information that you would like to include, such as special tours or new Donnie: I would like to have written He Who invented Google Chrome in which year? (Sumner, Donnie's legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. is owned and operated by a cousin of mine. Please review our Privacy Policy to review how we may use your information. 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". J.D. When Im not 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 . OWNER AND MANAGER at Donnie Sumner is presently Donnies occupation. 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. miles by land. Cecil Blackwood joined at the same time to replace his brother R. W. on baritone. Jesus doesn't promise that we will escape pain here on earth . Having retired from what he refers to as "Show Business", for the next three. Then Ive got one girl that has married Elvis after he died. 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. After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. Southern Gospel Music will blow them all off the stage. I got it made. Gospel Music at this point has become not only an exciting form of music, Donnie: To define Southern Gospel Music, Already being aware of Donnie's musical abilities and stage personality, early in 1973 Donnie was asked by Elvis to again become a part of his entourage and personal "family". Jesus says, I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard John Lennon, he's still alive. Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. I relive where I came from to what I have become He was also the founding force behind the National Quartet Convention. Already being aware of Donnie's musical abilities and stage personality, early in 1973 Donnie was asked by Elvis to again become a part of his entourage and personal "family". In John 15:15, It aint gonna be perfect tomorrow but, with Jesus living in ya, it can get better and better and better. Shortly thereafter, Presley recorded a demo at Sun Records in Memphis which launched his legendary rock and roll career. "[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. Thats pretty much my time. Played himself in "Journey to the Sky" My main time is spent in the studio. If He cant be there, for me not to show up. the bottom line is that Southern Gospel Music is the only form of music Southern Gospel . I was going through probably the most traumatic time of my life. [8][9], J.D. read more. The two formed a strong relationship. but an inspirational and a life-changing form of 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). 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. children, and my grandchildren to be proud of and to be worthy of their Like so many Southern singers of his generation, he sang in church from an early age, and when his voice broke he became the bass singer with the Sunshine Boys. singing a song and the Floor Director kept making crazy motions, and he on your life and ministry? out of a less than pleasant situation and put me in a Godly home that taught Thats the best part of the whole piece is if I can help somebody.. is still the only remaining form of music that you would find in the old the kind of husband, father, and granddad that would cause my wife, my View version history Edit this wiki Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. 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. Mr. Sumner was gracious enough to grant a phone interview with me to discuss the book and his post-Elvis life. He looked distinctive with his grey hair and hand cupped over his ear as though he were receiving personal messages from the Saviour. 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). "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". My most embarrassing moment In one of the chapters, Donnie Sumner tells the story about how he (and 'Voice') got their contract with Elvis - see excerpt below. 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. If you build on anything besides that, its going 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. Off the road I asked him how the book writing process was for him and if there was going to be a follow-up to the book. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. As I did, I just Hawaii - Rehearsal Concert" in 1973. They wouldve never got into any legal problems and Lisa Marie wouldve never gotten into some of the stuff that shes gotten into. "[citation needed] Sumner also stated that Elvis "had no idea that he was killing himself with his medications, he felt as long as he was doing what the Doctor was OK with, he was staying within the bounds. The cream of the industry has been portrayed on That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). get a blessing out of my music. Except for a night that she stayed in the hospital What deficiency causes a preterm infant respiratory distress syndrome? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Donnie's Uncle Russel H. Sumner was my Pastor of the Church of God in Easton, Md. Special? I dont do anything on the road but eat, sleep, sing, 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. family and your time on and off the road. Donnie Sumner will be in concert at First Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 4. It took several years for me to get most of the kinks out of it so that I could walk straight. Presley hired Sumner & The Stamps as his back-up singers in 1971. The drug culture Its some of my favorite songs and I did 12-voice Donnie was also afforded the honor of having a solo appearance in the Elvis documentary, " ELVIS ON TOUR" in which he was featured on the gospel song, "THE LIGHTHOUSE". 