Celebrating the Life of Donnie Sumner - YouTube 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. He always stressed the positive side of Presley's personality and never admitted that Elvis took anything other than prescription drugs. It was a song he sang in a talent contest as a child, he came in second. In the end, every one of my songs says that no matter where you're at or what you're involved in, you can make it. 'I got through college, but my heart was in quartets. 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. called he called about one oclock in the afternoon on the day Elvis died I really didnt think that Elvis was dead. You dont have to put on a football helmet and run at the gates of Heaven. The next morning, I called J.D. It was more or less a social thing for the first few years and it progressed', Donnie said. Kenneth Alan Shaw. After Elvis Presley died thirty years ago this August, like many fans, I devoured every book and article that I could find and afford to learn more about the man. Even if you're not familiar with world of southern gospel, chances are, you've heard Donnie sing. also sang with Elvis Presley as backup along with "The Sunshine Boys," "The BlackWood Quartet," and "J.D. He loved anything Roy Rogers. 'How Great Thou Art' (1967) won Elvis his first Grammy for Best Sacred Album. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. After a heated discussion, Elvis agreed to cut vocal tracks for the four songs at his Palm Springs home that Felton Jarvis had cut backing tracks for without him at the recent Stax sessions. I cried out for some help and didn't really expect any, but the good Lord was walking around in heaven that morning and heard me and said 'I believe I'll do it', Donnie said. 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. Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. Would you like to offer Phoebe R. Harrisons loved ones a condolence message? First, pianist Charles Ramsey left the quartet and was replaced by Donnie Sumner. Since childhood his favorite form of entertainment has been "GOSPEL MUSIC" with styles ranging from "Foot-stompin' - hand-clappin' revival tunes" to what has become known in today's market as contemporary sacred music. Yet his backup groups throughout his career - The Jordanaires, The Imperials, The Stamps - were gospel groups, and after his concerts, Elvis frequently held impromptu gospel singing sessions that lasted into the early-morning hours. Im not a scoundrel any more, thanks to Jesus. However, what is not debatable is the fact that, a) Elvis did sing a lot of gospel music while with friends and, b) that, among those friends was a gentleman by the name of Donnie Sumner who was one of Elvis back-up singers. Being greatly gifted as a writer, Donnie is among the list of America 's most renowned inspirational composers . His vibrato would be a quarter-tone on either side of the note. Hes come back as Jessie and hes got a new record out. The bottoms the same. He tried to overdose on cocaine twice, attempting suicide three times. 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.Donnie sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice. I tell you what, Randy, it dont take any courage. He wiped me out.". Ive changed careers several times in my life and every time I did, I had no other choice. When you hit bottom, you aint got no place to fall. And, then, I was in a little town called Lenoir City, Tennessee, where I did a concert. In 1963 James Blackwood purchased a gospel music publishing company from Frank Stamps. 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). 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. 'He embraced me and rather than jumping, I cried my way back to the room for a brand new beginning'. Donald Sumner Obituary (1953 - 2020) - Brunswick, GA - The Brunswick News At the end of "Nearer My God To Thee", Elvis says, "I was singing bass, but J.D. I made up this crazy excuse that I just couldnt afford to come up there. I had no idea. Whoever put it on record bootlegged it from my record. I didn't realize how much I needed to say goodbye to the man until I was there at the celebration of his life. Even when performing in a southern gospel group, temptation is still there'. Donnie Sumner, 'Voice', and Elvis Presley | Elvis Interviews 'We'd be wired most of the time. After a 10-year layoff, the megastar had decided to hit the road again. She married Donnie Sumner in 1979 and their marriage brought forth 5 children, Jason Dwayne in 1980, Travis Lee in 1981, Vanessa Leeann in 1983, Jeremy Wade in 1986, and Cody Allen in 1990. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. He was raised the son of a minister and is no newcomer to the world of Christian music. Web: Obituary Daily Times Index, 1995-2016. Because of logistics and the time element that I had wasted, I wasnt able to attend the funeral.. I was at a church youth camp in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona. Sumner, was a legendary musical figure'. Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Ronnie Sumner's Instagram, Twitter & Facebook on IDCrawl 6005 CR 39 South Plant City, FL DONALD SUMNER OBITUARY SUMNER, Donald "Don" 79, Lithia, entered into eternal rest April 12, 2022. Elvis and J.D. It wasn't "The Lighthouse" which the Stamps did in _Elvison Tour_; the title may have been "Ship Ahoy." The next day two semi trucks pulled up outside of his home. There's no such thing as a superstar, it's all in the audience's mind. Then Donnie Sumner spoke beautifully abouthis uncle and about his own fight against drug abuse; I don't think therewas a dry eye in the house. Most of the acts were male quartets featuring four- part harmonies. Entering this and that into the search form will return results containing both "this" and "that". U.S . I will tell you flat out, one of the liabilities of the entertainment industry is your removal from the normal life of home, church and friends', Donnie said. John Daniel Sumner, singer: born Lakeland, Florida 19 November 1924; married (two daughters); died Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 15 November 1998. 'My life was totally ruined'. The ceremony was supposed to end with a videotape of one ofJ.D. She was predeceased by : her parents, George H. Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Thomas (Carson); her spouse Carman "C. L." Harrison; and her siblings, Connie Dressback and George H. Thomas, Jr.. She is survived by : her children, Jerry Tucker (Melissa Sechrest) of Sumner and Tasha Legg (Matt) of Sumner; her grandchildren, Destiny, Emily, Jaedyn, Dylan Legg and Tristan Tucker; her sister Joan Lomas of Olney; her boyfriend Donnie Wininger of Sumner; and her nieces and nephews, Wanda Rice, Terri Bailey, Kevin Poland, James Wesley Lomas, Troy Thomas and Timmy Thomas. 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. 'I sing fast songs, slow songs, old songs, new songs, funny songs, and sad songs'. Presley continued to record gospel songs - more than 100 in all, by one account - and a live recording of 'How Great Thou Art' in 1974 earned him the Grammy for Best Inspirational Song. He called me two or three times, wanting me to come work on sessions with him. On Thursday, November 19, 1998 at 3:00:00 AM UTC-5, AlwysElvis wrote: After all these years without our precious J.D., I'd love an audio copy of his funeral service, (edited, of course). From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. Elvis hired the group, which became Voice, Inc., to be part of his stage show and also to live with him and sing Gospel music for him at night. Everything that I have, I'll ever be, what I've got and all I'll ever have, I have to say thanks be to God for it all, because when I found him, I had nothing', he said. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. I had been involved in the drug culture ever since I entered the industry. Elvis Interviews , Elvis Articles , Elvis Biography , By David Adams. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. 'He had a feel and a passion for it. He said, I want you to come up and sing at the funeral. I said, Aw, Uncle Jake, he aint dead. Blackwood himself was part of another quartet at the First Assembly in Memphis, the Songfellows, and Presley wanted to join. Sumner recalled that when he told Presley in 1976 he was leaving to shake his drug habit, Presley said, 'I wish I could do that, go somewhere and start over, but I guess I'll have to keep on being Elvis'. After several weeks, he signed a contract with Sun Records and went on to rock 'n' roll stardom. You can now see some of his choice work each month here on Boomerocity.com! Said Sumner: "I have never seen a man suffer as much or grieve as much as he did at the loss of his mother.". Candle 2. J.D. The doctor cut a big hole in one of Elvis' sheets, draped it over him with his head centered inside the hole andproceeded to remove small plugs of hair from the back side of Sherrill's head and then inserted the plugs into holes he had previously made in the top of Sherrill's scalp. Sherrill still had the bandages around my head and during the song, blood started running down his forard. composition. Blackwood's father, two uncles and older brother were members of a famous Southern gospel group, the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, and Presley admired their music. Write your message of sympathy today. THE EARLY YEARS 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". ), Donnie found time to write a book. Collect rumors like this that says if you Is Donnie Sumner dead? 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. Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Friday, September 17, 2021, at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, in Irwin County, Georgia, with the Rev. 'He had a pitch problem. 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. For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. The Stamps were EdEnoch, Ed Hill, and Rick Strickland (the youngest member of the group) andno one couldn't have noticed that they sang the old arrangements without abass singer. J.D. recitations, "The Farmer and the Lord," but gospel pianist Eva MaeLefevre got up and unfortunately spoke rather incoherently about her ownlife. Obituary: J. D. Sumner | The Independent | The Independent Contemporary gospel singerMark Lowry told some funny stories about his six-year friendship with J.D. Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. He was wearing his TCB ring and pendant which Elvis had given him. Donnie Sumner, "In the Sweet By and By", "The - YouTube On stage, Elvis would liken Sumner's voice to a B-52 bomber - and that was a compliment. Elvis was known for expecting almost unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him. It was Humbards contention that southern gospel music had the same effect on Elvis. I was in Florida at the time. CPA5 4775-04. I didnt care. He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. J.D. Elvis' guitarist, James Burton flew in, Charlie Hodge played acoustic guitar, Donnie Sumner played the piano with Voice supplying bass. Well, I piddled at it for eight or nine years and then I took about three months off and concentrated on it, finished it up and got it out. There's also a private recording from that period, where he sings 'Let Me Be The One' and 'Spanish Eyes'. They were the favourite group of Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, and they sang at her funeral in 1958. Condolence at HopewellFuneral.com Published by Tampa Bay. called me and said that Elvis died. Hovie. George Younce, bass singer forthe Cathedral Quartet, told several funny stories of how J.D. Bye.. He was the most human Christian gentleman that I had ever known other than my father. as members of the Masters V and with Bill Baize they sang "Peacein the Valley." You can hit the bottom in the presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid row. It was when Donnie was singing with the Stamps that they got the call to tour with Elvis Presley. I want them to laugh at my humor, at my jokes, at myself by being old, fat and ugly. And as if to vindicate his original desire to be a gospel singer, Presley's only three Grammy awards were given for his own gospel-music recordings. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James A. Dunn, parents, J.D. Donnie Sumner, "The Lighthouse" - video by Susan Quinn Sand By this, he meant the way that Sumner would run down the scale and bottom out on the lowest note he could hit. Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home - Olney The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. Theres a lot of ways to be a help to somebody and Ill proudly use all of them.. (I live fifty miles north of Nashville.) If I ever see him coming down my street I always make sure hes not turning into my drive! (Partial List)All I Do Is Ask The LordDreamin'God's HeavenIf I Could Have The WorldIf You Find The LordI'll Live OnLove Found A PardonLove Him SoSailing Toward HomeSounds Of LoveStreet Corner PreacherThe Army Of The LordThe Night Before EasterThe Shadow Of His LoveWhere Has Our Love Gone. Elvis Presley's songs are unforgettable - they have stood the test of time, especially his singles of the 1950s, a decade in which he had a song at No. You cant go no lower than the bottom., I asked Donnie if he had something to fall back on when he left Elvis, to which he replied, Not at all. Thats the best part of the whole piece is if I can help somebody.. Gospel music executive BobWhitaker and former Stamps pianist and current MCA Nashville presidentTony Brown said a few words. Raised in poverty, he earned a fortune, then gave away most of it. Now, Im doing somethin else. I live in a neighborhood where a police patrol car comes through here every three hours. 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. Sumner Funeral and Cremation Lakeside - Hendersonville Tuesday, April 25, 2023 Add Photos Add a Memory Linda Michele Boyd Linda Michele Boyd, age 54 of Hendersonville, passed away April 22, 2023. "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". 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! 2023 Boomerocity.comAll Rights Reserved. : The original group consisted of Sherrill Nielsen, Donnie Sumner and Tim Baty (, Elvis and J.D. Entering "this and that" (with quotes) into the search form will return results containing the exact phrase "this and that". That guys got a lot of stage skills. 'I think he was a Christian, a believer. I call my work a blind side ministry. (70 years old). People are very often touched by the stories of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of others whether high profile or not. . He was friendly with many gospel musicians and he worked for several years with J.D. Everybody thought he was a great singer, but what made him great in rock and roll was his appearance. It was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". THE ELVIS YEARS The Rev. A valid email address is required when you select contact by email. Gospel music is my life." John Daniel Sumner, singer: born . He passed away in November of 1998; just three days shy of his 74th birthday. New email address [email protected] (LSNET) Keeping the Faith with ELVIS,Allen, Either email addresses are anonymous for this group or you need the view member email addresses permission to view the original message, If anyone knows any info as to who attended J.D's funeral, who sang at it, who, You do not have permission to delete messages in this group. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. . which drive up our cost of staying online. If he was still alive, first of all, he wouldve never let anything happen to his close friends. Hardwick then spoke and John Mathews, aboyhood friend of J.D. Website Design and SEO by WorkSmart Business Solutions. Sumner at the 78 Dove Awards. Until Now! 615-512-7565 Everybody thought he was a great singer, but what made him great in rock and roll was his appearance. For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. 83 Obituaries. I commented that it took a lot of courage to quit a gig like that. He can be seen on some of the Gather shows now. 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". with deadpan seriousness that contained the urge to burst out laughing. Right now Donnie is an OWNER AND MANAGER at Donnie Sumner. The only song completed from the tapes supplied by Felton Jarvis was 'Sweet Angeline' they then recorded Donnie Sumner's'I Miss You' then lacking anything else Elvis wanted to record, Sherrill suggested 'Are You Sincere?'. When he returned to live performances in 1969, he hired yet another gospel group, the Imperials, featuring one of his favourite singers, Jake Hess. Sumner, the deep voice who can be heard prominently on Elvis's posthumous chart-topper, "Way Down". Find the obituary of Phoebe R. Harrison (1952 - 2022) from Sumner, IL. Name: Location: Video: Image: Light A Candle. The Cathedrals then sang two songs. Bill had worked as a Sawyer in Logging, and enjoyed watching Westerns and the Outdoors. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt and work in his garden. Joe Moscheo, who was a keyboard player and singer with The Imperials when they backed up Elvis from 1969 to 1972. Candle 3 . Couple those people in certain religious environments and you definitely have an environment for interesting stories ripe for the picking. Fontana Interview with Charlie Hodge Interview with Ernst Jorgensen Elvis Presley & the TCB Band, Copyright 2022 by www.elvis.com.au & www.elvispresley.com.au, https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/donnie-sumner.shtml. Sumner shared a couple of stories of some of the people his life has touched. . 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. Search results can also be filtered using a variety of criteria. Several grandchildren. Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. I got saved - came back home. He sang a beautiful song comparing Jesus to aship's captain. I dont do the little ones and I dont go overseas. It was exciting and I think Im going to tell my friends what a great program he does.. 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. It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. Upon hearing the news, Elvis told Donnie that he was proud of him and said that he wished that he could go somewhere and start over but 'I guess I got to keep on being Elvis'. Finally, it all came to a head. As a changed man, Donnie brings a new message of hope'. He had a sense of fun and amused audiences with his impression of "the Gooney Bird". Geraldo said, Why are you so sure? He said, If he wasnt dead, he woulda done killed Michael Jackson.. "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. He was a carpenter and worked in construction. Elvis inspiration Sumner dies at 73 - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper We were around the piano in Palm Springs, having a good time. While Donnie was a great musician, JD must have known that he would soon need a lead singer, as Roger McDuff had been contemplating singing full-time with his brothers, John and Colman. I was very glad that I had attended. Elvis Australia was founded in 1996 www.elvis.com.au was literally born from the concept of wanting to represent 'Elvis in Australia', so www.elvis.com.au Read more. Sherrill Nielsen had just left The Statesmen Quartet, (Elvis loved Sherrill as he could hit notes higher than a normal tenor, and Elvis had him to . Singing his first solo in church at the age of 7, Donnie studied to be a classical vocalist and a classical pianist, turning down a scholarship at the Julliard School of Music to go to a Christian College'. 'I don't think anyone could judge him', Moscheo said. In a further contradiction, those sessions were often conducted in a drug- or booze-induced haze, Sumner said. Link to index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1573&Itemid=3009, 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. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. (Sumner, Donnies legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. I have it on that record. 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! Shaun (Sherrill) tells the story, 'Elvis had written it on a sheet of toilet tissue and it was for the sum of $100,000 for which we'd travel with him, write songs for his music company, and work with him. Elvis said well I'm not coming there, Elvis said if they want a record they can come here and get it. Presley's style of gospel singing was reverential, in contrast to his rambunctious rock 'n' roll vocalizing, but he had a penchant for songs with big endings. Yep, I dressed him. 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".
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