Sumner has been a part of my life for almost twenty years and as I wrote in a previous posting, I was fortunate to have met him five years ago. Mr. Sumner was born May 30, 1947, in Irwin County, Georgia, to the late Leonard & Lois Roberts Sumner. Select one or more of the available filters to get started. I have it on that record. The white gospel music of the day was akin to country music crossed with barbershop quartets. 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. "I want your '56 endings," he told him. 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. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? My heritage is that of a son of an old-fashioned Pentecostal preacher. It was the only thing in this life that brought him relief', he said. with J.D. He left the group to form the Tennessee Rangers and began performing country music with a year residency at the Grand Old Opry. It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. 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. comforted him afterGeorge's wife, Tammy Wynette, passed away. About Donnie Sumner. was probably one of the three most recognizable names in the whole world of southern gospel music', Donnie said. 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). 'James Blackwell being one and Bill Gaither being one and J.D. DONALD SUMNER OBITUARY. Hes got a great presentation and I really enjoyed it. Whoever put it on record bootlegged it from my record. 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. If I can do it by just walking around and being friendly, Ill do it. So they were the only songs completed by Elvis, although 'Voice' did record a number of demos at Elvis' insistence. My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. Finally, it all came to a head. The bottoms the same. If he was still alive, first of all, he wouldve never let anything happen to his close friends. 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". Emmanuel Pentecostal Holiness Church in Dry Fork will host singer, songwriter and motivational speaker Donnie Sumner on Sunday night. His vibrato would be a quarter-tone on either side of the note. I just wanted to get out of the drugs and see if I could live. They wouldve never got into any legal problems and Lisa Marie wouldve never gotten into some of the stuff that shes gotten into. covered me up. This is an excellent release no fan should be without it. . Whether or not that was actually the case may be open for debate. I asked the kid, Is he dead? because the headline didnt make it clear if he just had a heart attack or if he died from one. Said Sumner: "I have never seen a man suffer as much or grieve as much as he did at the loss of his mother.". Southern gospel legend J D Sumner dies aged 73 ONE OF the father figures of Southern Gospel, JD Sumner died on November 16th 1998. It aint gonna be perfect tomorrow but, with Jesus living in ya, it can get better and better and better. He passed away in November of 1998; just three days shy of his 74th birthday. Sumner and Mary Sumner and three siblings, Pete Sumner, Frieda Key and Gail Roddenberry. Just before this Elvis had decided to gift Sherrill with a hair transplant if you can believe that! It was when Donnie was singing with the Stamps that they got the call to tour with Elvis Presley. The doctor then wrapped Sherrill's entire head in a huge, thick blanket of gauze. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis. Now, Im doing somethin else. Thats the gospel truth! Theres a lot of ways to be a help to somebody and Ill proudly use all of them.. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. They unloaded tons of recording equipment. That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. 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. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. It was a cleansing of emotions. When he returned to live performances in 1969, he hired yet another gospel group, the Imperials, featuring one of his favourite singers, Jake Hess. I hope that, while theyre there, they think, Boy! I think Im going to try that and then cause their life tomorrow to be better than it was the day before because they had a good time at my program the night before. U.S . called he called about one oclock in the afternoon on the day Elvis died I really didnt think that Elvis was dead. Gospel music is my life.". Sumner, was a legendary musical figure'. First, pianist Charles Ramsey left the quartet and was replaced by Donnie Sumner. Elvis Presley had used a former gospel group, the Jordanaires, on many of his hit recordings. 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. He said Elvis did not have an ideal voice for singing gospel but made up for it by conveying the power and emotion of the music. I talked to him twice about sessions. He didnt say that I wasnt!. 'the greatest gospel singer who ever lived'. He always stressed the positive side of Presley's personality and never admitted that Elvis took anything other than prescription drugs. He said, I want you to come up and sing at the funeral. I said, Aw, Uncle Jake, he aint dead. 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". And Ive got one that Elvis talks to her all the time. Hes come back as Jessie and hes got a new record out. Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. Yeah, special. How do I say this? Ethan Hooker officiating. He tried to overdose on cocaine twice, attempting suicide three times. ), Donnie found time to write a book. Sumner shared a story or two. In Polk County, where I lived, and in Hillsborough County in Tampa and in Orlando in those three big cities, there was not one single limousine that was available for long distance service. 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. They write me all the time and I dont even respond. Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com. on the Gaither Homecoming videos and thensang "The Star Spangled Banner" with his Gaither Vocal Band. Would you like to offer Phoebe R. Harrisons loved ones a condolence message? to join his group, the Stamps, as a pianist. 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". recitations, "The Farmer and the Lord," but gospel pianist Eva MaeLefevre got up and unfortunately spoke rather incoherently about her ownlife. Blackwood himself was part of another quartet at the First Assembly in Memphis, the Songfellows, and Presley wanted to join. Write your message of sympathy today. He was a member and deacon of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. 