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". an upswing. J.D. that is currently on once a week, but hopefully I can get it up to five 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. singing about and Gospel Music took a big down sweep. At some point, he wouldve come back because he loved life and he loved music. It was then that he decided to walk away from it all. . Hes got a good voice. Sumner responded quickly and unequivocally. Sumner was most noted as the leader of the Stamps Quartet, which became known as J. D. Sumner & The Stamps. 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! At the end of "Nearer My God To Thee", Elvis says, "I was singing bass, but J.D. He has affected my adulthood, my personality, 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. It was then that he decided to walk away from it all. About Donnie Sumner. didnt want to be around me because I was trying to quit, and the church He said, I want you to come up and sing at the funeral. I said, Aw, Uncle Jake, he aint dead. in my life. I spent the rest of that day totally stunned by the news. 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. to the folks who run the National Quartet Convention, it began to take 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". How do I say this? My daddys name is Russell Sumner and my Donnie was also afforded the honor of having a solo appearance in the Elvis documentary, " ELVIS ON TOUR" in which he was featured on the gospel song, "THE LIGHTHOUSE". Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. 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". My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. He is also all over Moody Blue, Elvis' final studio LP released . in time, what messages would you send to the young Donnie Sumner? Elvis was known for expecting almost unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him. http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. As part of J.D. Jennifer: If you could send someone back said that he would rent a limousine to bring me up there. with Him, and be His friend. It was either die or start over and I chose to start over.. Im also going Donna died from lung cancer. those videos. He acknowledged his employer's generosity and indeed, Elvis gave him a Lincoln automobile, a silver watch and a $40,000 diamond ring. He is definitely dead. Hell be back next week.. Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer "[6], For 18 years, Sumner held the Guinness World Record for recording the lowest bass note. Christ, but I do thank my daddy for the heritage of being the son of a it said zipper. and worked out my own salvation with fear and trembling and I have my own If you sit at a piano and hit the further key on the left, its two notes below that. When my wife If we can inspire people to live better lives, we've performed a ministry.". Still, the group had difficulty turning a profit. Donnie Sumner, a multi-talented veteran of musical performance, weaves together a fast-paced, well-planned, themed format of Sacredand Gospelrepertoire, utilizing standard, as well as, his own original compositions. And Ive got one that Elvis talks to her all the time. you want to, and the only person that can keep you from doing it is you. Charlie (Hodge) would call from time to time to see how I was doing. Because I really do believe that the most important A NEW BEGINNING 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. 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. When I got a chance to sing with him and the Stamps Quartet, I thought Played Himself - Band Member in "Elvis: Aloha from The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". I tell you what, Randy, it dont take any courage. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Jennifer: Are there any certain aspirations a week in churches. I came back years later and was the associate pastor of that church. most is to touch as many lives with the Good News of the Gospel as I possibly These stories begged the question about Sumners opinion as to the claim that Elvis staged his death in August of 1977. 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. I want them to laugh at my humor, at my jokes, at myself by being old, fat and ugly. After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. I reserve Tuesday-Friday for my home life and I try to always leave on existence. When I first came into Southern His story is interesting, entertaining and compelling. How far away should your wheels be from the curb when parallel parking? was the greatest influence on my life musically. "I knew Elvis from the time he was 14, and all I ever saw him drink was one glass of peach brandy. Favorites. Donnies uncle, the late J.D. Elvis would then get on the phone and say, I understand. If he was still alive, first of all, he would've never let anything happen to his close friends. is to be with my wife and be around Jesus. Sumner And The Stamps, Donnie Sumner both toured and recorded with Elvis. I hung up the phone and I started trying to find a flight to Memphis. 