Recently, he was welcomed into the Bill Gaither 'Homecoming' family, performing alongside other legends of Gospel music. Whoever put it on record bootlegged it from my record. 'My life was totally ruined'. Entering this and that into the search form will return results containing both "this" and "that". I asked Donnie for his thoughts on his legendary uncle. J.D. in the Valley." George Richey spoke of how J.D. 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.. Sumner. View The Obituary For Yvonne "Vonnie" Houston Futrell. After a heated discussion, Elvis agreed to cut vocal tracks for the four songs at his Palm Springs home that Felton Jarvis had cut backing tracks for without him at the recent Stax sessions. Sumner agreed and the Stamps Quartet joined Elvis in November 1971. 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. Jay Bonds and the Rev. Elvis and J.D. The white gospel music of the day was akin to country music crossed with barbershop 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. If I can do it with a song, Ill do it. J.D. 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. Sumner said stories of Elvis growing up in church are exaggerated. CPA5 4775-04. 'We'd be wired most of the time. As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is more than standing on a stage or a way to make a living. Candle 1. Jesus said, Lo, I am with you and thats where Im gonna stay!, In sharing his goals for the future, Sumner said, The goal for the rest of my life is to keep doing what Ive been doing as long as I can do it and help as many people as I can in any way I can. Said Sumner: "I have never seen a man suffer as much or grieve as much as he did at the loss of his mother.". Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. The limit is due to overactive search engine bots (Bing, Google, etc.) Tuesday, April 25, 2023. George Younce, bass singer forthe Cathedral Quartet, told several funny stories of how J.D. Stay up to date with Christian Music Archive via E-Mail! Because of his various commitments, Sumner was managing, rather than singing with, the Stamps. Donnie Sumner currently lives in Hendersonville, TN; in the past Donnie has also lived in Lebanon TN. Spirit Ministries / Att. She married Donnie Sumner in 1979 and their marriage brought forth 5 children, Jason Dwayne in 1980, Travis Lee in 1981, Vanessa Leeann in 1983, Jeremy Wade in 1986, and Cody Allen in 1990. 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. 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". 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. Elvis Presley had used a former gospel group, the Jordanaires, on many of his hit recordings. The ceremony was supposed to end with a videotape of one ofJ.D. In 1963 James Blackwood purchased a gospel music publishing company from Frank Stamps. He was a Glynn County firefighter and a painter. Jesus is a new life, Jesus is an abundant life and Jesus is everlasting life'. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. . A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Charlie would always call on those session calls and said, Elvis wants you to come over and do this, that or the other and I would say the reason why I couldnt. which drive up our cost of staying online. "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". "My first three years with Elvis was as a backup vocalist. Hes got a great presentation and I really enjoyed it. Ronald Dale Ronnie Sumner, 74, of Irwin County, Georgia, died Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at his residence. Yeah, special. He was wearing his TCB ring and pendant which Elvis had given him. attleboro obituaries this past weekend; elder high school alumni directory; edgewood valley country club initiation fee; heartland mallory and jake wedding; Gallery By Industry. I honestly thought when J.D. 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. If he wanted to kiss somebody or do karate, he'd point at me, and I'd hit the last note', Donnie said. Donnie's uncle, the late J.D. The next day was the recording session [7-9:20pm, 1:15-3:15am] September 22-23, 1973. Besides the Blackwood Brothers, Presley idolized J.D. Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. Finally, it all came to a head. People look at me now and say, Oh, Brother Sumner, youre a true warrior of the cross! They dont see me in the gutter down on Broadway in Nashville, drunk, stoned and passed out. 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. I asked him how the book writing process was for him and if there was going to be a follow-up to the book. 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. 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.. recorded was "If ICan Help Somebody." I never talked to J.D. That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. And I want them to understand that I did, in fact, work with Elvis. The group's only UK appearance came when they opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980. 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. He died while he was touring. It was either die or start over and I chose to start over.. 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. I came back years later and was the associate pastor of that church. With a closeness to this lineage of musical greatness, it was only natural that the younger Sumner would take an interest in the family business. He said, I am absolutely certain. email Donnie, aving served his denomination as Minister of Music, Evangelist and Pastor, Donnie is presently involved in an inter-faith, multi-media music ministry presenting. There were several hundred people inattendance. I love you. His parents; brother, Donnie Sumner; and sisters, Reba Faye Sumner, Myrtle Tucker, Minnie New, and Mary Murphy precede him in death. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. 