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. Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Friday, September 17, 2021, at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, in Irwin County, Georgia, with the Rev. There is no photo or video of Phoebe R. Harrison.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. Mrs. Dunn is survived by her children, Kathy Hall (Greg), Jimmy Dunn and. (70 years old). I honestly thought when J.D. 's, "God Still Lives inThis Ole House." I tried to make car arrangements. It was funny. 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. For Engagements Contact: There's also a private recording from that period, where he sings 'Let Me Be The One' and 'Spanish Eyes'. Candle 1. Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. He was a Glynn County firefighter and a painter. attleboro obituaries this past weekend; elder high school alumni directory; edgewood valley country club initiation fee; heartland mallory and jake wedding; Gallery By Industry. If you sit at a piano and hit the further key on the left, it's two notes below that. His father was a Pentecostal preacher, and his uncle, J.D. This site is sponsored as public resource by the independent funeral homes repesented here. By this, he meant the way that Sumner would run down the scale and bottom out on the lowest note he could hit. 615-512-7565 His vibrato would be a quarter-tone on either side of the note. Everybody thought he was a great singer, but what made him great in rock and roll was his appearance. Candle 3 . 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". called me and said that Elvis died. recorded was "If ICan Help Somebody." 'It's kind of a world of fantasy'. CPA5 4775-04. J.D. 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 and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis L To R: Bill Baize, future Oak Ridge Boy Richard Sterban, Donnie Sumner, Elvis, J.D. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." 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". Music was in his blood and eventually he returned to the stage, this time with a much different focus'.I don't really consider it 'show business', it's just me', he said. The last lines J.D. Youve seen Bob Gruens work in galleries, books, and on the official John Lennon stamp by the U.S. Post Office. For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. 1. for 59 weeks and 4 No. It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. There was only one sinless life and he died so that I could get over mine.. A funeral service will be held Monday, May 1, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Genesis Full Gospel Church with the Rev. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio. If he were alive, he would still be doing it in some fashion because it wouldve killed him not to do it. 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. You can hit the bottom in the presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid row. Local obituaries for Blountstown, Florida. I was very glad that I had attended. 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. Bill had worked as a Sawyer in Logging, and enjoyed watching Westerns and the Outdoors. Please join us in Loving, Sharing and Memorializing Yvonne "Vonnie" Houston Futrell on this permanent online memorial. He heard my story and that night he decided to start a new life. After more than four decades, Donnie's vocal interpretations and dynamic style still continues to touch and capture the hearts . Interment will follow in the church cemetery. 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. 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. The ceremony was supposed to end with a videotape of one ofJ.D. I got saved - came back home. 'He embraced me and rather than jumping, I cried my way back to the room for a brand new beginning'. As a changed man, Donnie brings a new message of hope'. Recently, I became aware of a new book written by Donnie. These stories begged the question about Sumners opinion as to the claim that Elvis staged his death in August of 1977. Donald Sumner Donald "Donnie" Sumner, of Adel, Ga., died March 25, 2020. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James A. Dunn, parents, J.D. It only took one sentence for Donnie Sumner to describe his career in music'. He was a giant of a man, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and domestically. There were several hundred people inattendance. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. Elvis insisted his backup groups gather to sing gospel music after his concerts, sometimes until dawn. 's funeral yesterday. If I can do it with a Scripture, Ill do it. 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. I commented that it took a lot of courage to quit a gig like that. Im not a scoundrel any more, thanks to Jesus. Often appear in internet rumors and false news about the death of a famous class that logically affect their family and friends. As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is more than standing on a stage or a way to make a living. Entering this or that into the search form will return results containing either "this" or "that". He never brought it on stage with him. Donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter. If I ever see him coming down my street I always make sure hes not turning into my drive! John Daniel Sumner, nicknamed Jim Dandy or J.D., was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1924. 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. After a 10-year layoff, the megastar had decided to hit the road again. Donnies uncle, the late J.D. I love you. years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in Nashville , Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT AND ASSOCIATES. 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. It was more or less a social thing for the first few years and it progressed', Donnie said. Donnie cleaned up his life and took a long break from performing. Sumner, who backed up Presley on concert tours from 1971 to '77, sang on Presley's . . Moscheo called him 'a lonely person'. He died while he was touring. Gospel music is my life." John Daniel Sumner, singer: born . as members of the Masters V and with Bill Baize they sang "Peace. I have nothing to say about him or his Christian example or his moral ethics. A NEW BEGINNING THE ELVIS YEARS In 1963 James Blackwood purchased a gospel music publishing company from Frank Stamps. 