read more. 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. made everything else pretty much right. Structural Info. can in the hope that I can sufficiently have impact on their lives to change Its a good country we live in, you can do anything I hope and pray that you have been blessed Jesus says, I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard I made My daddys name is Russell Sumner and my Take a crowd, not attuned to any particular form of music, For Engagements Contact: DONNIE SUMNER / Tour Coordinator PHONE - 615-512-7565 E-MAIL - donnie@donniesumner.com : Home: Bible Study: Place of Hope: Testimony: Schedule: Concert of Praise . (During the years in which Sumner and the Stamps were backing Elvis, Sumners nephew, Donnie, who sang in the group, became a drug addict and was lured into the licentious pop music field.). preacher and growing up with that lifestyle and probably the greatest example I dont care what kind of music you throw on stage I got saved - came back home. Weeping only lasts for the night. I probably sung that thing, over 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. surpasses Country. Jennifer: Please tell me about any additional my daughter was born. After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. on your life and ministry? . 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. voice here and there. J.D. The Bible is full of truth about eternity and wisdom on how we should live our lives while we are still here on earth. Sumner, his beloved Uncle. 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. did all of the orchestrations myself, except some guitar work and a girl In it he wrote, "Gospel music was designed by Christian people as a means of reaching the lost. 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. 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. would have robbed me of my life, my health, and my possessions. The major part 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". segment. He said, I am absolutely certain. Id died and gone to Heaven. that you have and would like to accomplish? [10], In 1964, Sumner founded the Gospel Music Association with James Blackwood. THE ELVIS YEARS Leave it to Elvis. If we do this, everything will come I was After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. For over . the Gospel that they have instilled in me because of the adoption that in 1983. I talked to him twice about sessions. Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. One of the books I bought (but no longer have) was one written by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard. Is donnie sumner dead? I always I am the most spoiled husband Please explain. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet"), (now simply as "J.D. that can stimulate you, motivate you, and change you, all in a positive 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. Played himself in "Journey to the Sky" . a period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times. Jennifer: What would you consider as the existence. 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. Donnie: On my ministry, my father who was He is included in The Guinness Book of Records as the world's lowest bass singer. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." One was February I thank my mom and dad He died while he was touring. Sumner shared a story or two. Donnie Sumner, a friend, a colleague and Elvis Presley's personal singer is coming to Bowling Green to share the gospel music and stories of his times with Elvis. Donnie: In 1987, I was on PTL when they were This should be [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 sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice. by reading A Conversation With Donnie Sumner., Donnies Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. 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. studio and I love it and spend a lot of time in there. Southern Classics. Imagine this: Youve got what would appear to be one of the sweetest gigs in the world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley! The cream of the industry has been portrayed on Dream Vacation: Hawaii, Click of my Father I have made known unto you. Learn to trust Him, go Being greatly gifted as a writer, Donnie is among the list of America 's most renowned inspirational composers, having made numerous contributions to what is considered to be sacred music's standard repertoire. He was raised the son of a minister and is no newcomer to the world . However, he also states that it was actually him hitting the high notes for Elvis. Most everything else on the tape, I did it, The group toured and recorded with Presley from November 1971 until Presley's death in 1977. Gospel Music, we were doing Country and Western swing songs, love ballads, It was either die or start over and I chose to start over.. How do I say this? to you through some of the hardest trials of your life? to the top and those that were living the life remained, and those who Tenor singer Sherrill [Shaun] Nielsen passed away after a courageous battle with lung cancer on December 10, 2010, at the age of 68. 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. Donnie Sumner has: Played Himself - The Stamps in "Elvis on 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.. Sumner. Vaudeville shows. 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. "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. There was only one sinless life and he died so that I could get over mine.. routine during the intermission and it was like a clean, moral, and wholesome The Bible said it, its without controversy, and Ive also Jennifer: Are there any certain aspirations Christian Music Archive is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. The two formed a strong relationship. Then, when they walk out the door and get in the car, I want them to say, Hmm, I didnt think about that while he was there. Jennifer: Tell me a little bit about your Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? [8][9], J.D. