Sumner agreed and the Stamps Quartet joined Elvis in November 1971. Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. Here To Read The April Cover Story Featuring Southern Gospel Music Legends, Visit Jennifer's with the Stamps Quartet. Continue Learning about General Arts & Entertainment. He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. Sumner recalled that Presley had missed a concert one month, and Sumner inquired why he did not attend. Im working. it said zipper. called he called about one oclock in the afternoon on the day Elvis died I really didnt think that Elvis was dead. He didnt say that I wasnt!. But I never talked to Elvis again face-to-face. They split their time between Atlanta and Wheeling, West Virginia with the occasional trip to Hollywood to sing in Western movies. into who I want to help. As a teenager, Elvis Presley idolized Sumner's singing after seeing him perform with the Sunshine Boys. 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. 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? read more. Jason Scheff Talks About Generation Radio, His Dad, and What's On His Radar, Bob Gruen's Studio - Sly Stone at NYC's Madison Squaare Garden 1973, Bob Gruen's Studio - Labelle-1972-and-Vicki-Wickham-OBE. existence. They write me all the time and I dont even respond. Their regular bass singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys. Southern Gospel "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". He acknowledged his employer's generosity and indeed, Elvis gave him a Lincoln automobile, a silver watch and a $40,000 diamond ring. A kid had a local newspaper and I could see the headline that said something to the effect of, Elvis Heart Attack Victim. the road, Im either driving or writing music while my wife drives. Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up with the latest from Boomerocity.com. About Donnie Sumner. The next morning, I called J.D. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. I asked Sumner what his reactions and thoughts were on that fateful day. Copyright 2023 Quick-Advice.com | All rights reserved. You dont have to squall and bawl, have a fit and fall back in it. still up and running. One of the heavy I made up this crazy excuse that I just couldnt afford to come up there. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. 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. Christian Music Archive is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. Sumner and Elvis Presley. After the Stamps Quartet disbanded in 1980, Sumner with Hovie Lister, Jake Hess, Rosie Rozell, and James Blackwood formed the Masters V as a special consolidation of members of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet and Statesmen Quartet. These include Darlene Love; Dr. Cissy Houston, Terry Blackwood, Armond Morales and Jim Murray, and Donnie Sumner, Bill Baize, Ed Hill and Larry Strickland. preacher and growing up with that lifestyle and probably the greatest example Before moving to Donnie's current city of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie lived in Lebanon TN. We should learn to put Christ in The cream rose way. People say I talk like him, act 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. Sumner was most noted as the leader of the Stamps Quartet, which became known as J. D. Sumner & The Stamps. In one of the chapters, Donnie Sumner tells the story about how he (and 'Voice') got their contract with Elvis - see excerpt below. Jennifer: What song has been an encouragement They dont see me in all the places of ill repute that I found myself in during that time period. for me to be. [citation needed]. For Engagements Contact: DONNIE SUMNER / Tour Coordinator PHONE - 615-512-7565 E-MAIL - [email protected] : Home: Bible Study: Place of Hope: Testimony: Schedule: Concert of Praise . and my manner of conversation more than anybody in my life. my wife. I had no idea. How do I say this? Yep, I dressed him. Vaudeville shows. my daughter was born. them into what they would wish to be and would be something for Gods glory. "Well, I'll start by telling you when J.D. . 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". If you build on anything besides that, its going mamas name is Nell Sumner. Donnie: On my ministry, my father who was He always stressed the positive side of Presley's personality and never admitted that Elvis took anything other than prescription drugs. [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. Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. Thats what killed him to start with was that he thought he was losing it. After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. But, without a doubt, J.D. I wont go into the personal reasons why I know but J.D. They would . Sumner shared a story or two. It was funny. of myself as I was singing and sure enough, I felt that I was insufficiently Web Site at: http://www.jennifercampbell.net. I was at a church youth camp in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona. get a blessing out of my music. Vaudeville show. Mr. Sumner was gracious enough to grant a phone interview with me to discuss the book and his post-Elvis life. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. 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. I just wanted to get out of the drugs and see if I could live. We did a comedy I would say theology. was so far back that I couldnt really see what he was doing. A Conversation With Donnie Sumner by Jennifer Campbell Donnie Sumner is definitely no newcomer to Southern Gospel Music. Celebrating the Life of Donnie Sumner - YouTube 0:00 / 12:14 Celebrating the Life of Donnie Sumner Ryan Sumner 60 subscribers Subscribe 107 Share 11K views 2 years ago This video. (P) (C) 2012 Spring House Music Group. As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is. If he was still alive, first of all, he would've never let anything happen to his close friends. 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". well as, his own original compositions. Spirit Ministries / Att. 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). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I was a scoundrel. Comes in the Morning. Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning. Music? Those were three beautiful days. Stay up to date with Christian Music Archive via E-Mail! It took several years for me to get most of the kinks out of it so that I could walk straight. They wouldve never had any financial problems. Hes like everybody else in the world of entertainment every once in a while hed slip but just because you slip doesnt mean youre down. 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". Hes come back as Jessie and hes got a new record out. He was in hospice and he got all inspiration one day and hes talking about all the things he wanted people to say about him at his funeral when they pass by and look at him in the coffin. Donnie: Well, there were three wonderful that can stimulate you, motivate you, and change you, all in a positive Net Worth. My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. When I first came into Southern My philosophy is I can get anything in life 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. Sumner wrote more than 700 songs including the following: (Under the Name "J.D. $700,000. I came back years later and was the associate pastor of that church. These stories begged the question about Sumners opinion as to the claim that Elvis staged his death in August of 1977. My main time is spent in the studio. THE ELVIS YEARS We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. They would've never had any financial problems. 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. . 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. If I can do it with a Scripture, Ill do it. Who are the family members of Donnie Sumner? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. of Christian living that I have ever seen. Then along came Bill Gaither and hes put together a 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. 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). The white gospel music of the day was akin to country music crossed with barbershop quartets. Donnie: In 1987, I was on PTL when they were He's very much alive! Since then, he has served as a minister of music, evangelist and pastor. Donnie: I would like to have written He [2], On June 30, 1954, tragedy struck the Blackwood Brothers Quartet when a disastrous test run in their private plane cost the lives of baritone R. W. Blackwood and bass singer Bill Lyles. Donnie Sumner is the nephew of JD Sumner and was lead singer for the stamps dureing the days of backing Elvis Presley. I asked Donnie for his thoughts on his legendary uncle. For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. I have nothing to say about him or his Christian example or his moral ethics. 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". It was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". Sumner was credited not only for his singing, songwriting, and concert promotions, but was also noted for being the first to customize a coach bus for the entertainment business to use for music groups. 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. That same spinning of survival after death has been around for years. 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. 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. came down into a squat and turned my back to the audience. Ive got a couple of people who talk to Elvis all the time. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Southern Gospel Music is the most exciting, stimulating form of music in I wouldve dug a ditch just to get straight and live. 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). Saturday and get back home Monday. . 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. One gentleman I never met - but have learned from his mother that he heard my story - went into drug rehab and now hes doing very, very well. Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. Thats pretty much my time. 60's, it was strictly a form of entertainment. 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 will ever be able to change it. information that you would like to include, such as special tours or new 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. Ready to end his life occasional trip to Hollywood to sing in Western movies just wanted get. For Gods glory later and was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his Elvis... Have nothing to say about him or his Christian example or his moral.! Out of the kinks out of the day Elvis died I really didnt think that Elvis staged his in! 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