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". During his many sleepless, anxious nights, he would summon a young David to play music music that became what we know to be the Psalms of the Bible - to soothe his soul. View The Obituary For Yvonne "Vonnie" Houston Futrell. 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. He said of that work, Aw, I stay in the studio from six-thirty or seven oclock in the mornin to about eight or nine at night, five days a week.. Thats the best part of the whole piece is if I can help somebody.. Elvis and J.D. Within a short time, they had transformed Elvis' living room into a state of the art recording studio. They wouldve never had any financial problems. 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. Elvis would then get on the phone and say, I understand. Having retired from what he refers to as "Show Business", for the next three. He identifies himself as "a musician by profession, God's child by forgiveness, Bearer of Good News by calling.". Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." 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. He has also made frequent appearances on the Gaither Homecoming Series. People are very often touched by the stories of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of others whether high profile or not. and show them here for you to give us your opinion. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. Boomerocity.com is a website dedicated to the cultural interests of the Baby Boomer Generation. After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. Colonel Parker called Elvis and told him RCA wanted a record, in four days he was going to be breach of contract. If he wanted to kiss somebody or do karate, he'd point at me, and I'd hit the last note', Donnie said. I attended J.D. Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. 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". "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". That's my story, and that's my song'. My uncle said for me to sing until they got somebody, and I sang for eight years', he said. J.D. September 10, 2021. In the last 10 15 minutes of my programs, I can concentrate an entire Sunday. I never talked to J.D. VOICE INC., Donnie's group, was the opening act on all Elvis' personal appearances as well as an iatrical part of the vocal ensemble performing all of his stage back-up vocals. God said that He wasnt going to remember my sins. It was either die or start over and I chose to start over.. 'I got through college, but my heart was in quartets. 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! Absolutely nobody can communicate the lyrics of a gospel song like Elvis', Sumner said from Nashville. That was the last time Donnie talked to Elvis face to face. 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. Their performance of 'Softly, As I Leave You' was nominated for a Grammy when released posthumously in 1978) and Donnie Sumner had just left The Stamps. He was 73. Over a period of years, people started calling me sir. Donnie Sumner currently lives in Hendersonville, TN; in the past Donnie has also lived in Lebanon TN. Ive got a brand new life. Find the obituary of Phoebe R. Harrison (1952 - 2022) from Sumner, IL. 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. Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. I live in a neighborhood where a police patrol car comes through here every three hours. I had the privilege of meeting J.D. 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. Christian music. For six years, he toured with and was a close personal friend of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Candle 2. ", Hi ELVIS Friends, This is a great tribute to a great man wish I could have been there. 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. Donnie Sumner will be in concert at First Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 4. He looked distinctive with his grey hair and hand cupped over his ear as though he were receiving personal messages from the Saviour. McDuff soon exited the Stamps for the McDuff Brothers, and Donnie Sumner . Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. After awhile you begin to believe it and you turn into not the kind of person you should be because you think you're better than everybody else'. 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. J.D'.s 'zoom bass' was always a favorite of Elvis, who loved southern gospel music. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. And if I cant do that no more, Ill be in Heaven.. Print Obituary. Highly recommended. But when we'd sing for him, it was like throwing a bucket of cold water on a fire. Sumner, is legendary in the southern gospel quarter genre and is known for holding the Guinness World Record for eighteen years for recording the lowest vocal bass note - a "G0". Access to SGHistory.com may be temporarily blocked if multiple pages are loaded in less than ten seconds. 'I don't think anyone could judge him', Moscheo said. 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. They kept talking about it on the news. As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is more than standing on a stage or a way to make a living. 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. The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. I made up this crazy excuse that I just couldnt afford to come up there. about what he thought when I left but he was certainly proud of me. Ive got a couple of people who talk to Elvis all the time. He'd get so relaxed and peaceful. We were around the piano in Palm Springs, having a good time. 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). wasimpressed by their arrangement of the song.) Elvis' guitarist, James Burton flew in, Charlie Hodge played acoustic guitar, Donnie Sumner played the piano with Voice supplying bass. The vast majority of them are false. 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 tell you what, Randy, it dont take any courage. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. 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. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. Ill do other writings but not anything autobiographical., When Sumner set out to write the book, he said that he had, . He introduced gospel music to a secular world. 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. 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. I was curious who, from his perspective, Donnie saw as the typical purchaser of In the Shadow of Kings.