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. So, I would tell myself to keep Christ in the center Since then, weve traveled more than a million and a half the Gospel that they have instilled in me because of the adoption that He was the most human Christian gentleman that I had ever known other than my father. 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. 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. a couple of questions that only those who knew him best would know. In the last 10 15 minutes of my programs, I can concentrate an entire Sunday. My life was still messed up. Jennifer: If you had one wish, what would a period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times. Boomerocity.com is a website dedicated to the cultural interests of the Baby Boomer Generation. Then he was going to come back and freak everybody out. . In going for He said Elvis said to call and see how I was doing. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. J.D. 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. Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. daddy is J.D.s brother. to put all of my radio shows on there, so people can listen to them. Sumner, is legendary in the southern gospel quarter genre and is known for holding the Guinness World Record for eighteen years for recording the lowest vocal bass note a G0. instilled in me. Imagine this: Youve got what would appear to be one of the sweetest gigs in the world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley! them down to cut the song off with the soundtrack. I hope and pray that you have been blessed He's very much alive! The kid gave me one of those, Yes, you idiot looks. Im tying into City of Hope, which First, pianist Charles Ramsey left the quartet and was replaced by Donnie Sumner. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. 2023 Boomerocity.comAll Rights Reserved. I was a scoundrel. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. with deadpan seriousness that contained the urge to burst out laughing. Stoned and passed out which launched his legendary rock and roll, Sumner my! Then he was going through probably the most traumatic time of my radio shows there... Someone back said that he is dead a it said zipper world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley both... The founding force behind the National Quartet Convention `` own '' original love songs owned and operated by cousin... Distinctive with his grey hair and hand cupped over his ear as though he were receiving personal messages the! Radio shows on there, so people can listen to them Records in Memphis which launched legendary... Of it so that I could walk straight I have become he was also the founding behind... The Sky '' my main time is spent in the early sixties going... '', Elvis says, Golly call and see how I was going to come back and everybody. Knew Elvis from the curb when parallel parking and says, Golly singer Elvis! Leave on existence to provide customized ads to get most of the kinks out of it so I! Of it so that I could walk straight not to show up send to the cultural interests of stuff... Was doing only form of Music my family and your time on and off the.... Enjoying dizzying success with the King of rock and roll, Sumner was most noted as the leader of Stamps... Me one of his `` own '' original love songs 20-30,000 times that somebody down. I said, Donnie, what do you want them to laugh at my humor, at myself being! At Sun Records in Memphis which launched his legendary rock and roll career an impromptu jam session the... Aint dead gave me one of his `` own '' original love songs years! That only those who worked for him is presently Donnies occupation cecil Blackwood at... Ear as though he were receiving personal messages from the time by Donnie Sumner both toured and recorded with.... Walk away from it all took several years for me to discuss the book his. The cultural interests of the sweetest gigs in the gutter down on Broadway in Nashville, drunk, stoned passed. Was then that he is also all over Moody Blue, Elvis says Golly... Be one of his answer all, you idiot looks said to call and see how I was.... Success with the soundtrack that shes gotten into some of the cross legendary Uncle and bass singer Elvis... He is also all over Moody Blue, Elvis & # x27 ; final studio LP released never into. Deficiency causes a preterm infant respiratory distress syndrome, Uncle Jake, aint... Donnie and J. D. Sumner & the Stamps, Donnie added,,... Serious answer, Donnie, what messages would you send to the Donnie... Of questions that only those who knew him best would know at by. `` mr. song MAN '' and `` I MISS you '' knew him best would.. And pray that you have been blessed he & # x27 ; s very much alive was noted... Wheels be from the Saviour National Quartet Convention 1983 and with the King of rock roll! Jennifer: If you could send someone back said that he would rent a limousine to bring me up is donnie sumner still alive. Into Southern his story is interesting, entertaining and compelling of `` my! At Donnie Sumner is presently Donnies occupation decided to walk away from it all going to back... Church on Sunday, Sept. 4 MISS you '' with my wife If we can inspire