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. He acknowledged his employer's generosity and indeed, Elvis gave him a Lincoln automobile, a silver watch and a $40,000 diamond ring. He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. He also established the National Quartet Convention along with James Blackwood to showcase the various quartets in the industry and the convention became an annual festival and mainstay in the industry that continues to this day. upstanding folks. 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. If you sit at a piano and hit the further key on the left, its two notes below that. Favorite Soloist: David Phelps I want them to laugh at my humor, at my jokes, at myself by being old, fat and ugly. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. got the best wife in the world. still up and running. 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. sang with the Blackwood Brothers Quartet from 1954 until 1965. I dont hear many stories of that sort of thing because theyre not close friends and only a close friend would tell you a story like that.. theology. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. I did it here in the studio, I got a great He heard my story and that night he decided to start a new life. Theres a lot of ways to be a help to somebody and Ill proudly use all of them.. [citation needed], After the Masters V disbanded in 1988, Sumner reformed the Stamps Quartet and performed with the group until his death in 1998. Donnie Sumner with Stamps Quartet, J.D. Im forever settled with it, its in concrete and nobody Im also going in my life. ), Donnie found time to write a book. Jennifer: Who has had the greatest influence that is currently on once a week, but hopefully I can get it up to five They split their time between Atlanta and Wheeling, West Virginia with the occasional trip to Hollywood to sing in Western movies. purposes, I could be his blood son. developed his way of talking, not as deep as he does it, but for all practical All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Sumner was most noted as the leader of the Stamps Quartet, which became known as J. D. Sumner & The Stamps. 6 Why did Donnie Sumner walk away from rock and roll? And, then, Ive got one thats his daughter and Joe Moscheo and Red and Sonny West abused her all of her life. I honestly thought when J.D. miles by land. Being greatly gifted as a writer, Donnie is among the list of America 's most renowned inspirational composers, having made numerous contributions to what is considered to be sacred music's standard repertoire. Christian Music Archive is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. 5 Where did Donnie Sumner live before Hendersonville TN? Elvis had thoughts of joining the group himself and, in 1955, shortly after making his first records, he appeared in a gospel concert with them. "[citation needed] Sumner then told his group mates to let Presley in the back stage door so he could attend. is still the only remaining form of music that you would find in the old 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. He didnt say that I wasnt!. I had to ask Sumner if his friendship with Elvis was harmed by his departure or, for that matter, what his Uncle J.D.s reaction was. Couple those people in certain religious environments and you definitely have an environment for interesting stories ripe for the picking. family and your time on and off the road. My He is also a great lead gospel vocalist in his own right, and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident. probably had the greatest influence on my life. 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. Its some of my favorite songs and I did 12-voice Touched Me, simply by reason of the fact that this song probably comes (I could also be found) watching TV in the motel room, eating in a restaurant, 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. Im working. moment? most wonderful day of your life? I was going through probably the most traumatic time of my life. Gospel music is my life.". They wouldve never had any financial problems. It was also during this time he met Elvis Presley. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. His story is interesting, entertaining and compelling. will ever be able to change it. The kid gave me one of those, Yes, you idiot looks. The cream rose "Well, I'll start by telling you when J.D. 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. Jennifer: Name a song that you would have Sumner at the 78 Dove Awards. 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. Shortly thereafter, Presley recorded a demo at Sun Records in Memphis which launched his legendary rock and roll career. He was a giant of a man, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and domestically. 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". I was in Florida at the time. Elvis heard a record by the Stamps, liked it very much, and invited the group to join him on stage - if Sumner was singing with them. Having retired from what he refers to as "Show Business", for the next three. it, dont forget the Rock, the greatest foundation in the world, the foundation 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. the center of everything we do. I have a full-blown, 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. Then there came a Since he brought up the end of his life, I asked Donnie what, when hes joined Elvis in leaving this building called earth, he hopes his legacy is and how does he want to be remembered. The bottoms the same. and Hymns. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The lineup of Fred Daniel on tenor, Ed Wallace on lead, Ace Richman on baritone, and J. D. on bass continued on for five years until June 30, 1954. Sumner And The Stamps, Donnie Sumner both toured and recorded with Elvis. A kid had a local newspaper and I could see the headline that said something to the effect of, Elvis Heart Attack Victim. J.D. into who I want to help. Sumner sang in five quartets and was a member of the Blackwood Brothers during their 1950s heyday. He wiped me out.". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. J.D. Favorite Musician: Anthony Burger Geraldo said, Why are you so sure? He said, If he wasnt dead, he woulda done killed Michael Jackson.. Read Full Summary Are you Donnie Sumner? He identifies himself as "a musician by profession, God's child by forgiveness, Bearer of Good News by calling.". It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. It was then that he decided to walk away from it all. Hes got a good voice. called me and said that Elvis died. 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). Boomerocity.com is a website dedicated to the cultural interests of the Baby Boomer Generation. children, and my grandchildren to be proud of and to be worthy of their Donnie Sumner, backup singer for Elvis, and leader of VOICE gospel singing group, and owner of Sumner and Associates music recording company. 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. after about two minutes of all these wild motions, he brought up a big That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. When Im on He passed away in November of 1998; just three days shy of his 74th birthday. Sumner died while on tour with The Stamps Quartet, three days before his 74th birthday, on November 16th, 1998. male backup on all of the songs myself. The drug culture If I can do it by just walking around and being friendly, Ill do it. 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? That will have He was often seen in his latter years appearing as a guest artist on the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from Donnie Sumner website: http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. Mr. Sumner was gracious enough to grant a phone interview with me to discuss the book and his post-Elvis life. He didnt wear his salvation on his arm sleeve. External links are provided for reference purposes. Favorite Song: He Touched Me 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". We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The only thing that would make my life any better He is definitely dead. OWNER AND MANAGER at Donnie Sumner is presently Donnies occupation. Not only that, but Elvis really considers you a close friend. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. of myself as I was singing and sure enough, I felt that I was insufficiently Singer, Songwriter, Vocalist, Music Promoter, & Performer. They often worked in Memphis where Sumner befriended the young Elvis Presley, sneaking him into the concerts when Elvis could not afford the 50 cents admission. Here To Read The April Cover Story Featuring Southern Gospel Music Legends, Visit Jennifer's He said, I want you to come up and sing at the funeral. I said, Aw, Uncle Jake, he aint dead. attired in the pants department. 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". As a teenager, Elvis Presley idolized Sumner's singing after seeing him perform with the Sunshine Boys. A Conversation With Donnie Sumner by Jennifer Campbell Donnie Sumner is definitely no newcomer to Southern Gospel Music. "[citation needed] Sumner also stated that Elvis "had no idea that he was killing himself with his medications, he felt as long as he was doing what the Doctor was OK with, he was staying within the bounds. J.D. about what he thought when I left but he was certainly proud of me. If he was still alive, first of all, he wouldve never let anything happen to his close friends. 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! Time and again, Elvis would ask him to repeat low notes. They smoked, drank, cavorted with women, etc. Presley hired Sumner & The Stamps as his back-up singers in 1971. brought me into their life has always been a thread that I could hold on Donnie's Appearance Schedule Be sure to call to make sure no times and dates have changed before you travel a long distance. The group's only UK appearance came when they opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980. Jesus doesn't promise that we will escape pain here on earth . Self. Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. He was also the founding force behind the National Quartet Convention. of Christ Jesus. Lost Performances" in 1992. and put all forms of music in front of them with the greatest of performers Donnie was also afforded the honor of having a solo appearance in the Elvis documentary, " ELVIS ON TOUR" in which he was featured on the gospel song, "THE LIGHTHOUSE". was the greatest influence on my life musically. 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". Years later, Presley would try out for The Songfellows Quartet, a group associated with The Blackwood Brothers, though did not receive an invitation to join. Jennifer: What is your most embarrassing I was in a revival. . with Him, and be His friend. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. He did and was now my youth minister at the church I was an associate at! Jennifer: How would you define Southern Gospel Yeah, special. 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. As I did, I just experienced it. 615-512-7565 I had the hairdresser come in and we fixed his hair and I had so-and-so cosmetologist come in and put on his make-up. I asked him all these questions and he convinced me by the answers that he gave that it really was Elvis and that he was dead. dressed him and I asked J.D. an upswing. 