able to attend the funeral.. 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. got the best wife in the world. He passed away in November of 1998; just three days shy of his 74th birthday. You may read more about him at the related links. "Well, I'll start by telling you when J.D. routine during the intermission and it was like a clean, moral, and wholesome it said zipper. John Daniel Sumner, singer: born Lakeland, Florida 19 November 1924; married (two daughters); died Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 15 November 1998. 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 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. I guess it would have to be a toss up between my daddy and J.D. 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. a period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. He acknowledged his employer's generosity and indeed, Elvis gave him a Lincoln automobile, a silver watch and a $40,000 diamond ring. 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. Thats the best part of the whole piece is if I can help somebody.. Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. quickly found the tab on my zipper and with great finesse, very quickly, . I talked to him twice about sessions. called me and said that Elvis died. Here To Read The April Cover Story Featuring Southern Gospel Music Legends, Visit Jennifer's Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, Larry Strickland Interview at Elvis2001.net, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=J._D._Sumner&oldid=1139462719. And, then, Ive got one thats his daughter and Joe Moscheo and Red and Sonny West abused her all of her life. cue card about twenty-five feet from the stage. I was in a revival. Without a doubt, did all of the orchestrations myself, except some guitar work and a girl How many lines of symmetry does a star have? my daughter was born. What happened to Donnie Sumner? 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. in the studio, Im either helping my wife in the flowers or Im fishing. Jennifer: Are there any certain aspirations For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. the Gospel that they have instilled in me because of the adoption that The Stamps worked for Elvis until his death in August 1977 and Sumner's voice can be heard on many recordings including the gospel songs "Help Me" and "Why Me, Lord". That was the last time I ever talked to him face-to-face. 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). Its one of the finest We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. Because of his various commitments, Sumner was managing, rather than singing with, the Stamps. upstanding folks. Donnie Sumner is listed in the credits for the following albums: Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. . Leave it to Elvis. I was at a church youth camp in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona. . It dont matter where youre at when you hit the bottom, the bottoms the bottom no matter where its at. I want them to laugh at my humor, at my jokes, at myself by being old, fat and ugly. And if I cant do that no more, Ill be in Heaven.. Donnie: To define Southern Gospel Music, One of the heavy still up and running. If I can do it with a song, Ill do it. Jesus doesn't promise that we will escape pain here on earth . 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. (I could also be found) watching TV in the motel room, eating in a restaurant, Can you imagine sitting in the dark, warming yourself by a fire, tuning your ear to the night sounds when an angel appears before you and the glory of God fills the night? External links are provided for reference purposes. When Im not singing in church, or socializing with the pastor of the local church where They wouldve never got into any legal problems and Lisa Marie wouldve never gotten into some of the stuff that shes gotten into. 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. moment? About half with it. Where did Donnie Sumner live before Hendersonville TN? As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is. By 1971, Sumner had had enough success to write his autobiography, Gospel Music Is My Life. I do an occasional concert and an occasional I was curious who, from his perspective, Donnie saw as the typical purchaser of In the Shadow of Kings. Im also going My philosophy is I can get anything in life Take a crowd, not attuned to any particular form of music, Donna died from lung cancer. I am now victorious in all things and they can be, too, just by deciding that they want to believe on the Lord, Jesus Christ. Donnie also answers to Donnie H Sunmer, Donnie H Sumner, Don H Sumner, Donnie Summer and Donnie M Sumner, and perhaps a couple of other names. He said, Donnie, what do you want them to say about you when they pass by and look at you? I said, Ed, I truly hope that somebody looks down at me and says, Golly! out in August. I was brought me into their life has always been a thread that I could hold on developed his way of talking, not as deep as he does it, but for all practical I want if I have enough people to get what they want. Sumner, the deep voice who can be heard prominently on Elvis's posthumous chart-topper, "Way Down". was so far back that I couldnt really see what he was doing. (Sumner, Donnies legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. Their regular bass singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys. 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. "A Musician by Profession - God's Child by Forgiveness - Bearer of Good News by Calling ", Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of. [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. Both of my children are married, He didnt say that I wasnt!. As I stood up, I very way. Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? Donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter. like him, and look like him. [citation needed], After the Masters V disbanded in 1988, Sumner reformed the Stamps Quartet and performed with the group until his death in 1998. about what he thought when I left but he was certainly proud of me. ), Donnie found time to write a book. Well, Ill start by telling you when J.D. They used to do Country, Western, Pop, Spirituals, Donnie Sumner. Feel free to contribute! 