donnie sumner obituary

I didnt care. Special? The Lakeland native sang in The Stamps quartet that backed up Elvis from 1971 to 1973. I love you. Name: Location: Video: Image: Light A Candle. Yep, I dressed him. Thats the best part of the whole piece is if I can help somebody.. wouldhumorously pick on him. I Miss You CPA5 4774-15 Are You Sincere? 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). Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. Mrs. Dunn is survived by her children, Kathy Hall (Greg), Jimmy Dunn and. Often appear in internet rumors and false news about the death of a famous class that logically affect their family and friends. 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. September 10, 2021. McDuff soon exited the Stamps for the McDuff Brothers, and Donnie Sumner . For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. Would you like to offer Phoebe R. Harrisons loved ones a condolence message? Hes got a good voice. He was a graduate of Irwin County High School and served his country honorably in the United States Army during the . It wasn't "The Lighthouse" which the Stamps did in _Elvison Tour_; the title may have been "Ship Ahoy." I commented that it took a lot of courage to quit a gig like that. 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. 205 E Elm St, Olney, IL 62450. (Partial List)All I Do Is Ask The LordDreamin'God's HeavenIf I Could Have The WorldIf You Find The LordI'll Live OnLove Found A PardonLove Him SoSailing Toward HomeSounds Of LoveStreet Corner PreacherThe Army Of The LordThe Night Before EasterThe Shadow Of His LoveWhere Has Our Love Gone. External links are provided for reference purposes. Then the Stamps sang three songs, including "I Can Feel the Touch of HisHand," my favorite J.D. Sumner, was a legendary musical figure'. . 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. Christian Music Archive is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Watch current interviews with music and entertainment icons and influencers of the baby boomer generation as well as rising stars in music. The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. 'My life was totally ruined'. Besides the Blackwood Brothers, Presley idolized J.D. I asked Sumner what his reactions and thoughts were on that fateful day. Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home - Olney . 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. 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. He was a Glynn County firefighter and a painter. J.D. 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. Sumner responded quickly and unequivocally. 's face, I did not approach the bier. The bottoms the same. Over the years, Donnie has served as a minister and evangelist, taking his message all over the country. 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! Like those of you reading this article, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news that Elvis had died. Boomerocity.com is a website dedicated to the cultural interests of the Baby Boomer Generation. Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer The group's only UK appearance came when they opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980. 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. 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. 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. Sumner at the 78 Dove Awards. He died while he was touring. Donnie's uncle, the late J.D. During his tenure of service as a "Stamp", Donnie was also awarded the SESAC AWARD as "Best Country Songwriter" in 1969 and was nominated in 1970 for a GRAMMY AWARD by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science (NARAS) in the category of "Country Song of the Year for his work entitled "THE THINGS THAT MATTER". "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". 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. George Younce, bass singer for. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. He tried to overdose on cocaine twice, attempting suicide three times. L.H. Whether or not that was actually the case may be open for debate. He said, I am absolutely certain. 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. Imagine this: Youve got what would appear to be one of the sweetest gigs in the world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley! This video remembers Donald Lee Sumner, Jr, who passed away from Covid in December 2020. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt and work in his garden. Hovie. 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". attleboro obituaries this past weekend; elder high school alumni directory; edgewood valley country club initiation fee; heartland mallory and jake wedding; Gallery By Industry. 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. Everybody thought he was a great singer, but what made him great in rock and roll was his appearance. Christian music. 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. I got saved - came back home. Elvis Presley had used a former gospel group, the Jordanaires, on many of his hit recordings. So they were the only songs completed by Elvis, although 'Voice' did record a number of demos at Elvis' insistence. Elvis Interviews , Elvis Articles , Elvis Biography , By David Adams. 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. Those who knew Elvis agree he felt trapped by his fame. 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. THE EARLY YEARS hi-res2000 Classic Southern (Ovation Records/ORD201): Hold To God's Unchanging Hand; Then I Met The Master; Living With Heaven In Mind; His Hand In Mine; He'll Do It For You; Amazing Grace; Nothing But The Blood; I Can Feel The Touch Of His Hand; There's A Blessing Coming Down; The Anchor Holds; He's Coming Soon; Beulah Land; Until Then; Alone Facing God What Then.2002 Timeless Treasures (Image Records/407302-10): I Love To Tell The Story; What A Friend/No Not One; Leave It There; No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus; O Come Angel Band; It Is Well; Heaven Medley; Great Is Thy Faithfulness; The Haven Of Rest; Wonderful Peace; Ship Ahoy; God Bless These Folks.2004 Serenade (Image Records): I Love To Tell The Story; An Evening Prayer; Through It All; While Ages Roll; Rock Of Ages; What A Day That Will Be; How Great Thou Art; Ten Thousand Years; Sweet Sweet Spirit; I Must Tell Jesus; Victory In Jesus; In The Sweet Bye And Bye; At The Crossing; What A Friend. 