"The Lighthouse" Gospel Song by Donnie Sumner - Elvis' Gospel Band (The Stamps) High Quality I had been involved in the drug culture ever since I entered the industry. Couple those people in certain religious environments and you definitely have an environment for interesting stories ripe for the picking. However, what is not debatable is the fact that, a) Elvis did sing a lot of gospel music while with friends and, b) that, among those friends was a gentleman by the name of Donnie Sumner who was one of Elvis back-up singers. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. He did and was now my youth minister at the church I was an associate at! The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. What made him great in gospel was his ability to tell a story. 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. These stories begged the question about Sumners opinion as to the claim that Elvis staged his death in August of 1977. He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. Funeral arrangement under the care ofKistler-Patterson Funeral Homes. Whoever put it on record bootlegged it from my record. Kenneth Sumner Kenneth Ray Sumner, 72, passed away on August 23, 2022, at his home in . 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. as members of the Masters V and with Bill Baize they sang "Peacein the Valley." At some point, he wouldve come back because he loved life and he loved music. Then the Stamps sang three songs, including "I Can Feel the Touch of HisHand," my favorite J.D. J.D. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from Donnie Sumner website: http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. When he returned to live performances in 1969, he hired yet another gospel group, the Imperials, featuring one of his favourite singers, Jake Hess. 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. 1 albums ('56-'59). I was very glad that I had attended. 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.. 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). I attended J.D. 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. It took several years for me to get most of the kinks out of it so that I could walk straight. When you hit bottom, you aint got no place to fall. Im not a scoundrel any more, thanks to Jesus. For six years, he toured with and was a close personal friend of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. 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. . 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. Everybody thought he was a great singer, but what made him great in rock and roll was his appearance. Several grandchildren. Sumner at the 78 Dove Awards. Elvis' guitarist, James Burton flew in, Charlie Hodge played acoustic guitar, Donnie Sumner played the piano with Voice supplying bass. JD Sumner Dies: Southern gospel legend J D Sumner dies aged 73 Elvis inspiration Sumner dies at 73 - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper Obituary. You dont have to put on a football helmet and run at the gates of Heaven. 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 don't think anyone could judge him', Moscheo said. Donnie Sumner, "In the Sweet By and By", "The - YouTube Would you like to offer Phoebe R. Harrisons loved ones a condolence message? 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. It dont matter where youre at when you hit the bottom, the bottoms the bottom no matter where its at. . He left the group to form the Tennessee Rangers and began performing country music with a year residency at the Grand Old Opry. But Elvis never forgot Donnie. But when he finally got the chance a few years later, Presley's personal flamboyance and distinctive vocal style didn't fit in with the uniform appearance and carefully controlled harmony required by the Southern gospel style. September 10, 2021. In 1956 the Blackwood Brothers Quartet found national acclaim when they won Arthur Godfrey's television talent show. THE EARLY YEARS Time and again, Elvis would ask him to repeat low notes. Gospel music is my life." John Daniel Sumner, singer: born . I was curious who, from his perspective, Donnie saw as the typical purchaser of In the Shadow of Kings. Elvis Presley had used a former gospel group, the Jordanaires, on many of his hit recordings. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis. Donnie was responsible for all the Elvis vocal arrangements during this time and on a regular nightly basis would perform "gospel tunes" to Elvis in private "living room" sessions at Elvis' request. In 1976, Donnie was doing $200 of cocaine and a handful of Quaaludes a day. 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. 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. "I want your '56 endings," he told him. By forgiveness, I'm a member of God's family, and I thank Him for everything I am or ever will be. He was friendly with many gospel musicians and he worked for several years with J.D. Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home - Olney 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. 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. said that he would rent a limousine to bring me up there. They write me all the time and I dont even respond. 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. 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). When I told Elvis that I would like to resign, he said, Id like to do that, too. 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. Ronald Dale "Ronnie" Sumner - Obituary - CurrentObituary.com He was born in Marshes Siding, Kentucky on May 22, 1947 the son of Jerome and Nellie (Bryant) Sumner. 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". Please review our Privacy Policy to review how we may use your information. 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. 73-year-old Sumner was found dead of a heart attack in his hotel room in Myrtle Beach, SC. But I never talked to Elvis again face-to-face. May 7, 2022 Collect rumors like this that says if you Is Donnie Sumner dead? "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". After several weeks, he signed a contract with Sun Records and went on to rock 'n' roll stardom. For Engagements Contact: It was a time in his life that would be a roller-coaster ride of success and heartbreak and eventually redemption. His vibrato would be a quarter-tone on either side of the note. Christian music. The Rev. He had a sense of fun and amused audiences with his impression of "the Gooney Bird". (70 years old). Theres a lot of ways to be a help to somebody and Ill proudly use all of them.. The next day was the recording session [7-9:20pm, 1:15-3:15am] September 22-23, 1973. Well, Ill start by telling you my brother-in-law was terminal. You cant go no lower than the bottom., I asked Donnie if he had something to fall back on when he left Elvis, to which he replied, Not at all. J.D. Sumner (1924-1998) - Find a Grave Memorial Finally, it all came to a head. Reality is home, church and friends'. with J.D. The kid gave me one of those, Yes, you idiot looks. 