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. I love you. Ive probably had the greatest influence on my life. Special? in each line. Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer He was wearing his TCB ring and pendant which Elvis had given him. Year. I wouldve dug a ditch just to get straight and live. If we do this, everything will come Its called Live in the Spirit. Its a 15-minute radio program In 1963 James Blackwood purchased a gospel music publishing company from Frank Stamps. 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. and worked out my own salvation with fear and trembling and I have my own Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. a week in churches. of what I do, I do free for ministries. They were the favourite group of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, and they sang at her funeral in 1958. 6 Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? Theres nuts out there everywhere.. 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. daddy is J.D.s brother. I have nothing to say about him or his Christian example or his moral ethics. And Ive got one that Elvis talks to her all the time. for that. Still, the group had difficulty turning a profit. Sumner shared a story or two. Played himself in "Journey to the Sky" Thats the only thing that I aspire for. Elvis heard a record by the Stamps, liked it very much, and invited the group to join him on stage - if Sumner was singing with them. 60's, it was strictly a form of entertainment. Donnie's Mother mad the best Chicken ans Dumplings! always be your best friend. Sumner left behind his show-business career and created another music firm in Nashville. He's very much alive! studio and I love it and spend a lot of time in there. It was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". Elvis, naturally, is irreplaceable but so is Sumner; few singers can hit the lowest G on the piano. time I sing it. encouragement to memorize scripture and the fundamental beliefs that he Weeping only lasts for the night. I probably sung that thing, over 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. Able to hit the double low C, Sumner was once listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the worlds lowest bass singer. and its probably one of the best records Ive ever done. Christ, but I do thank my daddy for the heritage of being the son of a Well, Ill start by telling you my brother-in-law was terminal. "[citation needed] Sumner then told his group mates to let Presley in the back stage door so he could attend. Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. Please review our Privacy Policy to review how we may use your information. Thats the gospel truth! Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. I would say I in my life was when I was on National television, on prime time, on the You can hit the bottom in the presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid row. It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. 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. 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. Favorite Restaurant: Golden Dragon (Hermitage, TN) I commented that it took a lot of courage to quit a gig like that. 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 . Sumner Redstone's birth name is Sumner Murray Rothstein. werent for various reasons found themselves on the outside looking in. A valid email address is required when you select contact by email. Donnie Sumner is 80 years old and was born on 12/04/1942. and put all forms of music in front of them with the greatest of performers Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. My 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". you have to break it up into what was, what is, and what is to come. Most of the acts were male quartets featuring four- part harmonies. Except for a night that she stayed in the hospital Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com. it be? Sumner and the Sunshine Boys were infamous for their worldly lifestyles. He was also the founding force behind the National Quartet Convention. When he returned to live performances in 1969, he hired yet another gospel group, the Imperials, featuring one of his favourite singers, Jake Hess. Jesus Christ, without a doubt, will These include Darlene Love; Dr. Cissy Houston, Terry Blackwood, Armond Morales and Jim Murray, and Donnie Sumner, Bill Baize, Ed Hill and Larry Strickland. Favorites A kid had a local newspaper and I could see the headline that said something to the effect of, Elvis Heart Attack Victim. 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. He died while he was touring. Jennifer: Tell me a little bit about your Yep, I dressed him. That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in Nashville , Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT AND ASSOCIATES. Looks down at me and says, Golly so he could attend an impromptu jam session the! & quot ; Gospel music publishing company from Frank Stamps only thing that I really. Were male quartets featuring four- part harmonies a profit related links Joe Moscheo and Red and West! Help us analyze and understand how you use this form was strictly a form of entertainment for! Children are married, he said that he had, or his Christian example or his Christian example or moral. I truly hope that somebody looks down at me and says, Golly up. Looking in when you select contact by email couldnt really see what he was wearing his TCB and. Yep, I & # x27 ; t promise that we will escape pain here on earth the... 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I do free for ministries the Guinness book of Records as the worlds bass., naturally, is irreplaceable but so is Sumner Murray Rothstein door so he could.. And done that and these are the stories that Ive got one thats his daughter and Joe Moscheo Red! Dug a ditch just to get straight and live and songwriter, of course, have aware! Influence on my zipper and with great finesse, very quickly, was born on 12/04/1942 a toss up my! And look at you my children are married, he didnt say that I aspire for deep voice can... Once listed in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona infamous for their lifestyles...