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. Obituary. 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). 's, led the congregation in the 23rd Psalm. It aint gonna be perfect tomorrow but, with Jesus living in ya, it can get better and better and better. Elvis was known for expecting almost unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him. 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.. 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.Donnie sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice. If he wanted to kiss somebody or do karate, he'd point at me, and I'd hit the last note', Donnie said. Sumner recalled that when he told Presley in 1976 he was leaving to shake his drug habit, Presley said, 'I wish I could do that, go somewhere and start over, but I guess I'll have to keep on being Elvis'. Tuesday, April 25, 2023. I want them to laugh at my humor, at my jokes, at myself by being old, fat and ugly. There was only one sinless life and he died so that I could get over mine.. ALTHOUGH ELVIS Presley was the King of Rock'n'Roll, he was also a leading gospel singer and he won Grammys for his sacred recordings. And as if to vindicate his original desire to be a gospel singer, Presley's only three Grammy awards were given for his own gospel-music recordings. 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. 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. 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! Because of his ability as a performer, he could interpret a song and perform it in a very purposeful way', said Moscheo from his home in Nashville, Tenn. Donnie Sumner holds another view. During that marriage PeggySue and Donnie lived in several places including in Lindrith and Bloomfield, New Mexico. He was born in Marshes Siding, Kentucky on May 22, 1947 the son of Jerome and Nellie (Bryant) Sumner. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. Candle 1. For the brief moment that I had met and spoken with him, he struck me as a very kind and gentle man. He said Elvis said to call and see how I was doing. The story goes that in 1951, Elvis Presley, then 16, walked into the First Assembly of God in Memphis, Tenn., and struck up a friendship with another teenage boy, Cecil Blackwood. 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. Donnie Sumner is 80 years old and was born on 12/04/1942. http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. He was the most human Christian gentleman that I had ever known other than my father. THE MINISTRY I hope that, while theyre there, they think, Boy! 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. In three months, the lead singer quit, and Donnie got a promotion'. Hes come back as Jessie and hes got a new record out. 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 talked to him twice about sessions. Sumner, Ed Enoch, and Nick Bruno. In the last 10 15 minutes of my programs, I can concentrate an entire Sunday. These stories begged the question about Sumners opinion as to the claim that Elvis staged his death in August of 1977. He didnt say that I wasnt!. 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. You can now see some of his choice work each month here on Boomerocity.com! Jay Bonds and the Rev. in the Valley." George Richey spoke of how J.D. 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. Sumner remembers on one occasion singing all four verses of 'In the Sweet By and By' 18 times in a row at Elvis' bidding. Ill do other writings but not anything autobiographical., When Sumner set out to write the book, he said that he had, . After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. Then Ive got one girl that has married Elvis after he died. said that he would rent a limousine to bring me up there. When I told Elvis that I would like to resign, he said, Id like to do that, too. You dont have to squall and bawl, have a fit and fall back in it. Hell be back next week.. If I ever see him coming down my street I always make sure hes not turning into my drive! Donald Sumner Donald "Donnie" Sumner, of Adel, Ga., died March 25, 2020. 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". I live in a neighborhood where a police patrol car comes through here every three hours. I honestly thought when J.D. Before the ceremony began, the coffin was open and although Icould see J.D. Devoting his life style during this period to faithful discipleship and growing in the "grace and knowledge" of his new found "Lord", Donnie served as "Praise Leader" for one of Nashville's leading "Full Gospel" churches. : The original group consisted of Sherrill Nielsen, Donnie Sumner and Tim Baty (, Elvis and J.D. He has also made frequent appearances on the Gaither Homecoming Series. as members of the Masters V and with Bill Baize they sang "Peace. 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. That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). 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. He was wearing his TCB ring and pendant which Elvis had given him. J.D. There is no photo or video of Phoebe R. Harrison.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. Collect rumors like this that says if you Is Donnie Sumner dead? Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. That was the last time Donnie talked to Elvis face to face. I call my work a blind side ministry. I was in a revival. 'When I was with Elvis I had plenty of money, plenty of safety, plenty of access to anything I wanted. Blackwood himself was part of another quartet at the First Assembly in Memphis, the Songfellows, and Presley wanted to join. Since childhood his favorite form of entertainment has been . Unfortunately, you'll find many suicides that are not resolved . A kid had a local newspaper and I could see the headline that said something to the effect of, Elvis Heart Attack Victim. Mr. Sumner was born May 30, 1947, in Irwin County, Georgia, to the late Leonard & Lois Roberts Sumner. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James A. Dunn, parents, J.D. years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in Nashville , Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT AND ASSOCIATES. Donnie Hooker the Rev. I had the privilege of meeting J.D. Can you imagine, Elvis: 'Hey Sherrill, The doc's here to give you a hair transplant'. 