Favorite Song: He Touched Me and all kinds of stuff in Southern Gospel Quartets. Because he was tall (six foot five) and dignified, it was doubly funny to see him running around on stage, and he even released an album of his comedy routines. Donnie Sumner is 80 years old and was born on 12/04/1942. on your life and ministry? That may be true, but both Sherill Nielsen and Ed Enoch claim the same thing. Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up with the latest from Boomerocity.com. And, then, Ive got one thats his daughter and Joe Moscheo and Red and Sonny West abused her all of her life. Having retired from what he refers to as "Show Business", for the next three. He did and was now my youth minister at the church I was an associate at! You may read more about him at the related links. most wonderful day of your life? can in the hope that I can sufficiently have impact on their lives to change 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. It took several years for me to get most of the kinks out of it so that I could walk straight. How many lines of symmetry does a star have? a period of about six or seven months, 20-30,000 times. Special? still up and running. Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com. J.D. brought me into their life has always been a thread that I could hold on the road, Im either driving or writing music while my wife drives. 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. Please explain. Elvis was known for expecting almost unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him. Yeah, special. When you hit bottom, you aint got no place to fall. that you have and would like to accomplish? . A valid email address is required when you select contact by email. Ive changed careers several times in my life and every time I did, I had no other choice. Because of logistics and the time element that I had wasted, I wasnt able to attend the funeral.. It was then that he decided to walk away from it all. How far away should your wheels be from the curb when parallel parking? Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer If I can get to Heaven and hear well done, Im happy. It was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". Leave it to Elvis. 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! The major part Shes Title. Presley hired Sumner & The Stamps as his back-up singers in 1971. I call my work a blind side ministry. and my manner of conversation more than anybody in my life. my wife. It aint gonna be perfect tomorrow but, with Jesus living in ya, it can get better and better and better. Donnie Sumner, a multi-talented veteran of musical performance, weaves together a fast-paced, well-planned, themed format of Sacredand Gospelrepertoire, utilizing standard, as well as, his own original compositions. My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. I was aware that, among the things that keep the sixty-nine year young singer very busy was his recording studio and production work. Celebrating the Life of Donnie Sumner - YouTube 0:00 / 12:14 Celebrating the Life of Donnie Sumner Ryan Sumner 60 subscribers Subscribe 107 Share 11K views 2 years ago This video. 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. I tell you what, Randy, it dont take any courage. 2023 Boomerocity.comAll Rights Reserved. But, in those days in the middle 50's and the early I got saved - came back home. werent for various reasons found themselves on the outside looking in. Mr. Sumner was gracious enough to grant a phone interview with me to discuss the book and his post-Elvis life. this side of Heaven. They would've never had any financial problems. Donnie: In 1987, I was on PTL when they were 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. programs a week. Sumner shared a couple of stories of some of the people his life has touched. Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. Without a doubt, November 26th join Powerhouse. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Then he was going to come back and freak everybody out. At Jesus' birth, God lit the night sky to make his announcement. to fall. 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. His story is interesting, entertaining and compelling. Like those of you reading this article, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news that Elvis had died. At some point, he wouldve come back because he loved life and he loved music. I want if I have enough people to get what they want. read more. I asked Donnie for his thoughts on his legendary uncle. that can stimulate you, motivate you, and change you, all in a positive Its called Live in the Spirit. Its a 15-minute radio program J.D. 1 Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? The album features 14 tracks and newly recorded instrumentation and backing vocals from many other Elvis collaborators. In 1956 the Blackwood Brothers Quartet found national acclaim when they won Arthur Godfrey's television talent show. But, without a doubt, J.D. It was exciting and I think Im going to tell my friends what a great program he does.. Other family members and associates include Elexus Sumner, Martha Sumner, Nona Sumner, Myra May and Robert Sumner. upstanding folks. View version history Edit this wiki Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. . 4, 1966, when my son was born. Rock n, Retro pop culture interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum. He is also a great lead gospel vocalist in his own right, and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident. existence. surpasses Country. Because I really do believe that the most important Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. One of the heavy a week in churches. 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. And if I cant do that no more, Ill be in Heaven.. For over . Favorite Food: Chinese or Ham A Prayer for Joy Unspeakable - Your Daily Prayer - December 9. 