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. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." They unloaded tons of recording equipment. flats for sale ninian court, middleton; bitbucket workspace vs project vs repository; sarah ferguson journalist; mr amos sedgefield community college; derek underwood . The Cathedrals then sang two songs. Blackwood's father, two uncles and older brother were members of a famous Southern gospel group, the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, and Presley admired their music. Presley continued to record gospel songs - more than 100 in all, by one account - and a live recording of 'How Great Thou Art' in 1974 earned him the Grammy for Best Inspirational Song. Then Donnie Sumner spoke beautifully abouthis uncle and about his own fight against drug abuse; I don't think therewas a dry eye in the house. Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound. L.H. ", Hi ELVIS Friends, This is a great tribute to a great man wish I could have been there. 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. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Donnie Sumner - Tour Coordinator He had personal problems and demons, but he did a lot of good in his own way. They were nominated for Grammy awards with the albums Victory Road (1990) and Peace In The Valley (1991) and they were featured on Tammy Wynette's final album, Inspirational Favourites (1998). Mr. Sumner was born May 30, 1947, in Irwin County, Georgia, to the late Leonard & Lois Roberts Sumner. Ethan Hooker officiating. Raised in poverty, he earned a fortune, then gave away most of it. May 7, 2022 He acknowledged his employer's generosity and indeed, Elvis gave him a Lincoln automobile, a silver watch and a $40,000 diamond ring. Thats the gospel truth! After Elvis's death, Sumner often gave interviews and spoke at Presley conventions. He was a graduate of Irwin County High School and served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Elvis, naturally, is irreplaceable but so is Sumner; few singers can hit the lowest G on the piano. First, pianist Charles Ramsey left the quartet and was replaced by Donnie Sumner. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. Then Ive got one girl that has married Elvis after he died. September 10, 2021. Gospel music executive BobWhitaker and former Stamps pianist and current MCA Nashville presidentTony Brown said a few words. Presley recorded three gospel albums. A NEW BEGINNING Hes come back as Jessie and hes got a new record out. a couple of questions that only those who knew him best would know. A lot of Elvis fans, a goodly number of my old friends and a tremendous number of people who have kids in similar situations who want to give it to their kids and grandkids. . It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. Elvis' guitarist, James Burton flew in, Charlie Hodge played acoustic guitar, Donnie Sumner played the piano with Voice supplying bass. I will tell you flat out, one of the liabilities of the entertainment industry is your removal from the normal life of home, church and friends', Donnie said. Special? 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. One of the books I bought (but no longer have) was one written by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard. Well, my daddy was Pentecostal when Pentecostal wasn't cool. You can hit the bottom in the presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid row. 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. He was a carpenter and worked in construction. . The deal included the brand name, the Stamps Quartet, and Sumner developed this, transforming a little-known group into one of America's leading white gospel groups. George Younce, bass singer for. His story is interesting, entertaining and compelling. 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. "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. 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". Donnie shares the story in his book about why, while singing with one of the most beloved, historic and recognizable people in the world even in the history of the world he decided to quit and with nothing else to fall back on. 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. 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. 'I don't think anyone could judge him', Moscheo said. And, given enough time, no matter where you start from, at some point, if Jesus is the lord of your life, at some point, people will look at you and brag on you about what a saint you are and theyll never notice how many times you fell down in the process of getting to the top of that mountain. Sherrill Nielsen had just left The Statesmen Quartet, (Elvis loved Sherrill as he could hit notes higher than a normal tenor, and Elvis had him to sing the very high endings in concert. I believe it was Ed Enoch who said the last song J.D. Time and again, Elvis would ask him to repeat low notes. Ive got a brand new life. New email address ada@ls.net (LSNET) Keeping the Faith with ELVIS,Allen, Either email addresses are anonymous for this group or you need the view member email addresses permission to view the original message, If anyone knows any info as to who attended J.D's funeral, who sang at it, who, You do not have permission to delete messages in this group. He didnt say that I wasnt!. 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. I tried to make car arrangements. In a way, he was an evangelist'. Read More. Christian music. He heard my story and that night he decided to start a new life. Select one or more of the available filters to get started. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. In 1956 the Blackwood Brothers Quartet found national acclaim when they won Arthur Godfrey's television talent show. 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. Their regular bass singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys. Gospel music is my life.". 