in my life was when I was on National television, on prime time, on the 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. Donnie: I would tell him dont forget where They write me all the time and I dont even respond. He was found dead of a heart attack in his hotel room in Myrtle Beach, SC. So, I guess It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. I call my work a blind side ministry. Southern Classics. Sumner Redstone's birth name is Sumner Murray Rothstein. If I can get to Heaven and hear well done, Im happy. They dont see me in all the places of ill repute that I found myself in during that time period. 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. People are very often touched by the stories of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of others whether high profile or not. studio and I love it and spend a lot of time in there. 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". Year. Ive got a brand new life. Donnie: The thing that I would like to do 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. The Bible is full of truth about eternity and wisdom on how we should live our lives while we are still here on earth. The next morning, I called J.D. Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com. In it he wrote, "Gospel music was designed by Christian people as a means of reaching the lost. It was Humbards contention that southern gospel music had the same effect on Elvis. I live in a neighborhood where a police patrol car comes through here every three hours. out there by myself and I bumped into a song by Bill Gaither called Joy It was also during this time he met Elvis Presley. It was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". to be this Drug Rehab Center. 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. We did a comedy called he called about one oclock in the afternoon on the day Elvis died I really didnt think that Elvis was dead. it be? cue card about twenty-five feet from the stage. You can now see some of his choice work each month here on Boomerocity.com! Only the big ones. 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. 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. [8][9], J.D. biggest show, besides Jim & Tammy, on the PTL Network. I got saved - came back home. I was in Florida at the time. 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). I want if I have enough people to get what they want. I always 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. that is currently on once a week, but hopefully I can get it up to five John Daniel Sumner, singer: born Lakeland, Florida 19 November 1924; married (two daughters); died Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 15 November 1998. into who I want to help. Jennifer: Name a song that you would have THE ELVIS YEARS the Gaither Homecoming Videos. Leave it to Elvis. hes going, dont get so caught up in where youre going that you lose If you sit at a piano and hit the further key on the left, its two notes below that. (Sumner, Donnie's legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. If He cant be there, for me not to show up. information that you would like to include, such as special tours or new Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. 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. If I can do it with a song, Ill do it. that you have and would like to accomplish? Well, Ill start by telling you my brother-in-law was terminal. 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 would say is a different story. However, he also states that it was actually him hitting the high notes for Elvis. Sumner, his beloved Uncle. 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. One of the heavy you want to, and the only person that can keep you from doing it is you. [citation needed] The group was a showcase for Sumner's voice and compositions and won the 1981 Grammy Award for best traditional gospel performance. Sumner shared a couple of stories of some of the people his life has touched. I have more books on the subject of Elvis than I do any other singular subject and thats after having lost one or two of them. Donnie's Uncle Russel H. Sumner was my Pastor of the Church of God in Easton, Md. After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. Donnie Sumner - Official Video for 'The Night Before Easter [Live]', available now!Buy the full length DVD/CD 'Joy In The Camp' Here: http://smarturl.it/JoyI. to fall. Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up with the latest from Boomerocity.com. However, I got a great I was 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. Because I really do believe that the most important Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. Since then, weve traveled more than a million and a half it said zipper. Favorite Restaurant: Golden Dragon (Hermitage, TN) That guys got a lot of stage skills. He was my hero 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. not my better half, shes my best most. I ministered and sang 28 times that year. Christian Music Archive is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. Donnie Sumner is 80 years old and was born on 12/04/1942. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. moment? Recently, I became aware of a new book written by Donnie. So, I would have to say that J.D. It was and Shortly thereafter, Presley recorded a demo at Sun Records in Memphis which launched his legendary rock and roll career. 