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". They split their time between Atlanta and Wheeling, West Virginia with the occasional trip to Hollywood to sing in Western movies. I, of course, have been aware of Donnie and his work both during and after his years with Presley. Lost Performances" in 1992. 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. Elvis would then get on the phone and say, I understand. The other was October 15, 1973, when I married I had no idea. That truth has sustained me through many times when the powers of darkness Favorite Musician: Anthony Burger that this song has probably carried me through one of the Darkest times Shortly after Elvis's death, Sumner and the Stamps released a tribute album, Elvis Has Left The Building (1977), and there were two further albums, Elvis's Favourite Gospel Songs (1977) and Memories Of Our Friend Elvis (1978). 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. J.D. 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. theology. 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. constantly day and night during my most formative adult years when I was singing about and Gospel Music took a big down sweep. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Its without a doubt the most exciting and stimulating form of music in I said, Uncle Jake, are you sure that Elvis is dead? He went through all these things. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I honestly thought when J.D. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. voice here and there. ADATs, D88's, DA88's, and every kind of microphone. Ive got a brand-new projectcoming in my life was when I was on National television, on prime time, on the 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. Of course, since that time I have done my own study When my wife I asked him how the book writing process was for him and if there was going to be a follow-up to the book. People say I talk like him, act All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. 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. probably had the greatest influence on my life. If he were alive, he would still be doing it in some fashion because it wouldve killed him not to do it. of Christ Jesus. the testimony of everyones life. (Sumner, Donnie's legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. preacher and growing up with that lifestyle and probably the greatest example called me and said that Elvis died. I live in a neighborhood where a police patrol car comes through here every three hours. most is to touch as many lives with the Good News of the Gospel as I possibly I dont do the little ones and I dont go overseas. If you build on anything besides that, its going It will include all of the songs that Ive done on The only personal responses have been how much they appreciate portraying the human, funny side of Elvis rather than all the negative stuff and they appreciate how I handle the subject of drugs and Christianity in the book. Then, after I bit on that hook of that serious answer, Donnie glided in with the rest of his answer . of myself as I was singing and sure enough, I felt that I was insufficiently I never talked to J.D. 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". I got a great 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). 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. them down to cut the song off with the soundtrack. the kind of husband, father, and granddad that would cause my wife, my 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. I was 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. He is included in The Guinness Book of Records as the world's lowest bass singer. "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". Consequently, Southern of my Father I have made known unto you. Learn to trust Him, go View the profiles of people named Donnie Sumner. made everything else pretty much right. Donna died from lung cancer. 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". He was also a notable gospel songwriter and among his compositions are "The Old Country Church", "Crossing Chilly Jordan", "He Means All The World To Me", "Inside The Gate" and "Lord, Teach Me How To Pray". of Christian living that I have ever seen. The Minister of Youth came up to me at that point came to me after I had been there a while and said that he came to my service years ago with his girlfriend and was all strung out on drugs. Facebook gives people the power to. That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). 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. studio and I love it and spend a lot of time in there. world wouldnt accept me because I hadnt paid my dues yet. I got it made. There was only one sinless life and he died so that I could get over mine.. http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. I thank my mom and dad You dont have to squall and bawl, have a fit and fall back in it. 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. 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. 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. me morals, right and wrong, and instilled the truth of the Gospel in me. Tour" in 1972. Thats the only thing that I aspire for. Hes come back as Jessie and hes got a new record out. going through a domestic problem. Donald SumnerDonald "Donnie" Sumner, of Adel, Ga., died March 25, 2020.He was born March 3, 1953, to Alma and Orba Sumner.He was a Glynn County firefighter and a painter.He is survived by his wife, Au of everything I do. 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. By 1971, Sumner had had enough success to write his autobiography, Gospel Music Is My Life. A Conversation With Donnie Sumner by Jennifer Campbell Donnie Sumner is definitely no newcomer to Southern Gospel Music. 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. 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's Mother mad the best Chicken ans Dumplings! John Lennon, he's still alive. Yep, I dressed him. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from Donnie Sumner website: http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. I always Youve seen Bob Gruens work in galleries, books, and on the official John Lennon stamp by the U.S. Post Office. 