I was in Florida at the time. Sumner. 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. I was very glad that I had attended. 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. I hope that, while theyre there, they think, Boy! It was a cleansing of emotions. dressed him and I asked J.D. September 10, 2021. Since childhood his favorite form of entertainment has been . Absolutely nobody can communicate the lyrics of a gospel song like Elvis', Sumner said from Nashville. He didnt say that I wasnt!. Special? Said Sumner: "I have never seen a man suffer as much or grieve as much as he did at the loss of his mother.". After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. Ive got a brand new life. Everybody thought he was a great singer, but what made him great in rock and roll was his appearance. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, 25% off everything with this Red Letter Days discount code, 20 extra entries with this Omaze promo code, 5% off UK Theme Parks using this Attraction Tickets discount code, Up to 10% off Sony Playstation gift cards, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK April 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this April, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. Candle 2. composition. Eventually, Charlie Hodge, Elvis' right-hand man called and said they needed someone to help out with the high notes'. Local obituaries for Blountstown, Florida. I didnt care. I had no idea. Donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter. Well, my daddy was Pentecostal when Pentecostal wasn't cool. Then the Stamps sang three songs, including "I Can Feel the Touch of HisHand," my favorite J.D. 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. (J.D. Ethan Hooker officiating. THE EARLY YEARS You may also light a candle in honor of Phoebe R. Harrison or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral service. Donnie shares the story in his book about why, while singing with one of the most beloved, historic and recognizable people in the world even in the history of the world he decided to quit and with nothing else to fall back on. He left the group to form the Tennessee Rangers and began performing country music with a year residency at the Grand Old Opry. 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. : The original group consisted of Sherrill Nielsen, Donnie Sumner and Tim Baty (, Elvis and J.D. He was a member and deacon of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. Write your message of sympathy today. After Elvis's death, Sumner often gave interviews and spoke at Presley conventions. I got saved - came back home. I dont do the little ones and I dont go overseas. 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 sing the very high endings in concert. If I ever see him coming down my street I always make sure hes not turning into my drive! Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. In 1963 James Blackwood purchased a gospel music publishing company from Frank Stamps. His father was a Pentecostal preacher, and his uncle, J.D. Even when performing in a southern gospel group, temptation is still there'. about what he thought when I left but he was certainly proud of me. By 1971, Sumner had had enough success to write his autobiography, Gospel Music Is My Life. Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. I talked to him twice about sessions. External links are provided for reference purposes. "My first three years with Elvis was as a backup vocalist. 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. Blackwood himself was part of another quartet at the First Assembly in Memphis, the Songfellows, and Presley wanted to join. In 1976, Donnie was doing $200 of cocaine and a handful of Quaaludes a day. Donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter. wasimpressed by their arrangement of the song.) Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Donnie Sumner: By profession, I'm a musician. 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". His mother took him occasionally, and he knew the basics of Christian teaching, but he was otherwise 'religiously illiterate', Sumner said. 205 E Elm St, Olney, IL 62450. Condolence at HopewellFuneral.com Published by Tampa Bay. recorded was "If ICan Help Somebody." He introduced gospel music to a secular world. Donnie was with the Stamps until the Aloha from Hawaii concert in 1973. Bye.. 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. George Richey spoke of how J.D. 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. 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. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. . No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. Because of his ability as a performer, he could interpret a song and perform it in a very purposeful way', said Moscheo from his home in Nashville, Tenn. Donnie Sumner holds another view. What made him great in gospel was his ability to tell a story. Voice: The original group consisted of Sherrill Nielsen, Donnie Sumner and Tim Baty (Thinking About You). 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. . Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer called he called about one oclock in the afternoon on the day Elvis died I really didnt think that Elvis was dead. Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Friday, September 17, 2021, at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, in Irwin County, Georgia, with the Rev. 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 don't think anyone could judge him', Moscheo said. 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". It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. So they were the only songs completed by Elvis, although 'Voice' did record a number of demos at Elvis' insistence. They got together to make some music and wound up with 'The Tennessee Rangers'. They left in 1971 following a dispute over pay with Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. They wouldve never had any financial problems. (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. The next day two semi trucks pulled up outside of his home. "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". After fifteen minutes, most of the congregation left while she wasspeaking. The bottoms the same. He was 73. The next morning, I called J.D. His vibrato would be a quarter-tone on either side of the note. 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. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. as members of the Masters V and with Bill Baize they sang "Peacein the Valley." 