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. He was a graduate of Irwin County High School and served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. 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. His first church was in the little town of Bradley Junction, Florida. ), Donnie found time to write a book. 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. Hardwick then spoke and John Mathews, aboyhood friend of J.D. Within a year, Elvis Presley was dead. You can hit the bottom in the presidency or you can hit the bottom on skid row. It was when Donnie was singing with the Stamps that they got the call to tour with Elvis Presley. I attended J.D. I came back years later and was the associate pastor of that church. My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. He is definitely dead. 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. If I can do it with a Scripture, Ill do it. Instead, you walk away from the King of Rock and Roll. 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. 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. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Phoebe R. Harrison of Sumner, Illinois, born in Olney, Illinois, who passed away on May 7, 2022, at the age of 70, leaving to mourn family and friends. He was a carpenter and worked in construction. 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". He had personal problems and demons, but he did a lot of good in his own way. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from Donnie Sumner website: http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. By 1971, Sumner had had enough success to write his autobiography, Gospel Music Is My Life. 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. Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. They kept talking about it on the news. This is an excellent release no fan should be without it. After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. I believe it was Ed Enoch who said the last song J.D. Bye.. "My first three years with Elvis was as a backup vocalist. He was friendly with many gospel musicians and he worked for several years with J.D. 6005 CR 39 South Plant City, FL DONALD SUMNER OBITUARY SUMNER, Donald "Don" 79, Lithia, entered into eternal rest April 12, 2022. 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. . Candle 3 . One of the books I bought (but no longer have) was one written by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard. Another non-gospel song, 'Crying in the Chapel', that became a pop-chart hit. He called Presley 'the greatest gospel singer who ever lived'. George Younce, bass singer forthe Cathedral Quartet, told several funny stories of how J.D. 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. 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". Well, Ill start by telling you my brother-in-law was terminal. 83 Obituaries. 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.. The white gospel music of the day was akin to country music crossed with barbershop quartets. After several weeks, he signed a contract with Sun Records and went on to rock 'n' roll stardom. J.D. He was a member and deacon of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. There's also a private recording from that period, where he sings 'Let Me Be The One' and 'Spanish Eyes'. How do I say this? called me and said that Elvis died. All my life I wanted to be in a southern gospel quartet', he said. That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. 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. Elvis would then get on the phone and say, I understand. It only took one sentence for Donnie Sumner to describe his career in music'. Colonel Parker called Elvis and told him RCA wanted a record, in four days he was going to be breach of contract. 1. for 59 weeks and 4 No. Write your message of sympathy today. That guys got a lot of stage skills. Local obituaries for Blountstown, Florida. covered me up. After more than four decades, Donnie's vocal interpretations and dynamic style still continues to touch and capture the hearts . From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. Within a short time, they had transformed Elvis' living room into a state of the art recording studio. Frances Sumner Dunn, 77, of Oakland, TN passed away on Monday, June 25, 2018. 'He had a pitch problem. No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. 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. (70 years old). Whoever put it on record bootlegged it from my record. He died while he was touring. 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. Voice: The original group consisted of Sherrill Nielsen, Donnie Sumner and Tim Baty (Thinking About You). Christian Music Archive is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. 'He Touched Me' (1972) - a gospel standard of Bill Gaither - earned Presley his second Grammy for Best Inspirational Album. If I can do it with a song, Ill do it. He never brought it on stage with him. 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. Hes got a great presentation and I really enjoyed it. J.D. Elvis insisted his backup groups gather to sing gospel music after his concerts, sometimes until dawn. (Sumner, Donnies legendary uncle and bass singer for Elvis) was on the Geraldo show. Upon hearing the news, Elvis told Donnie that he was proud of him and said that he wished that he could go somewhere and start over but 'I guess I got to keep on being Elvis'. 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. George's wife, Tammy Wynette, passed away. 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. Well, Ill start by telling you when J.D. and show them here for you to give us your opinion. He was a fan of TV evangelist Rex Humbard, but otherwise gospel music was his whole religious world. 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". 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. 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. In the past, Donnie has also been known as Donnie H Sunmer, Donnie H Sumner, Don H Sumner, Donnie Summer and Donnie M Sumner. Moscheo called him 'a lonely person'. Ive got a couple of people who talk to Elvis all the time. 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. Justin Mccarthy Obituary, Articles D