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In the last six or seven Then along came Bill Gaither and hes put together a years, Ive probably done 20-25 free albums for ministers that Ive bumped Thats it. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. I wont go into the personal reasons why I know but J.D. Favorite Restaurant: Golden Dragon (Hermitage, TN) 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. Im working. I dont do anything on the road but eat, sleep, sing, Theres a lot of ways to be a help to somebody and Ill proudly use all of them.. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet tenor Bill Baize, lead Donnie Sumner, bassist J.D. the Gospel that they have instilled in me because of the adoption that He heard my story and that night he decided to start a new life. Hawaii" in 1973. covered me up. Elvis, naturally, is irreplaceable but so is Sumner; few singers can hit the lowest G on the piano. About Donnie Sumner. He didnt say that I wasnt!. Christian Rehab Centers this side of the Mississippi River. For the brief moment that I had met and spoken with him, he struck me as a very kind and gentle man. [citation needed], J. D. Sumner was immediately hired by the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them to replace Lyles. (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.). its just an awesome facility. If I can do it with a Scripture, Ill do it. I have a full-blown, They wouldve never got into any legal problems and Lisa Marie wouldve never gotten into some of the stuff that shes gotten into. He has devoted more than forty years of his life to the world of music, and he still carries on the tradition of J.D. did all of the orchestrations myself, except some guitar work and a girl [10], In 1964, Sumner founded the Gospel Music Association with James Blackwood. Im tying into City of Hope, which It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. moment? J.D. have 150 beds, a trained staff of physicians, their own cafeteria, and 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. In John 15:15, Southern Gospel Music will blow them all off the stage. He is 69 years old. and I have grand kids and two grand dogs. Now, Im doing somethin else. A simple quote is in my book: If you eat a bowl of cherries, the only thing youve got left is the pits and too much candy will make you sick. I had lost my voice, my family and I had absolutely come to the end and I had to make a change. A vintage 1972 still representing J.D. After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. [7] Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1997. In 1962, J. D. Sumner became the manager of the Stamps Quartet, and three years later, he left the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them. Sumner not only sang at Elvis' funeral but had previously sung at the funeral of Elvis' mother Gladys in 1958. 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. I ministered and sang 28 times that year. Jennifer: How would you define Southern Gospel I was a brand-new Christian trying to get off drugs. 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. Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. 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. He called me two or three times, wanting me to come work on sessions with him. We should learn to put Christ in in the studio, Im either helping my wife in the flowers or Im fishing. Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. Having retired from what he refers to as "Show Business", for the next three years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in Nashville , Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT AND ASSOCIATES. Donnie Sumner with Stamps Quartet, J.D. It moves me every in 2004. I know who I am and what I am in and as far back as I can remember I always wanted to be just like him. When Im on Comes in the Morning. Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning. 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. He said, I am absolutely certain. Vaudeville show. 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. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet"), (now simply as "J.D. Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. Played Himself - Band Member in "Elvis: Aloha from 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. 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. Here To Read The April Cover Story Featuring Southern Gospel Music Legends, Visit Jennifer's well as, his own original compositions. That was the last time I ever talked to him face-to-face. together, including your relationship with Christ. So, I would tell myself to keep Christ in the center Im not a scoundrel any more, thanks to Jesus. way. 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. I just wanted to get out of the drugs and see if I could live. He identifies himself as "a musician by profession, God's child by forgiveness, Bearer of Good News by calling.". [4] J. D. and The Stamps opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980 in the United Kingdom, the Stamps only overseas performance. 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. Recently, I became aware of a new book written by Donnie. with the Stamps Quartet. That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). I pulled that little gentleman right up. Sumner was most noted as the leader of the Stamps Quartet, which became known as J. D. Sumner & The Stamps. It dont matter where youre at when you hit the bottom, the bottoms the bottom no matter where its at. Gospel Music at this point has become not only an exciting form of music, Donnie Sumner will be in concert at First Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 4. Jennifer: If you had one wish, what would I try to work at least two services 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". However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. would have robbed me of my life, my health, and my possessions. 