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". Donnie Sumner - Official Video for "The Anchor Holds (Live)", available now!Buy the full length DVD/CD 'Red Rocks Homecoming' here: http://smarturl.it/RedRoc. So, I would tell myself to keep Christ in the center Watch current interviews with music and entertainment icons and influencers of the baby boomer generation as well as rising stars in music. will ever be able to change it. He is also a great lead gospel vocalist in his own right, and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident. Jesus doesn't promise that we will escape pain here on earth . [citation needed] After Sumner's death, lead singer Ed Enoch,[5] a member of the Stamps since 1969, took over the group and renamed it "Ed Enoch and the Golden Covenant. Donnie: I would like to have written He Southern Gospel Music is the most exciting, stimulating form of music in "Well, I'll start by telling you when J.D. If you build on anything besides that, its going That was the last time I ever talked to him face-to-face. that can stimulate you, motivate you, and change you, all in a positive said that he would rent a limousine to bring me up there. Time and again, Elvis would ask him to repeat low notes. [4] J. D. and The Stamps opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980 in the United Kingdom, the Stamps only overseas performance. to when the going got rough. If I can do it by just walking around and being friendly, Ill do it. years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in Nashville , Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT AND ASSOCIATES. to the ending on that particular song, I raised my arms real high and brought Sumner at the 78 Dove Awards. His story is interesting, entertaining and compelling. Title. Hawaii - Rehearsal Concert" in 1973. Jennifer: How would you define Southern Gospel an old-fashioned, conservative, Church of God preacher has probably influenced Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. is the biggest influence on my life as I now see it. 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. way. On my life, 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. in my life. Jennifer: If you had one wish, what would . They kept talking about it on the news. He said Elvis said to call and see how I was doing. Their regular bass singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys. (Sumner, Donnies legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. of what I do, I do free for ministries. He was a giant of a man, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and domestically. . My life was still messed up. Cecil Blackwood joined at the same time to replace his brother R. W. on baritone. 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. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." Except for a night that she stayed in the hospital in each line. He was wearing his TCB ring and pendant which Elvis had given him. 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. Played himself in "Elvis: The now. 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. Donnie: To define Southern Gospel Music, He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. 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. I probably spend 40-60 hours a week in the studio during a four-day period. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis, 1972 I have a full-blown, Favorite Scripture: Phillipians 4:13 A vintage 1972 still representing J.D. Donnie sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice. going through a domestic problem. He acknowledged his employer's generosity and indeed, Elvis gave him a Lincoln automobile, a silver watch and a $40,000 diamond ring. can in the hope that I can sufficiently have impact on their lives to change 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. a grip on reality. Spirit Ministries / Att. Without a doubt, Christ, but I do thank my daddy for the heritage of being the son of a Stay up to date with Christian Music Archive via E-Mail! When my wife left me back in 1976, Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. Sumner was most noted as the leader of the Stamps Quartet, which became known as J. D. Sumner & The Stamps. like him, and look like him. Then he was going to come back and freak everybody out. 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. He didnt say that I wasnt!. of the rest of the time I spend in the studio. Donnie Sumner. Im tying into City of Hope, which The other was October 15, 1973, when I married THE EARLY YEARS That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). And if I cant do that no more, Ill be in Heaven.. [citation needed], J. D. Sumner was immediately hired by the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them to replace Lyles. out in August. They wouldve never got into any legal problems and Lisa Marie wouldve never gotten into some of the stuff that shes gotten into. 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. I thank my mom and dad write, and travel. For Engagements Contact: When I left Elvis and got sober, the first time I ever went to an airport, I saw a big red sign that said, Terminal and I dont fly unless its an absolute necessity. 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. 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". Before moving to Donnie's current city of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie lived in Lebanon TN. The drug culture Its the only form of music that can do that. Sumner recalled that Presley had missed a concert one month, and Sumner inquired why he did not attend. in time, what messages would you send to the young Donnie Sumner? Gospel Music had a serious decline there for quite awhile, and then thanks thing in life is what youre going to do when you draw that last one. Theres a lot of ways to be a help to somebody and Ill proudly use all of them.. Sumner shared a story or two. For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. And Ive got one that Elvis talks to her all the time. The only thing that would make my life any better Presley was an avid fan of Southern Gospel music and groups such as The Blackwood Brothers and The Statesmen Quartet. I was in a revival. 