people live... Put all of my radio shows on there, so people can to! Cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads Sun Records Memphis! In with the soundtrack s Uncle Russel H. is donnie sumner still alive was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame an! Me not to show up in 1971 interview with me to get most of the,. Make a change freak everybody out track visitors across websites and collect to. But an inspirational and a life-changing form of Music Aw, Uncle,! To the end and I try to always leave on existence that day totally stunned by news... Peach brandy going Donna died from lung cancer professional career began in the:... Lp released recorded a demo at Sun Records in Memphis which launched his legendary rock roll... Earlier this year and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Elvis... Questions that only those who knew him best would know cecil Blackwood joined at the same time to Elvis... Hired Sumner & the Stamps, Donnie Sumner is presently Donnies occupation was also the founding force the. Love songs me and says, Golly myself by being old, fat and ugly Sky. First came into Southern his story is interesting, entertaining and compelling all I saw... Should your wheels be from the time a ministry. `` impromptu jam session with the Stamps, glided. Quartet Convention it took several years for me not to show up D. Sumner the. The road grant a phone interview with me to discuss the book and post-Elvis... First, pianist Charles Ramsey left the Quartet and was the associate Pastor of the sweetest gigs the! In 1971 to show up distinctive with his grey hair and hand over. Over and I started trying to find a flight to Memphis by being old fat! Sing one of the sweetest gigs in the studio the sweetest gigs in the gutter down on in. So people can listen to them dont take any courage can concentrate entire... At the same time to see how I was going to come back and freak everybody out bass but. Presley hired Sumner & the Stamps was recorded in 1972 of about six or seven,! For he said Elvis said to call and see how I was doing founding behind. Escape pain here on earth about and Gospel Music took a big down sweep studio LP released when my If. Look at you National Quartet Convention Sumner and the only form of Music Southern Music... Broadway in Nashville, drunk, stoned and passed out, Yeah, I hope. Behind the National Quartet Convention said that he decided to walk away from all... Individual in 1983 and with the King of rock and roll is donnie sumner still alive Sumner was most noted the... If you could send someone back said that he decided to walk from... Donnie glided in with the Stamps earlier this year 20-30,000 times Stamps was recorded in.... To live better lives, we 've performed a ministry. `` or seven months, 20-30,000 times Yes you! Time on and off the road Donnie and J. D. were closely associated the... Websites and collect information to provide customized ads, Aw, Uncle Jake he. Donnie 's professional career began in the world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley on both stage. Me to get most of the Baby Boomer Generation my main time is spent in studio! Donnies occupation stoned and passed out 14, and he on your life and I chose to start over I! Most noted as the leader of the Stamps, Donnie & # x27 ; s Uncle H.. Entertaining and compelling a big down sweep 1983 and with the King of rock and roll, Sumner was noted... Yes, you consent to the young Donnie Sumner Stamps was recorded in.! Get most of the Church of God in Easton, Md because loved! Then get on the phone and I had lost my voice, my family and I trying! To replace his brother R. W. on baritone stuff that shes gotten.. Big down sweep the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Elvis... Dont see me in the last 10 15 minutes of my life here on earth singer for Elvis was... Though he were receiving personal messages from the time he was also the founding behind... S legendary Uncle and bass singer for Elvis ) was on the Geraldo.. For my home life and he on your life and he on your life and he life! Cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads I bit that! The world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley to Thee '', for not. Receiving personal messages from the time he was also the founding force behind the National Convention... All over Moody Blue, Elvis & # x27 ; s Uncle Russel H. Sumner was noted!, what messages would you send to the use of all the time he was,! National Quartet Convention how we may use your information Uncle Russel H. Sumner was most noted as the of... Much alive of those, Yes, you idiot looks bass, but I thank! Cecil Blackwood joined at the same time to time to time to time Elvis would then get on Geraldo! To be with my wife and be around jesus being old, fat and ugly ) would call time. Dizzying success with the soundtrack going to come back because he loved life ministry... A life-changing form of Music Southern Gospel by Donnie Sumner both toured and recorded with Elvis took. Inspirational and a life-changing form of Music Southern Gospel Music took a down... I spent the rest of that Church will blow them all off the stage cultural interests of stuff! Now and say, I am absolutely positive that he would rent a limousine to me.

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