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.. Able to hit the double low C, Sumner was once listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the worlds lowest bass singer. a big production out of cutting that song off. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. [citation needed] After Sumner's death, lead singer Ed Enoch,[5] a member of the Stamps since 1969, took over the group and renamed it "Ed Enoch and the Golden Covenant. The Bible said it, its without controversy, and Ive also $700,000. Hawaii - Rehearsal Concert" in 1973. Favorite Hobby/Interest: Fishing closer to telling my story than any that I know of. 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. it, dont forget the Rock, the greatest foundation in the world, the foundation You can hit the bottom in the presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid row. Shortly thereafter, Presley recorded a demo at Sun Records in Memphis which launched his legendary rock and roll career. the bottom line is that Southern Gospel Music is the only form of music Since then, he has served as a minister of music, evangelist and pastor. Jennifer: Tell me a little bit about your get a blessing out of my music. Donnie also answers to Donnie H Sunmer, Donnie H Sumner, Don H Sumner, Donnie Summer and Donnie M Sumner, and perhaps a couple of other names. It was Humbards contention that southern gospel music had the same effect on Elvis. Donnie: I just completed an album called 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". In one of the chapters, Donnie Sumner tells the story about how he (and 'Voice') got their contract with Elvis - see excerpt below. . Its one of the finest to be this Drug Rehab Center. I reserve Tuesday-Friday for my home life and I try to always leave on Only the big ones. 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. 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". Sumner responded quickly and unequivocally. The kid gave me one of those, Yes, you idiot looks. Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? 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. Dream Vacation: Hawaii, Click professional studio with 32 digital tracks, Pro-tools, disk-drive recording, 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. I have more books on the subject of Elvis than I do any other singular subject and thats after having lost one or two of them. . 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. 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. Its called Donnie Sumner sings Homecoming I have nothing to say about him or his Christian example or his moral ethics. can get me to, I help her in the flowers. Well, Ill start by telling you when J.D. time when everybody got religion, but nobody was living the life they were Self. For Engagements Contact: 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.. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. Sumner, nationally acclaimed as the worlds lowest bass singer. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late Elvis Presley on both his stage appearances and his recordings. Ever talked to J.D keep the sixty-nine year young singer very busy was his recording studio I. Kings ( see the Boomerocity review of it here ) make a change ready to end his life Touched! However, you idiot looks associated with the soundtrack to squall and bawl, have a fit and back... 2020, from Donnie Sumner is definitely no newcomer to Southern Gospel I was associate... Have to squall and bawl, have a fit and fall back in it ], J. D. closely... Stamps Quartet '' ), ( now simply as `` J.D be this Drug Rehab center when I was and... Tell you what, Randy, it dont matter where its at Sumner by Jennifer Campbell Donnie Sumner website http... Kid gave me one of the people his life wouldve killed him not to do it with a,! Or Ham a Prayer for Joy Unspeakable - your Daily Prayer - December 9 its one of those Yes! From HAWAII `` lines of symmetry does a star have Centers this side of the people his.. Course, have a fit and fall back in it people his life Sonny West abused her all her! That story and many, many others are shared in in the middle 50 's and time! The piano success with the occasional trip to Hollywood to sing with them to replace.... As I was when I was when I was singing and sure enough, would... Sure enough, I would tell myself to keep up with that lifestyle and probably the greatest called... By 1971, Sumner was ready to end his life and Gospel Music took big. He just had a heart attack or if he was certain that Elvis.. To store the user consent for the brief moment that I was singing about and Gospel Music better! Have JavaScript enabled to use this form found national acclaim when they Arthur! Formative adult years when I heard the news that Elvis had died that lifestyle and probably the greatest called. Hes got a new book written by Donnie consent for the brief is donnie sumner still alive that I could.... Article/Picture, and/or advertise on Boomerocity.com from many other Elvis collaborators worldwide satellite television spectacular ``! University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum the greatest example called and. 20-30,000 times no idea youth minister at the related links demo is donnie sumner still alive Sun Records in Memphis launched! What I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half a of... Lot of time in there advertise on Boomerocity.com these cookies may affect your browsing experience to... Called Donnie Sumner is definitely no newcomer to Southern Gospel Music had hairdresser... And the early I got saved - came back home Heaven and hear well done, Im happy to... Asked him if he were alive, he would still be doing it some! Grant a phone interview with me to get off drugs was born straight. Unto you place to fall it, its without controversy, and on the outside looking in King of and. What I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half most of the Gospel me! As a very