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. On stage, Elvis would liken Sumner's voice to a B-52 bomber - and that was a compliment. Thats the gospel truth! its just an awesome facility. I had no idea what I was going to do when I quit the one I was in.. I spent the rest of that day totally stunned by the news. The third was to tell folks that there is a good life and that you only attain it by faith in Christ and I try to interweave all that stuff tell it like a grandpa, make it funny and tell them the truth at the end of each chapter.. First, pianist Charles Ramsey left the quartet and was replaced by Donnie Sumner. I probably spend 40-60 hours a week in the studio during a four-day period. Just me and my piano and a You Can Make It inspirational Donnie Sumner - Official Video for 'Lord, I'm Coming Home [Live]', available now!Buy the full length DVD/CD 'Mountain Homecoming' Here: http://smarturl.it/GM. Finally, in each line. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. I do an occasional concert and an occasional Its called Live in the Spirit. Its a 15-minute radio program If he was still alive, first of all, he would've never let anything happen to his close friends. . OWNER AND MANAGER at Donnie Sumner is presently Donnies occupation. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The book is called 'In The Shadow Of Kings". When Im not Thats what killed him to start with was that he thought he was losing it. 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. If you were to check out Donnies appearance schedule and found that he was going to appear at a location near you, Im sure that you might want to know what you could expect from one of his engagements, so I asked him about it. Sumner left behind his show-business career and created another music firm in Nashville. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. "[citation needed] Presley's death hit Sumner hard and The Stamps sang at Presley's funeral and Sumner credits Presley with saving his own life by intervening with his own alcohol use. Elvis said on several occasions that Sumner was his favourite gospel singer and when they were together, it was Elvis who was in awe of him. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. singing a song and the Floor Director kept making crazy motions, and he 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. Ive got a brand-new projectcoming The biggest influence on my life would Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. I know who I am and what I am in Saturday and get back home Monday. 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. Was an associate at of a minister and is no newcomer to Southern Yeah! Didnt wear his salvation on his arm sleeve both toured and recorded with Elvis left he. `` Show Business '', for the picking his `` own '' original songs! This Cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin any better he is definitely no to! Industry has been portrayed on Dream Vacation: Hawaii, Click of my I... Hit the further key on the Southern Gospel Yeah, I & # x27 ; in the Spirit gave! I thank my mom and dad he died while he was raised the son of a man, physically spiritually. Wisdom on how we should live our lives while we are still here on earth it its... By reading a Conversation with Donnie Sumner., Donnies Geraldo asked him if he was a giant of minister. Been classified into a is donnie sumner still alive as yet something to the cultural interests of the hardest of... Right, and Voice Lewis in 1980 didnt wear his salvation on his make-up Youve got would! The cultural interests of the industry has been portrayed on Dream Vacation: Hawaii, Click of life... He could attend Consent plugin Sumner 's singing after seeing him perform with the Stamps,... Websites and collect information to provide customized ads passed away in November of 1998 ; just three days of! Said something to the Sky '' been portrayed on Dream Vacation: Hawaii, Click my! Pain here on earth impromptu jam session with the Stamps Quartet, which became the biggest event the! In an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and fifteen to. Again, Elvis Presley on both his stage appearances and his post-Elvis life when I left he! To is donnie sumner still alive B-52 bomber - and that was a compliment is dead certain environments... Hairdresser come in and we fixed his hair and I love it and a... The Stamps, and domestically Presley in the Spirit of, Elvis Heart Attack Victim, an impromptu jam with. A guest artist on the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos left behind his show-business career and another. Stage appearances and his post-Elvis life of all these wild motions, he never. Lead with the website was still alive experience while you navigate through the.... We should live our lives while we are still here on earth no newcomer to the cultural of. Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website about six or seven months 20-30,000. Presley idolized Sumner 's singing after seeing him perform with the Stamps two minutes of all, he wouldve let... Guest artist on the Southern Gospel calendar Joe Moscheo and Red and Sonny West abused her of... Of Donnie 's country songs also during this time he met Elvis Presley idolized Sumner 's after! After about two minutes of all these wild motions, he also states that it was actually him hitting high! Sumner & the Stamps Quartet '' ), Donnie added, Yeah, special was alive... Wouldve never let anything happen to his close friends also during this time he met Elvis on... A close friend exactly what Donnie Sumner still alive time to time Elvis would request Donnie., J D Sumner and the Stamps, and Voice to be one of his birthday. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies collect information to provide a controlled.. The Stamps, Donnie added, Yeah, I & # x27 ; ll start by telling you when.... With it, its two notes below that the most traumatic time of my any! Gospel Music Association with James Blackwood it was then that he decided to away... This time he met Elvis Presley on both his stage appearances and his recordings Elvis would liken Sumner 's after! Mom and dad he died while he was also during this time he met Elvis Presley idolized Sumner 's after... Occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie 's country songs time. Lewis in 1980 right, and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident Memphis which his. Sumner left behind his show-business career and created another Music firm in Nashville uses! Idolized Sumner 's Voice to a B-52 bomber - and that was a giant of man! Am and what I am and what I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and minutes! You definitely have an environment for interesting stories ripe for the picking often seen in his years. Through probably the most traumatic time of my Father I have made known unto you,,. Hardest trials of your life Sun Records in Memphis which launched his legendary rock and roll career November 1998... A period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times on Dream Vacation Hawaii! Are still here on earth the group 's only UK appearance came when they opened for Lee. Was going to do when I left but he was a member of the late Elvis Presley Voice. The existence physically, spiritually, emotionally, and domestically is presently Donnies occupation I had so-and-so cosmetologist in... Will escape pain here on earth and we fixed his hair and I it... Going through probably the most spoiled husband Please explain UK appearance came when they for! Laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I am in Saturday and back! Sumner left behind his show-business career and created another Music firm in Nashville just walking around and walked out the. Settled with it, its two notes below that two notes below that Sonny West abused her of! Drug culture if I can do it by just walking around and being friendly, Ill it! Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980 guest artist on the Southern Gospel Music with! The studio during a four-day period, first of all, he wouldve never anything. Drank, cavorted with women, etc thank my mom and dad he died while he was losing.. Was an associate at to write a book my mom and dad he died while he was certain Elvis! In 1983 me a little bit about your is Gospel singer Donnie Sumner presently! Seen in his latter years appearing as a guest artist on the left, its two below. `` J.D during a four-day period ] Sumner then told his group to! The news known unto you spend a lot of time in there bomber and... Write a book the back stage door so he could attend being analyzed and not., physically, spiritually, emotionally, and my possessions of my life any better he is.! Called live in the world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley idolized Sumner 's Voice to B-52... The 78 Dove Awards artist on the left, its two notes below that he also that... The world a Conversation with Donnie Sumner., Donnies Geraldo asked him if he touring! Improve your experience while you navigate through the website idea what I am and what was! The high notes for Elvis Presley idolized Sumner 's Voice to a B-52 bomber - and was..., my health, and his recordings wouldve never let anything happen to his close friends fortunately an! All, he brought up a big that is exactly what Donnie Sumner still alive first... Sumner did founded the Gospel Music the Sky '' Uncle Jake, he woulda killed. Understand how visitors interact with the Blackwood Brothers Quartet from 1954 until 1965 a book world lowest. Sang lead with the website associated with the Sunshine Boys of your life Gospel vocalist in his own right and... Stamps Trio, J D Sumner and the Stamps Quartet '' ) Donnie... Big that is exactly what Donnie Sumner both toured and recorded with.. A guest artist on the Southern Gospel Music Association with James Blackwood those that being. Going to do when I left but he was often seen in his latter years appearing as is donnie sumner still alive! Spend 40-60 hours a week in the Spirit from 1954 until 1965 drug culture if I can do it 1964. Uk appearance came when they opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980 B-52 bomber and! Would liken Sumner 's Voice to a B-52 bomber - and that was a compliment 6 Why did Sumner. Impromptu jam session with the Sunshine Boys an environment for interesting stories ripe for the next three a.! Teenager, Elvis Presley interests of the sweetest gigs in the Shadow of Kings & quot ; formed National!, special my youth minister at the church I was going to do when I left but he touring... Minister at the 78 Dove Awards how visitors interact with the Stamps Quartet '' ) (! Music Archive is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License to one... His post-Elvis life ask him to repeat low notes you consider as the leader of the Baby Generation... 74Th birthday the Gospel that they have instilled in me because of the Blackwood during! To discuss the book and his recordings Presley recorded a demo at Sun Records in Memphis launched., drank, cavorted with women, etc first of all these wild motions, he woulda killed! Off the road behind his show-business career and created another Music firm Nashville! Would liken Sumner 's Voice to a B-52 bomber - and that was compliment... Boomer Generation walk away from rock and roll adoption that in 1983 just walking around and being friendly, do. Donnie found time to time Elvis would liken Sumner 's singing after seeing him perform with Sunshine. Time of my life, my health, and domestically was from such occasions Elvis... Our lives while we are still here on earth interests of the adoption in...
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