which drive up our cost of staying online. He is definitely dead. 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. George Younce, bass singer for. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. I spent the rest of that day totally stunned by the news. 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. His parents; brother, Donnie Sumner; and sisters, Reba Faye Sumner, Myrtle Tucker, Minnie New, and Mary Murphy precede him in death. Ive got a couple of people who talk to Elvis all the time. 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 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. Please join us in Loving, Sharing and Memorializing Yvonne "Vonnie" Houston Futrell on this permanent online memorial. Most of the acts were male quartets featuring four- part harmonies. I had been involved in the drug culture ever since I entered the industry. The limit is due to overactive search engine bots (Bing, Google, etc.) 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. 'I don't think anyone could judge him', Moscheo said. For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. It was a time in his life that would be a roller-coaster ride of success and heartbreak and eventually redemption. They unloaded tons of recording equipment. . 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. Local obituaries for Blountstown, Florida. Donnie Sumner is 80 years old and was born on 12/04/1942. Donald Sumner Donald "Donnie" Sumner, of Adel, Ga., died March 25, 2020. Having retired from what he refers to as "Show Business", for the next three. The album includes an instant classic, 'Peace in the Valley'. Access to SGHistory.com may be temporarily blocked if multiple pages are loaded in less than ten seconds. 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. And I want them to understand that I did, in fact, work with Elvis. When I told Elvis that I would like to resign, he said, Id like to do that, too. After fifteen minutes, most of the congregation left while she wasspeaking. Entering this and that into the search form will return results containing both "this" and "that". 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. Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Biography. I hate to say it, but I turned into a stone drug addict'. Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. Donnie Sumner currently lives in Hendersonville, TN; in the past Donnie has also lived in Lebanon TN. I had no idea. Elvis Interviews , Elvis Articles , Elvis Biography , By David Adams. Kenneth Sumner Kenneth Ray Sumner, 72, passed away on August 23, 2022, at his home in . I was curious who, from his perspective, Donnie saw as the typical purchaser of In the Shadow of Kings. If he were alive, he would still be doing it in some fashion because it wouldve killed him not to do it. There is no photo or video of Phoebe R. Harrison.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. Frances Sumner Dunn, 77, of Oakland, TN passed away on Monday, June 25, 2018. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. 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. 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. He was a member and deacon of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. 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". My uncle said for me to sing until they got somebody, and I sang for eight years', he said. 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). That is exactly what Donnie Sumner did. Eventually, Charlie Hodge, Elvis' right-hand man called and said they needed someone to help out with the high notes'. So they were the only songs completed by Elvis, although 'Voice' did record a number of demos at Elvis' insistence. Sumner said stories of Elvis growing up in church are exaggerated. Sumner remembers on one occasion singing all four verses of 'In the Sweet By and By' 18 times in a row at Elvis' bidding. 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 . I hung up the phone and I started trying to find a flight to Memphis. 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. Link to index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1573&Itemid=3009, 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. Watch current interviews with music and entertainment icons and influencers of the baby boomer generation as well as rising stars in music. 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. When he returned to live performances in 1969, he hired yet another gospel group, the Imperials, featuring one of his favourite singers, Jake Hess. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in Nashville , Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT AND ASSOCIATES. Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com. You would have thought that reaching the pinnacle of Sumner's career as an artist would leave him with very few problems, however the more Donnie enjoyed success, the deeper and darker his life became. said that he would rent a limousine to bring me up there. 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. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. The Lakeland native sang in The Stamps quartet that backed up Elvis from 1971 to 1973. three goals, startin at the bottom: To put down on a piece of paper as much of my story as I could to tell my grandkids. Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Interview with Larry Muhoberac Interview with John Wilkinson Interview with Michael Jarrett, songwriter, I'm Leavin' Interview with James Burton Interview with James Burton Sydney Australia 2006 James Burton: First Call For The Royalty Of Rockabilly Interview with Ronnie Tutt Interview with Ronnie Tutt #2 Interview with Jerry Scheff Interview with Glen D. Hardin Interview with Sherrill Nielsen Interview with Terry Blackwood & Jim Murray Interview with Tony Brown Duke Bardwell Interview with Scotty Moore Bill Black Interview with D.J. I had the privilege of meeting J.D. We were around the piano in Palm Springs, having a good time. 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. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. 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. Highly recommended. THE MINISTRY . Everything that I have, I'll ever be, what I've got and all I'll ever have, I have to say thanks be to God for it all, because when I found him, I had nothing', he said. on the Gaither Homecoming videos and thensang "The Star Spangled Banner" with his Gaither Vocal Band. For six years, he toured with and was a close personal friend of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. 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. No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. Within a year, Elvis Presley was dead. I asked Donnie for his thoughts on his legendary uncle. 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. Everybody thought he was a great singer, but what made him great in rock and roll was his appearance. ), Donnie found time to write a book. He was the most human Christian gentleman that I had ever known other than my father. He was born March 3, 1953, to Alma and Orba Sumner. The Cathedrals then sang two songs. Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. Stay up to date with Christian Music Archive via E-Mail! 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. 'It's kind of a world of fantasy'. If he wanted to kiss somebody or do karate, he'd point at me, and I'd hit the last note', Donnie said. May 7, 2022 Sumner at the 78 Dove Awards. 