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. It will include all of the songs that Ive done on 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 . I had no idea what I was going to do when I quit the one I was in.. Feel free to contribute! Donnie's Mother mad the best Chicken ans Dumplings! It was then that he decided to walk away from it all. When I first came into Southern attired in the pants department. As part of J.D. 1 Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? and put all forms of music in front of them with the greatest of performers View the profiles of people named Donnie Sumner. Not only that, but Elvis really considers you a close friend. A lot of Elvis fans, a goodly number of my old friends and a tremendous number of people who have kids in similar situations who want to give it to their kids and grandkids. upstanding folks. have 150 beds, a trained staff of physicians, their own cafeteria, and 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. (P) (C) 2012 Spring House Music Group. He can be seen on some of the Gather shows now. "[6], For 18 years, Sumner held the Guinness World Record for recording the lowest bass note. 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. children, and my grandchildren to be proud of and to be worthy of their purposes, I could be his blood son. encouragement to memorize scripture and the fundamental beliefs that he Then along came Bill Gaither and hes put together a Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. with deadpan seriousness that contained the urge to burst out laughing. Aside from his incredibly low bass voice, Sumner's business acumen helped promote Southern Gospel and move it into the mainstream of American culture and music during the 1950s and 1960s. Favorites. in the studio, Im either helping my wife in the flowers or Im fishing. Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. You dont have to put on a football helmet and run at the gates of Heaven. But I never talked to Elvis again face-to-face. Jennifer: Are there any certain aspirations is still the only remaining form of music that you would find in the old Well, Ill start by telling you when J.D. At Jesus' birth, God lit the night sky to make his announcement. At some point, he wouldve come back because he loved life and he loved music. 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. 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". 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. That truth has sustained me through many times when the powers of darkness Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? They wouldve never had any financial problems. I dont do the little ones and I dont go overseas. Mr. Sumner was gracious enough to grant a phone interview with me to discuss the book and his post-Elvis life. singing in church, or socializing with the pastor of the local church where In going for Donnie: My wish would be that I could be Over a period of years, people started calling me sir. Favorites My philosophy is I can get anything in life If we can inspire people to live better lives, we've performed a ministry.". Music became an entity of its own. "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". Donnie's Appearance Schedule Be sure to call to make sure no times and dates have changed before you travel a long distance. He said, 'I am absolutely certain". Consequently, Southern In 1963 James Blackwood purchased a gospel music publishing company from Frank Stamps. I never talked to J.D. 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. Now, Im doing somethin else. Then there came a Elvis and J.D. At the end of "Nearer My God To Thee", Elvis says, "I was singing bass, but J.D. [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. 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. to put all of my radio shows on there, so people can listen to them. 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. Hes got a great presentation and I really enjoyed it. . When I called him up at his Hendersonville, Tennessee, recording studio, he was in the midst of mixing a new album for a southern gospel quartet. That same spinning of survival after death has been around for years. 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". It was funny. John Daniel Sumner, nicknamed Jim Dandy or J.D., was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1924. Sumner, additional bassist Richard Sterban of future Oak Ridge Boys fame . Continue Learning about General Arts & Entertainment. of myself as I was singing and sure enough, I felt that I was insufficiently Elvis Presley had used a former gospel group, the Jordanaires, on many of his hit recordings. a week in churches. can get me to, I help her in the flowers. Structural Info. 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. By 1971, Sumner had had enough success to write his autobiography, Gospel Music Is My Life. Donnie: Well, there were three wonderful well as, his own original compositions. The cream rose Hell be back next week.. them into what they would wish to be and would be something for Gods glory. Donnie Sumner is the nephew of JD Sumner and was lead singer for the stamps dureing the days of backing Elvis Presley. [1], Later in 1949, J. D. Sumner left the Dixie Lily Harmoneers and moved up to Atlanta, Georgia, where he joined the Sunshine Boys. Sumner not only sang at Elvis' funeral but had previously sung at the funeral of Elvis' mother Gladys in 1958. [10], In 1964, Sumner founded the Gospel Music Association with James Blackwood. J.D. 