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. I talked to him twice about sessions. 1983 Dreamin' (Skylite Records/SLP-6309): Dreamin'; He Never Gave Up; Then I Met The Master; Nothing But The Blood; Love Found A Pardon; Transformation; My New Song; The Shadow Of His Love; If You Catch Me Looking Up; Looking For A City.1985 Yesterday, Today, And Tomorrow (Skylite Records/SLP-6343): Yesterday Today And Tomorrow; Lift Up The Name Of Jesus; There's Life In Jesus' Name; I'm Standing On Holy Ground; Because He Lives; Exalted By Thy Name; I Am The Lamb; It Is No Secret; Leave A Well In The Valley; Promises (Recitation). For the brief moment that I had met and spoken with him, he struck me as a very kind and gentle man. He was 73. . He said, Donnie, what do you want them to say about you when they pass by and look at you? I said, Ed, I truly hope that somebody looks down at me and says, Golly! wouldhumorously pick on him. That's the chain of events that happened from struggling artist to big artist. It was the only thing in this life that brought him relief', he said. At the end of "Nearer My God To Thee", Elvis says, "I was singing bass, but J.D. . All my life I wanted to be in a southern gospel quartet', he said. Candle 2. Elvis made sure that each of the performers in his entourage were well taken care of, which means they had anything and everything at their fingertips'. God said that He wasnt going to remember my sins. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. It dont matter where youre at when you hit the bottom, the bottoms the bottom no matter where its at. 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). Thats what killed him to start with was that he thought he was losing it. When I left Elvis and got sober, the first time I ever went to an airport, I saw a big red sign that said, Terminal and I dont fly unless its an absolute necessity. Sumner, Ed Enoch, and Nick Bruno. Collect rumors like this that says if you Is Donnie Sumner dead? He is definitely dead. After a 10-year layoff, the megastar had decided to hit the road again. called he called about one oclock in the afternoon on the day Elvis died I really didnt think that Elvis was dead. That's what I've been doing for 48 years'. 's, led the congregation in the 23rd Psalm. Sign Guestbook. dressed him and I asked J.D. sang represented the man'soutlook on life: "If I can help somebody as I pass along Then my living shall not be in vain. 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. A kid had a local newspaper and I could see the headline that said something to the effect of, Elvis Heart Attack Victim. By this, he meant the way that Sumner would run down the scale and bottom out on the lowest note he could hit. 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. He was the most human Christian gentleman that I had ever known other than my father. J.D. By 1971, Sumner had had enough success to write his autobiography, Gospel Music Is My Life. That's my story, and that's my song'. Donald Sumner Donald "Donnie" Sumner, of Adel, Ga., died March 25, 2020. He looked distinctive with his grey hair and hand cupped over his ear as though he were receiving personal messages from the Saviour. I wont go into the personal reasons why I know but J.D. Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. In 1976, Donnie was doing $200 of cocaine and a handful of Quaaludes a day. Joe Moscheo, who was a keyboard player and singer with The Imperials when they backed up Elvis from 1969 to 1972. My emphasis is really on just one simple thing', he said. 615-512-7565 U.S . Website Design and SEO by WorkSmart Business Solutions. It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. In the last 10 15 minutes of my programs, I can concentrate an entire Sunday. It only took one sentence for Donnie Sumner to describe his career in music'. (Sumner, Donnies legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. Second, was to tell the human side of Elvis and tell all this funny stuff and show him as a human being with no negative stuff. Ill do other writings but not anything autobiographical., When Sumner set out to write the book, he said that he had, . Biography. Sherrill still had the bandages around my head and during the song, blood started running down his forard. THE MINISTRY Theres nuts out there everywhere.. 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. J.D. He was born March 3, 1953, to Alma and Orba Sumner. Sherrill Nielsen had just left The Statesmen Quartet, (Elvis loved Sherrill as he could hit notes higher than a normal tenor, and Elvis had him to . Donnie Sumner will be in concert at First Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 4. 'When I was with Elvis I had plenty of money, plenty of safety, plenty of access to anything I wanted. Yep, I dressed him. 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. 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. For Engagements Contact: Print Obituary. I wouldve dug a ditch just to get straight and live. Moscheo called him 'a lonely person'. . J.D. It was a song he sang in a talent contest as a child, he came in second. That was the last time Donnie talked to Elvis face to face. Donnie Hooker the Rev. 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". Southern gospel legend J D Sumner dies aged 73 ONE OF the father figures of Southern Gospel, JD Sumner died on November 16th 1998. Please join us in Loving, Sharing and Memorializing Yvonne "Vonnie" Houston Futrell on this permanent online memorial. Several grandchildren. It was Humbards contention that southern gospel music had the same effect on Elvis. I cried out for some help and didn't really expect any, but the good Lord was walking around in heaven that morning and heard me and said 'I believe I'll do it', Donnie said.

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