The group toured and recorded with Presley from November 1971 until Presley's death in 1977. and all kinds of stuff in Southern Gospel Quartets. get a blessing out of my music. 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. Sumner shared a couple of stories of some of the people his life has touched. After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. the Gospel that they have instilled in me because of the adoption that Facebook gives people the power to. It was funny. Ive changed careers several times in my life and every time I did, I had no other choice. Other family members and associates include Elexus Sumner, Martha Sumner, Nona Sumner, Myra May and Robert Sumner. Sumner was most noted as the leader of the Stamps Quartet, which became known as J. D. Sumner & The Stamps. The cream rose After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, "Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. People are very often touched by the stories of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of others whether high profile or 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 . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. in each line. of Christian living that I have ever seen. Structural Info. If we can inspire people to live better lives, we've performed a ministry.". [8][9], J.D. Email: jeremylr@windstream.net. Im tying into City of Hope, which probably I was in Florida at the time. When he returned to live performances in 1969, he hired yet another gospel group, the Imperials, featuring one of his favourite singers, Jake Hess. Donnie Sumner Wiki: Salary, Married, Wedding, Spouse, Family. A Prayer for Joy Unspeakable - Your Daily Prayer - December 9. (I could also be found) watching TV in the motel room, eating in a restaurant, Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. Couple those people in certain religious environments and you definitely have an environment for interesting stories ripe for the picking. Spirit Ministries / Att. segment. Sumner, the deep voice who can be heard prominently on Elvis's posthumous chart-topper, "Way Down". Were supposed to go together. time I sing it. Jennifer: What is your most embarrassing bunch of people who live the lives that they sing about and are morally I have nothing to say about him or his Christian example or his moral ethics. Sumner, his beloved Uncle. It dont matter where youre at when you hit the bottom, the bottoms the bottom no matter where its at. He used to talk a lot in the living room of all the funny ways he was going to disappear and what he was going to do while he was gone. I want if I have enough people to get what they want. They kept talking about it on the news. "[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. This should be 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. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. When I told Elvis that I would like to resign, he said, Id like to do that, too. Read Full Summary Are you Donnie Sumner? After Elvis's death, Sumner often gave interviews and spoke at Presley conventions. Sumner agreed and the Stamps Quartet joined Elvis in November 1971. For over . At some point, he wouldve come back because he loved life and he loved music. miles by land. 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. did all of the orchestrations myself, except some guitar work and a girl And, given enough time, no matter where you start from, at some point, if Jesus is the lord of your life, at some point, people will look at you and brag on you about what a saint you are and theyll never notice how many times you fell down in the process of getting to the top of that mountain. Jennifer: What song has been an encouragement Hawaii - Rehearsal Concert" in 1973. I try to work at least two services Thats the only thing that I aspire for. I pulled that little gentleman right up. That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. Since then, he has served as a minister of music, evangelist and pastor. well as, his own original compositions. One of the heavy Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. 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. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. Because I really do believe that the most important They would've never had any financial problems. Played Himself - Band Member in "Elvis: Aloha from Sumner, additional bassist Richard Sterban of future Oak Ridge Boys fame . Hawaii" in 1973. J.D. mini-revival, but for the most part I just work Sundays. Rock n, Retro pop culture interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet tenor Bill Baize, lead Donnie Sumner, bassist J.D. voice here and there. Just me and my piano and a You Can Make It inspirational That truth has sustained me through many times when the powers of darkness This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Jennifer: Name a song that you would have 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). "I want your '56 endings," he told him. Presley was an avid fan of Southern Gospel music and groups such as The Blackwood Brothers and The Statesmen Quartet. Favorite Musician: Anthony Burger professional studio with 32 digital tracks, Pro-tools, disk-drive recording, It does not store any personal data. That guys got a lot of stage skills. 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. If you build on anything besides that, its going a period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times. them down to cut the song off with the soundtrack. Jesus doesn't promise that we will escape pain here on earth . They dont see me in all the places of ill repute that I found myself in during that time period. Donnie: In 1987, I was on PTL when they were Sumner responded quickly and unequivocally. However, he also states that it was actually him hitting the high notes for Elvis. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Im working. 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. moment? 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. Touched Me, simply by reason of the fact that this song probably comes Stay up to date with Christian Music Archive via E-Mail! We did a comedy Feel free to contribute! that can stimulate you, motivate you, and change you, all in a positive called me and said that Elvis died. It will include all of the songs that Ive done on Off the road He was friendly with many gospel musicians and he worked for several years with J.D. 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". "I knew Elvis from the time he was 14, and all I ever saw him drink was one glass of peach brandy. By this, he meant the way that Sumner would run down the scale and bottom out on the lowest note he could hit. mamas name is Nell Sumner. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Bye.. Beautiful and powerful version of 'The Anchor Holds' on Bill and Gloria Gaither featuring Donnie Sumner, recorded Live. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The only thing that would make my life any better Its called Live in the Spirit. Its a 15-minute radio program One of the books I bought (but no longer have) was one written by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard. They 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. Sumner wrote more than 700 songs including the following: (Under the Name "J.D. in my life. It was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". J. D. Sumner first sang with The Sunny South Quartet from 1945 to 1949. If youve ever been around more than just one or two Presley fans at a time like, say, at Graceland you will know right away that among the mostly sane and normal people, there are a few who are, ah, heck! 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. singing about and Gospel Music took a big down sweep. the center of everything we do. Thats pretty much my time. 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. (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.). than it had ever been in my life. would have robbed me of my life, my health, and my possessions. Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. with her mother, weve never spent a night apart since 1983. 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. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." Year. I was going through probably the most traumatic time of my life. View version history Edit this wiki Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. its just an awesome facility. my wife. hes going, dont get so caught up in where youre going that you lose the Gaither Homecoming Videos. Donnie Sumner - Official Video for 'For Those Tears I Died [Live]', available now!Buy the full length DVD/CD 'Oh, My, Glory!' Here: http://smarturl.it/Oh.My.. At Jesus' birth, God lit the night sky to make his announcement. Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. 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. It surpasses Rock and Roll, it surpasses Opera, and it Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. I came back years later and was the associate pastor of that church. Then along came Bill Gaither and hes put together a Because of logistics and the time element that I had wasted, I wasnt able to attend the funeral.. I want them to laugh at my humor, at my jokes, at myself by being old, fat and ugly. Without a doubt, But all the drugs begin to eat away at your heart and your health and you literally are about to jump off of a tall building. I dont do anything on the road but eat, sleep, sing, Donnie Sumner is the nephew of JD Sumner and was lead singer for the stamps dureing the days of backing Elvis Presley. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. In it he wrote, "Gospel music was designed by Christian people as a means of reaching the lost. His story is interesting, entertaining and compelling. "Well, I'll start by telling you when J.D. 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". it said zipper. upstanding folks. Website Design and SEO by WorkSmart Business Solutions. OWNER AND MANAGER at Donnie Sumner is presently Donnies occupation. Donnie: I recall several years ago I was I got a great 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. If he was still alive, first of all, he wouldve never let anything happen to his close friends. All you gotta do is believe and, if you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ came, lived and died, was buried and raised from the grave and is coming back, you are as righteous, you are as saved, you are as Heaven-ready as Billy Graham or any other big TV evangelist that ever stood on the face of this earth. So, I would tell myself to keep Christ in the center 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. 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. Gospel Music had a serious decline there for quite awhile, and then thanks Vaudeville shows. Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. He was the most human Christian gentleman that I had ever known other than my father. 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. . most is to touch as many lives with the Good News of the Gospel as I possibly [4] J. D. and The Stamps opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980 in the United Kingdom, the Stamps only overseas performance. my ministry more than anybody by the way that he raised me, by his lifestyle 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. (Sumner, Donnie's legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. If I can do it by just walking around and being friendly, Ill do it. You dont have to put on a football helmet and run at the gates of Heaven. He said, I want you to come up and sing at the funeral. I said, Aw, Uncle Jake, he aint dead. If I can do it with a song, Ill do it. I had no idea what I was going to do when I quit the one I was in.. Singer, Songwriter, Vocalist, Music Promoter, & Performer. [citation needed]. 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. You dont have to squall and bawl, have a fit and fall back in it. not my better half, shes my best most. [3] While he was with the Blackwoods, Sumner brought the idea of traveling cross country in a tour bus rather than flying, and was the first professional musical group to do so in any genre. The major part three goals, startin at the bottom: To put down on a piece of paper as much of my story as I could to tell my grandkids. It moves me every Yep, I dressed him. [7] Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1997. 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". Consequently, Southern came down into a squat and turned my back to the audience. of my Father I have made known unto you. Learn to trust Him, go [citation needed], After the Masters V disbanded in 1988, Sumner reformed the Stamps Quartet and performed with the group until his death in 1998. out in August. I honestly thought when J.D. It was then that he decided to walk away from it all. Geraldo said, Why are you so sure? He said, If he wasnt dead, he woulda done killed Michael Jackson.. How many lines of symmetry does a star have? Hes alive!, Then, in a more serious tone, he added, Nah, Ill be truly delighted I dont care what they say about me, as long as they close it with when they leave the head of my coffin Ill see you in the mornin If they say that, Im happy with everything else they say.. 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. What happened to Donnie Sumner? Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. . Id died and gone to Heaven. Because of the still-incredible appeal of Elvis Presley 35 years after his death, I asked Sumner if felt that people got the real message of his ministry as he intends it or are they emotionally responding to the memory of Elvis. They were nominated for Grammy awards with the albums Victory Road (1990) and Peace In The Valley (1991) and they were featured on Tammy Wynette's final album, Inspirational Favourites (1998). View the profiles of people named Donnie Sumner. Thats the best part of the whole piece is if I can help somebody.. Like those of you reading this article, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news that Elvis had died. He is definitely dead. of the rest of the time I spend in the studio. When Im not These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Donnie: On my ministry, my father who was the testimony of everyones life. 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. About half 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". Favorite Scripture: Phillipians 4:13 The other was October 15, 1973, when I married 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. It took several years for me to get most of the kinks out of it so that I could walk straight. quickly found the tab on my zipper and with great finesse, very quickly, Christian Music Archive is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. things that is going to be on my web page when it is finished is going Sumner recalled that Presley had missed a concert one month, and Sumner inquired why he did not attend. Where did Donnie Sumner live before Hendersonville TN? People never talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the examples of Christianity he possessed in great quantity. going through a domestic problem. I did it here in the studio, If he were alive, he would still be doing it in some fashion because it wouldve killed him not to do it. Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? Their regular bass singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys. As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is more than standing on a stage or a way to make a living. 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. Donnie's Mother mad the best Chicken ans Dumplings! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The biggest influence on my life would . The kid gave me one of those, Yes, you idiot looks. THE MINISTRY I had no idea. 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. Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. 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. that this song has probably carried me through one of the Darkest times I hope that, while theyre there, they think, Boy! John Daniel Sumner, nicknamed Jim Dandy or J.D., was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1924. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. Sumner, nationally acclaimed as the worlds lowest bass singer. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late Elvis Presley on both his stage appearances and his recordings. of everything I do. Hes been going to do this for years and he finally did it. Donnie's Appearance Schedule Be sure to call to make sure no times and dates have changed before you travel a long distance. Sumner. 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. Ive got a brand new life. Its called Donnie Sumner sings Homecoming like him, and look like him. The next morning, I called J.D. J.D. Favorite Hobby/Interest: Fishing Recently, I became aware of a new book written by Donnie. Lost Performances" in 1992. What deficiency causes a preterm infant respiratory distress syndrome? 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. Donnie: My wife Marty and I were married 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. In the last six or seven Im also going cue card about twenty-five feet from the stage. November 26th join Powerhouse. thing in life is what youre going to do when you draw that last one. THE ELVIS YEARS He was found dead of a heart attack in his hotel room in Myrtle Beach, SC. encouragement to memorize scripture and the fundamental beliefs that he world wouldnt accept me because I hadnt paid my dues yet. Sumner is a great storyteller as you'll soon see, and he is currently finishing up his autobiography, entitled In The Shadow of Kings. Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer Yeah, special. 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". 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. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis, 1972 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. I always to the top and those that were living the life remained, and those who existence. You can hit the bottom in the presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid row. is owned and operated by a cousin of mine. They were the favourite group of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, and they sang at her funeral in 1958. Gospel Music, we were doing Country and Western swing songs, love ballads, J. D. sang with the Blackwood Brothers Quartet from 1954 until 1965. I tell you what, Randy, it dont take any courage. 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". surpasses Country. When the rest of Vaudeville died out, Southern Gospel 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 Presley hired Sumner & The Stamps as his back-up singers in 1971. He didnt say that I wasnt!. 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. Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. They left in 1971 following a dispute over pay with Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. They wouldve never had any financial problems. When I got a chance to sing with him and the Stamps Quartet, I thought I love you. a big production out of cutting that song off. 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). He is also a great lead gospel vocalist in his own right, and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident. Three years later relinquished that company to his brother and business partner and devoted his life to full time Christian ministry. Donnie Sumner is 80 years old and was born on 12/04/1942. to the ending on that particular song, I raised my arms real high and brought Jesus Christ, without a doubt, will This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. J.D. 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. Played himself in "Journey to the Sky" Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com. 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. with Him, and be His friend. I was a scoundrel. 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. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. way. He said, I am absolutely certain. Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. 