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. Well, my daddy was Pentecostal when Pentecostal wasn't cool. Unfortunately, you'll find many suicides that are not resolved . The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. 'I think he was a Christian, a believer. Kenneth Alan Shaw. 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. 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". It was then that he decided to walk away from it all. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. Geraldo said, Why are you so sure? He said, If he wasnt dead, he woulda done killed Michael Jackson.. Phoebe R. Harrison Obituary (1952 - 2022) | Sumner, IL - Echovita It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. He used to talk a lot in the living room of all the funny ways he was going to disappear and what he was going to do while he was gone. Raised in poverty, he earned a fortune, then gave away most of it. 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. My uncle said for me to sing until they got somebody, and I sang for eight years', he said. Donnie Sumner currently lives in Hendersonville, TN; in the past Donnie has also lived in Lebanon TN. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. 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. 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. Leave it to Elvis. I love you. 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. That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. to join his group, the Stamps, as a pianist. 'the greatest gospel singer who ever lived'. Thats the best part of the whole piece is if I can help somebody.. Blountstown Obituaries | Local Obits for Blountstown, FL - Legacy.com Ive got a brand new life. J.D. Gospel music is my life.". You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. 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. Willard "Bill" Jean Sumner Obituary - Tribute Archive He didnt say that I wasnt!. Sumner agreed and the Stamps Quartet joined Elvis in November 1971. After Elvis's death, Sumner often gave interviews and spoke at Presley conventions. He was born in Marshes Siding, Kentucky on May 22, 1947 the son of Jerome and Nellie (Bryant) Sumner. Sumner shared a story or two. ), Donnie found time to write a book. 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". . If I can do it with a song, Ill do it. about what he thought when I left but he was certainly proud of me. I had no idea what I was going to do when I quit the one I was in.. I was in Florida at the time. 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". The bottoms the same. John Daniel Sumner, nicknamed Jim Dandy or J.D., was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1924. Celebrating the Life of Donnie Sumner - YouTube 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. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. Highly recommended. 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. Charlie (Hodge) would call from time to time to see how I was doing. Entering this or that into the search form will return results containing either "this" or "that". also sang with Elvis Presley as backup along with "The Sunshine Boys," "The BlackWood Quartet," and "J.D. 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. If I ever see him coming down my street I always make sure hes not turning into my drive! 'We'd be wired most of the time. He was a graduate of Irwin County High School and served his country honorably in the United States Army during the . Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. 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. After spending time in a couple of different groups, he finally got the call from Uncle J.D. . wasimpressed by their arrangement of the song.) He looked distinctive with his grey hair and hand cupped over his ear as though he were receiving personal messages from the Saviour. I tell you what, Randy, it dont take any courage. Now, Im doing somethin else. It was a song he sang in a talent contest as a child, he came in second. Donnie Sumner is a Southern Gospel singer and songwriter. 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. Hardwick then spoke and John Mathews, aboyhood friend of J.D. I hung up the phone and I started trying to find a flight to Memphis. Candle 1. 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. And, then, I was in a little town called Lenoir City, Tennessee, where I did a concert. . Former Elvis backup singer coming to Danville - NewsAdvance.com There's no such thing as a superstar, it's all in the audience's mind. The family will receive friends Monday from 12:30 until 2:00 PM at Genesis full Gospel Church. Blackwood himself was part of another quartet at the First Assembly in Memphis, the Songfellows, and Presley wanted to join. He is included in The Guinness Book of Records as the world's lowest bass singer. 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. He called me two or three times, wanting me to come work on sessions with him. 6005 CR 39 South Plant City, FL DONALD SUMNER OBITUARY SUMNER, Donald "Don" 79, Lithia, entered into eternal rest April 12, 2022. 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). Everybody thought he was a great singer, but what made him great in rock and roll was his appearance. Sumner, was a legendary musical figure'. Access to SGHistory.com may be temporarily blocked if multiple pages are loaded in less than ten seconds. Find the obituary of Phoebe R. Harrison (1952 - 2022) from Sumner, IL. We were singing duet on 'Spanish Eyes'.Linda Thompson's taped that, because she gave David Briggs a copy, and David gave me a copy. Elvis, naturally, is irreplaceable but so is Sumner; few singers can hit the lowest G on the piano. 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 . Gallatin Obituaries | Local Obits for Gallatin, TN - Legacy.com 'He embraced me and rather than jumping, I cried my way back to the room for a brand new beginning'. 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. It was funny. He died while he was touring. 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". That's my story, and that's my song'. Another non-gospel song, 'Crying in the Chapel', that became a pop-chart hit. He sang a beautiful song comparing Jesus to aship's captain.
Is Crooked Still A Christian Band,
Ford Kuga Adblue Tank Capacity,
Did A Capitol Police Officer Lose An Eye,
Aa Meetings West Palm Beach,
Articles D