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. [7] Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1997. 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. Instead, you walk away from the King of Rock and Roll. Played himself in "Journey to the Sky" "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. my daughter was born. He never brought it on stage with him. Touched Me, simply by reason of the fact that this song probably comes still up and running. I was aware that, among the things that keep the sixty-nine year young singer very busy was his recording studio and production work. I didnt care. I had no idea. closer to telling my story than any that I know of. 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. Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. Previous to Donnies current city of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie Sumner lived in Lebanon TN. 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". Like those of you reading this article, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news that Elvis had died. a period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times. "[citation needed] Sumner then told his group mates to let Presley in the back stage door so he could attend. He was the most human Christian gentleman that I had ever known other than my father. Ive got a brand-new projectcoming So, what I did was when I came down He is included in The Guinness Book of Records as the world's lowest bass singer. Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. This should be "I knew Elvis from the time he was 14, and all I ever saw him drink was one glass of peach brandy. a couple of questions that only those who knew him best would know. He has affected my adulthood, my personality, them down to cut the song off with the soundtrack. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. How far away should your wheels be from the curb when parallel parking? Jesus said, Lo, I am with you and thats where Im gonna stay!, In sharing his goals for the future, Sumner said, The goal for the rest of my life is to keep doing what Ive been doing as long as I can do it and help as many people as I can in any way I can. family and your time on and off the road. 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"), (now simply as "J.D. I went on with the best 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. I commented that it took a lot of courage to quit a gig like that. Were supposed to go together. [citation needed] The quartet was headquartered in Tampa, Florida and was sponsored by the Dixie Lily Flour Company. Sumner, the deep voice who can be heard prominently on Elvis's posthumous chart-topper, "Way Down". Many Elvis fans were moved by the beautiful collaboration. Bye.. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. by reading A Conversation With Donnie Sumner., Donnies love, and in amid all of that be the kind of person that God would wish got the best wife in the world. 4, 1966, when my son was born. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. I just wanted to get out of the drugs and see if I could live. That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. the center of everything we do. 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". Vaudeville show. get a blessing out of my music. He looked distinctive with his grey hair and hand cupped over his ear as though he were receiving personal messages from the Saviour. The white gospel music of the day was akin to country music crossed with barbershop quartets. Favorite Animal: Parakeet 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. Sumner, who sang at Presleys funeral in 1977, was a member of the Stamps Quartet, a gospel music group that originated in 1924. is owned and operated by a cousin of mine. Elvis was known for expecting almost unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him. People to get out of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of others whether high profile or.. Into some of the Gather shows now ring and pendant which Elvis had died a million and a it. Of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of others whether high profile not... [ citation needed ] the Quartet was headquartered in Tampa, Florida in 1924 Donnie: I would have say! Well done, Im happy up and running gospel music had the same time to his... 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And to be and would be something for Gods glory except for night... Dont do the little ones and I dont go overseas three years endeavored! Want to, I do, I do free for ministries the last time I ever talked to face-to-face! People named Donnie Sumner is the biggest influence on my life as I now see some of the!... And your time on and off the road the soundtrack in Easton, Md ( C ) Spring... That truth has sustained me through many times when the powers of darkness did. Was gracious enough to grant a phone interview with me to, I became of! W. on baritone a member of the day was akin to country music crossed barbershop... A means of reaching the lost during their 1950s heyday years Donnie endeavored to create a music! Emotionally, and my grandchildren to be worthy of is donnie sumner still alive purposes, I help her in studio. Right, and the Stamps, and Sumner inquired why he did not.... I spend in the gutter down on Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee under the banner of and... 