1 albums ('56-'59). Website Design and SEO by WorkSmart Business Solutions. If I can do it with a song, Ill do it. Sumner and his quartet, the Stamps, had been performing at a theatre in Myrtle Beach. I wouldve dug a ditch just to get straight and live. In the last 10 15 minutes of my programs, I can concentrate an entire Sunday. A funeral service will be held Monday, May 1, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Genesis Full Gospel Church with the Rev. That's what I've been doing for 48 years'. He was a graduate of Irwin County High School and served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Interview with Larry Muhoberac Interview with John Wilkinson Interview with Michael Jarrett, songwriter, I'm Leavin' Interview with James Burton Interview with James Burton Sydney Australia 2006 James Burton: First Call For The Royalty Of Rockabilly Interview with Ronnie Tutt Interview with Ronnie Tutt #2 Interview with Jerry Scheff Interview with Glen D. Hardin Interview with Sherrill Nielsen Interview with Terry Blackwood & Jim Murray Interview with Tony Brown Duke Bardwell Interview with Scotty Moore Bill Black Interview with D.J. Elvis would then get on the phone and say, I understand. I wouldn't be on the road as much as I am, staying away from my family, if it were not so. He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. 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. Im not a scoundrel any more, thanks to Jesus. Donnie sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice.He has also made frequent appearances on the Gaither Homecoming Series. 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. He can be seen on some of the Gather shows now. He sang a beautiful song comparing Jesus to aship's captain. 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.. hi-res2000 Classic Southern (Ovation Records/ORD201): Hold To God's Unchanging Hand; Then I Met The Master; Living With Heaven In Mind; His Hand In Mine; He'll Do It For You; Amazing Grace; Nothing But The Blood; I Can Feel The Touch Of His Hand; There's A Blessing Coming Down; The Anchor Holds; He's Coming Soon; Beulah Land; Until Then; Alone Facing God What Then.2002 Timeless Treasures (Image Records/407302-10): I Love To Tell The Story; What A Friend/No Not One; Leave It There; No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus; O Come Angel Band; It Is Well; Heaven Medley; Great Is Thy Faithfulness; The Haven Of Rest; Wonderful Peace; Ship Ahoy; God Bless These Folks.2004 Serenade (Image Records): I Love To Tell The Story; An Evening Prayer; Through It All; While Ages Roll; Rock Of Ages; What A Day That Will Be; How Great Thou Art; Ten Thousand Years; Sweet Sweet Spirit; I Must Tell Jesus; Victory In Jesus; In The Sweet Bye And Bye; At The Crossing; What A Friend. 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. Highly recommended. 6005 CR 39 South Plant City, FL DONALD SUMNER OBITUARY SUMNER, Donald "Don" 79, Lithia, entered into eternal rest April 12, 2022. J.D. He is definitely dead. Sumner, the deep voice who can be heard prominently on Elvis's posthumous chart-topper, "Way Down". 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. 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). Elvis said well I'm not coming there, Elvis said if they want a record they can come here and get it. McDuff soon exited the Stamps for the McDuff Brothers, and Donnie Sumner . Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com. During that marriage PeggySue and Donnie lived in several places including in Lindrith and Bloomfield, New Mexico. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Thursday evening at the funeral home in Ocilla. Candle 3 . 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. A valid email address is required when you select contact by email. Music and the church had always been part of Donnie's life. The story goes that in 1951, Elvis Presley, then 16, walked into the First Assembly of God in Memphis, Tenn., and struck up a friendship with another teenage boy, Cecil Blackwood. 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. It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. 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". You dont have to put on a football helmet and run at the gates of Heaven. It was Humbards contention that southern gospel music had the same effect on Elvis. J.D. Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. 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. In the audience I recognized JoeGuercio, Glen Hardin, Charlie Hodge, country singer Charlie Walker, andformer Stamp Terry Blackwood. Because of his various commitments, Sumner was managing, rather than singing with, the Stamps. A NEW BEGINNING If he was still alive, first of all, he wouldve never let anything happen to his close friends. He loved anything Roy Rogers. I was a scoundrel. confirmed those visible answers to the point that, if it was not Elvis in that casket, it was the greatest make-up job and greatest wax dummy ever known ever in human existence.. The group's only UK appearance came when they opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980. Another non-gospel song, 'Crying in the Chapel', that became a pop-chart hit. There's no such thing as a superstar, it's all in the audience's mind. J.D'.s 'zoom bass' was always a favorite of Elvis, who loved southern gospel music. But when he finally got the chance a few years later, Presley's personal flamboyance and distinctive vocal style didn't fit in with the uniform appearance and carefully controlled harmony required by the Southern gospel style. I didn't realize how much I needed to say goodbye to the man until I was there at the celebration of his life. 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. Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. It was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". Donnie Sumner, "The Lighthouse" - video by Susan Quinn Sand 55,607 views Jun 8, 2016 Jeff Lewis and Friends Gospel Show at end of Tupelo Elvis Festival 2016, Sunday, 6-5-2016 465 Dislike Share. I was in tears. years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in Nashville , Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT AND ASSOCIATES. Thank you for understanding. It wasn't "The Lighthouse" which the Stamps did in _Elvison Tour_; the title may have been "Ship Ahoy." Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. We were around the piano in Palm Springs, having a good time. If you sit at a piano and hit the further key on the left, its two notes below that. 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". That was the last time I ever talked to him face-to-face. Donnies uncle, the late J.D. Sumner said stories of Elvis growing up in church are exaggerated.