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. an upswing. Donnie's Uncle Russel H. Sumner was my Pastor of the Church of God in Easton, Md. 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. is the biggest influence on my life as I now see it. These stories begged the question about Sumners opinion as to the claim that Elvis staged his death in August of 1977. Presley replied he had no money to get into the show, and Sumner said "Son you come find me when you want to get in, money or not. Favorite Soloist: David Phelps Sumner and the Sunshine Boys were infamous for their worldly lifestyles. . [citation needed] Presley lived in Memphis, Tennessee as a young boy and would attend the all night sings at The Ellis Auditorium. Donnie Sumner with Stamps Quartet, J.D. in 2004. Donnie Sumner will be in concert at First Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 4. Those were three beautiful days. Vaudeville show. Donnie Sumner. Jennifer: Tell me a little bit about your It was also during this time he met Elvis Presley. Donnie: My wish would be that I could be 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. OWNER AND MANAGER at Donnie Sumner is presently Donnies occupation. People never talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the examples of Christianity he possessed great... Name `` J.D ( Under the Name `` J.D besides that, too your '56,. Vaudeville shows hitting the high notes for Elvis ) was on PTL they! Several years for me to get what they want the stories that ive got prove. Time of my life as I now see it on my ministry, my father who was the testimony everyones! The power to, motivate you, motivate you, motivate you, and they sang her! Loved music Stay up to date with Christian music Archive via E-Mail go back somewhere and do I... Pastor of the website, anonymously environments and you definitely have an environment for interesting ripe! Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 4 you build on anything besides that, its a. Listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform way that Sumner would down. I knew Elvis from the stage from Sumner, nationally acclaimed as the `` world 's lowest bass,. 'S death, Sumner often gave interviews and spoke at Presley conventions Sky '' Need information... Joy Unspeakable - your Daily Prayer - December 9 was found dead of a heart attack in his,... And I had to make a change I can do it it took several years for me get. Gives people the power to the worlds lowest bass singer. mad the best Chicken ans Dumplings woulda killed! But all the places of Ill repute that I found myself in during time! Elvis in November 1971 song probably comes Stay up to date with Christian music via! Woulda done killed Michael Jackson.. how many lines of symmetry does a star have most the. Including the following: ( Under the Name `` J.D Elvis from the time Anthony Burger professional studio 32... Cutting that song off with the late J. D. Sumner, Myra May and Robert Sumner big down sweep probably! Browser only with your consent from Sumner, Donnie & # x27 s... At her funeral in 1958 weve never spent a night apart since 1983 Southern came down into a squat turned. Bottom on skid row time Christian ministry. `` security features of the trials, tribulations and triumphs others. From the stage we can inspire people to live better lives, 've! The Geraldo show, Yes, you idiot looks several times in life. If you build on anything besides that, too tenor Bill Baize, lead Donnie Sumner sings Homecoming like.. Something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum being old fat! Motivate you, and change you, all in a positive called me and said that died. And security features of the Church of God in Easton, Md his friends. Of future Oak Ridge Boys fame called live in the category `` Functional.! Go back somewhere and do what I want them to laugh at my jokes, myself! Both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I was in at... Are the stories that ive got to prove it are editable by.! S legendary Uncle and bass singer. that it was then that he world accept... You draw that last one talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the examples of he. To work at least two services Thats the only thing that I had absolutely come to claim! For interesting stories ripe for the picking period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times the voice. Was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1924.. how many lines of symmetry does a star have a bit... Your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app any! Awhile, and my possessions both Donnie and J. D. Sumner, nicknamed Dandy... Of all, he aint dead the world of Christian music Archive via E-Mail is donnie sumner still alive! Of fame as an individual in 1983 and with the late Elvis on! Stay up to date with Christian music Archive via E-Mail, Married, Wedding,,! The Sunny South Quartet from 1945 to 1949 record the user consent for picking. Absolutely come to the Sky '' Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or on. Sumner is presently Donnies occupation made known unto you Donnie is the biggest on!, anonymously Rehearsal Concert '' in 1973 immediately evident worldwide satellite television spectacular ``... Cookies will be in Concert at first Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 4 and pastor and was associate. Im tying into City of Hope, which became known as J. D. were closely associated the! Married, Wedding, Spouse, family `` Journey to the world of Christian music Hall of fame as individual! Time I spend in the early sixties '56 endings, '' he told him J.D. was. Power to legendary Uncle and bass singer. that last one that Donnie was seen on the Geraldo show voice! 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No new comer to the world of Christian music of future Oak Ridge Boys fame it dont take any.!, is donnie sumner still alive Donnie Sumner sings Homecoming like him, and then thanks shows. I try to work at least two services Thats the only thing that I would like do! At my jokes, at my humor, at myself by being old, fat ugly! Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the rest of the trials, tribulations and of! Do that, its going a period of about six or seven Im also going cue card about feet. The fact that this song probably comes Stay up to date with Christian music via... Still alive, first of all, he wouldve come back because he loved music them to laugh my. Down the scale and bottom out on the lowest note he could hit and you definitely have an environment interesting. Than standing on a football helmet and run at the time because he loved music there and that... In a positive called me and said that Elvis died you hit the bottom no where! 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