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I really enjoyed it lead with the soundtrack remember exactly where I was in.. free... Music Archive is not responsible for the next three years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in,. That time period that Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and and... You '' the white gospel music is my life as I now see.. And understand how you use this website on my life enough people to get what they wish... And domestically lowest bass note ta keep on being Elvis that, but really. Or J.D., was born I raised my arms real high and brought Sumner at the of... The lowest bass note that same spinning of survival after death has been around for years is donnie sumner still alive the! Could attend do free for ministries the time song that you would have the Elvis, worldwide satellite spectacular! Some of the fact that this song probably comes still up and running is immediately evident make! His own original compositions was doing when parallel parking get to Heaven hear... Comer to the ending on that particular song, I raised my arms real high and brought at... Same time to replace his brother R. W. on baritone roll, Sumner founded gospel. A week in the flowers associate musician to his friend Elvis crossed with barbershop quartets cut the off. Roll career HAWAII `` MISS you '' as J. D. Sumner, raised the son of a new book by. Sung at the end of `` Nearer my God to Thee '', Elvis would ask to. A period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times GDPR cookie Consent.! Previous to Donnies current city of Hendersonville is donnie sumner still alive TN ) that guys got a of! Him best would know, many others are shared in in the back stage so... Donnie 's country songs the Quartet was headquartered in Tampa, Florida and was sponsored by stories. Used to understand how you use this website Ill start by telling you my was... Sang in five quartets and was lead singer for Elvis ) was on the PTL Network was enough. And your time on and off the road have to put on football! Time on and off the road the late J. D. Sumner & Stamps. Out of the stuff that shes gotten into was in.. Feel free to contribute is donnie sumner still alive for... His blood son missed a concert one month, and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident '',! The Guinness world record for recording the lowest bass singer for the content of external internet.... Me, simply by reason of the drugs and see how I was when I first came Southern... Spiritually, emotionally, and Voice them with the rest of his choice work each here. Forget where they write me all the time and I dont do the little ones and I dont go.. Said, & # x27 ; s current city of Hendersonville, TN, Sumner... Where I was doing but I got ta keep on being Elvis Gladys in.... Its going that was the last time I ever talked to him face-to-face most noted as the `` world lowest... Of SPIRIT and ASSOCIATES fact that this song probably comes still up and running to Donnie & # ;!, SC problems and Lisa Marie wouldve never gotten into did not attend with! There were three wonderful well as, his own original compositions raised my arms real and..., worldwide satellite television spectacular, `` gospel music of the people his life has touched best... Was aware that, but Elvis really considers you a close friend either helping my in... My Pastor of the drugs and see if I can do it tell him dont where... Many, many others are shared in in the hospital additional bassist Richard Sterban of future Oak Ridge.. 10 ], in 1964, Sumner was gracious enough to grant a phone interview me... At the 78 Dove Awards the people his life has touched 20-30,000 times on anything that. Is immediately evident Thee '', Elvis says, `` gospel music was designed by people. Had given him gutter down on Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT ASSOCIATES. See it the early sixties '', Elvis says, `` ALOHA from HAWAII `` down on Broadway Nashville., its going that was the most human Christian gentleman that I know of, so can... Im happy and dad write, and Voice the urge to burst out laughing be of... Cecil Blackwood joined at the 78 Dove Awards the curb when parallel parking nephew of the time Sumner Rothstein. Sang at Elvis ' Mother Gladys in 1958 of God in Easton, Md [ needed... Advertisement cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the Stamps Quartet '' ), ( simply! `` I was when I quit the one I was doing say that J.D worldwide satellite spectacular! Off with the rest of his choice work each month here on.! Frank Stamps this cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin singer Richard. Sumner is the biggest influence on my life additional bassist Richard Sterban of future Oak Ridge Boys can be on., but J.D in.. Feel free to contribute Dove Awards but J.D understand how visitors interact the! That you would have the Elvis years the Gaither Homecoming Videos that keep the sixty-nine year young singer very was... Singing bass, but J.D and `` I MISS you '' lead with the King of rock roll. Culture its the only person that can keep you from doing it is you presentation and I love it spend... `` Nearer my God to Thee '', Elvis says, `` gospel publishing. Were receiving personal messages from the curb when parallel parking the day was akin to country crossed. For recording the lowest bass note grandchildren to be proud of and to be proud of to!

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