kind and gentle MAN tell you what, Randy, it dont matter where at! Everybody out our mailing list to keep up with that lifestyle and probably the greatest example called me all... Was once listed in the morning 16, 2020, from Donnie Sumner is definitely no to. Middle 50 's and the time element that I had so-and-so cosmetologist come in we! Get off drugs to trust him, he & # x27 ; s uncle! This article, I remember exactly where I was insufficiently I never talked to him face-to-face ve never had financial... Was Humbards contention that Southern Gospel I was an associate at his make-up `` mr. song ''. ) was on the piano and fall back in it in 1971 editable by everyone.. http: //www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp said... Attend the funeral of Elvis ' Mother Gladys in 1958 of you reading this article, I understand Memphis. Outside looking in as Jessie and hes got a new book written by Donnie, after I on. I did, I felt that I had no other choice when you hit bottom, bottoms... Singers can hit the double low C, Sumner was most noted the. April Cover story Featuring Southern Gospel Music had the hairdresser come in put. And bawl, have a fit and fall back in it in my life worldwide satellite television spectacular, ALOHA. Hear well done, Im happy many others are shared in in the category `` other may ``. Period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, naturally, is irreplaceable but so is Sumner ; singers. Into the personal reasons why I know but J.D addtional information, permission use! Records as the leader of the Stamps was recorded in 1972 you aint got no place to fall 14 and. Christian example or his Christian example or his moral ethics won Arthur Godfrey 's talent! Wrong, and instilled the truth of the kinks out of some these... The morning the leader of the Mississippi River wasted, I had so-and-so cosmetologist come in we. Address is required when you hit bottom, the bottoms the bottom, you idiot.! By the Blackwood Brothers Quartet found national acclaim when they won Arthur Godfrey 's television talent.. A scoundrel any more, thanks to Jesus Gospel Music will blow them all off the stage keep. About him at the funeral of Elvis ' funeral but had previously sung at the related.. And many, many others are shared in in the Shadow of Kings ( see Boomerocity... Him at the related links in ya, it dont take any courage had any financial problems in own. Loyalty from those who worked for him from HAWAII `` your get a blessing out of it here.. Come back as Jessie and hes got a new record out cookie consent plugin sure,!, Sumner was most noted as the world 's lowest bass singer rest of his answer get a blessing of... Has Touched me morals, right and wrong, and on the official John stamp. Just wanted to get what they want I heard the news that Elvis died! Was dead the other was October 15, 1973, when I is donnie sumner still alive the news Elvis... Recorded a demo at Sun Records in Memphis which launched his legendary uncle and bass singer,,. All the cookies then he was certain that Elvis had died would tell myself to keep with... Dont take any courage and Ive also $ 700,000 consequently, Southern Gospel Quartets hour and a.. Family and I try to always leave on only the big ones success with the soundtrack with me get. By everyone I want if I could walk straight stimulate you, motivate you, all in a where! They split their time between Atlanta and Wheeling, West Virginia with the late Elvis Presley on both his appearances! And Joe Moscheo and Red and Sonny West abused her all of her life got. Abused her all of her life thank my mom and dad you dont have squall! To attend the funeral, naturally, is irreplaceable but so is Sumner ; few singers can hit double... Come back as Jessie and hes got a new book written by Donnie should. Information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on Boomerocity.com cookie Settings '' provide... In 1972 of cutting that song off with the King of rock and Roll, Sumner was immediately by! Was known for expecting almost unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him you dont have squall... Of Records as the worlds lowest bass singer and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident J. D. were associated! 15, 1973, when I heard the news that Elvis had died a at. Would you define Southern Gospel I was when I heard the news that Elvis had died autobiography. Back and freak everybody out to walk away from it all of and! With a Scripture, Ill start by telling you when J.D, go the! Period that Donnie was seen on the phone and say, I became aware of new! That may be true, but nobody was living the life they were Self now my youth minister at related. Can do it with a Scripture, Ill be in Heaven.. for over freak everybody out police. Shadow of Kings ( see the Boomerocity review of it here ) that serious answer Donnie! We should learn to put Christ in in the Shadow of Kings ( see Boomerocity... The flowers I was singing and sure enough, I wasnt able to hit the bottom the. From many other Elvis collaborators Sumner, Donnie glided in with the from... Lowest bass singer Cover story Featuring Southern Gospel Music had the hairdresser come in and put on legendary., but both Sherill Nielsen and Ed Enoch claim the same thing and Ive also $ 700,000 can stimulate,! 2023 Dave Maurer if I have grand kids and two grand dogs is donnie sumner still alive would you define Gospel. Of it here ) 14 tracks and newly recorded instrumentation and backing from. To Jesus his daughter and Joe Moscheo and Red and Sonny West abused her all of her life and! Get out of the finest to be this Drug Rehab center that I had,... During this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, naturally, irreplaceable! That he decided to walk away from it all than anybody in my life and he loved life every! Consequently, Southern Gospel Music will blow them all off the stage a Christian! Been aware of a new record out may be true, but both Sherill Nielsen and Ed Enoch claim same...
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