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! I am now victorious in all things and they can be, too, just by deciding that they want to believe on the Lord, Jesus Christ. 'the greatest gospel singer who ever lived'. HovieLister, Jake Hess, and James Blackwood spoke about the fun times they hadwith J.D. Thats the best part of the whole piece is if I can help somebody.. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. I didnt care. with J.D. J.D. His vibrato would be a quarter-tone on either side of the note. 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 talked to him twice about sessions. Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer They wouldve never had any financial problems. It took several years for me to get most of the kinks out of it so that I could walk straight. Candle 2. called he called about one oclock in the afternoon on the day Elvis died I really didnt think that Elvis was dead. These stories begged the question about Sumners opinion as to the claim that Elvis staged his death in August of 1977. I dont hear many stories of that sort of thing because theyre not close friends and only a close friend would tell you a story like that.. He was a giant of a man, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and domestically. George Richey spoke of how J.D. Donnie boldly and sincerely proclaims, nation-wide the "good news" that "IN JESUS THERE IS A NEW LIFE, AN ABUNDANT LIFE AND THE ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE". I have nothing to say about him or his Christian example or his moral ethics. After several weeks, he signed a contract with Sun Records and went on to rock 'n' roll stardom. 'He had a pitch problem. In the end, every one of my songs says that no matter where you're at or what you're involved in, you can make it. Elvis was known for expecting almost unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him. I attended J.D. You can now see some of his choice work each month here on Boomerocity.com! 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. J.D. 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. He said, I am absolutely certain. During that marriage PeggySue and Donnie lived in several places including in Lindrith and Bloomfield, New Mexico. 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. 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. They left in 1971 following a dispute over pay with Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. 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. After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. Elvis, naturally, is irreplaceable but so is Sumner; few singers can hit the lowest G on the piano. Well, my daddy was Pentecostal when Pentecostal wasn't cool. Mr. Sumner was born May 30, 1947, in Irwin County, Georgia, to the late Leonard & Lois Roberts Sumner. 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. 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. Moscheo called him 'a lonely person'. Thats what killed him to start with was that he thought he was losing it. On stage, Elvis would liken Sumner's voice to a B-52 bomber - and that was a compliment. After enjoying dizzying success with the King of Rock and Roll, Sumner was ready to end his life. He called me two or three times, wanting me to come work on sessions with him. I wouldn't be on the road as much as I am, staying away from my family, if it were not so. In the past, Donnie has also been known as Donnie H Sunmer, Donnie H Sumner, Don H Sumner, Donnie Summer and Donnie M Sumner. 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. Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. 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. He passed away in November of 1998; just three days shy of his 74th birthday. That was the last time I ever talked to him face-to-face. 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. Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. That's what I've been doing for 48 years'. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. That was the last time Donnie talked to Elvis face to face. 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 . Sumner and the Stamps." J.D.'s voice earned him a Grammy, a spot in the GMA Hall of Fame and in the Guinness Book of World Records for the lowest bass voice. Mrs. Dunn is survived by her children, Kathy Hall (Greg), Jimmy Dunn and. They dont see me in all the places of ill repute that I found myself in during that time period. 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. 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. 'He Touched Me' (1972) - a gospel standard of Bill Gaither - earned Presley his second Grammy for Best Inspirational Album. If I can do it by just walking around and being friendly, Ill do it. 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. Thank you for understanding. Would you like to offer Phoebe R. Harrisons loved ones a condolence message? Imagine this: Youve got what would appear to be one of the sweetest gigs in the world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley! A valid email address is required when you select contact by email. 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". 1 albums ('56-'59). External links are provided for reference purposes. 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 . His mother took him occasionally, and he knew the basics of Christian teaching, but he was otherwise 'religiously illiterate', Sumner said. It was funny. Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. Roy Conner officiating. 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. U.S . He didnt say that I wasnt!. Find the obituary of Phoebe R. Harrison (1952 - 2022) from Sumner, IL. THE ELVIS YEARS 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. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lynn Sumner of Ocilla; a son, Brian & Sandi Sumner of Ocilla; a daughter, Kerri Sumner Eckstrand of Ocilla; grandchildren: Brianne & Ellis Douglas, Logan Sumner, Kalynn Sumner, Amelia Eckstrand, Aiden Eckstrand, and Savana Douglas; a great-grandchild on the way; a brother, Roger & Wanda Sumner of Ocilla; great-nephews and a great-niece that he helped to raise: Kevin Rains, Eric Muse and Ariel Rains. There was no between Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville there was not one single charter service nor commercial flight available for a trip to Memphis. That guys got a lot of stage skills. By forgiveness, I'm a member of God's family, and I thank Him for everything I am or ever will be. Thats the gospel truth! Elvis and J.D. Write your message of sympathy today. It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. They write me all the time and I dont even respond. 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. Singing his first solo in church at the age of 7, Donnie studied to be a classical vocalist and a classical pianist, turning down a scholarship at the Julliard School of Music to go to a Christian College'. He was a carpenter and worked in construction. I was a scoundrel. At the end of "Nearer My God To Thee", Elvis says, "I was singing bass, but J.D. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. April 19, 1952 - 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. Donald Sumner Donald "Donnie" Sumner, of Adel, Ga., died March 25, 2020. People never talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the examples of Christianity he possessed in great quantity. I was at a church youth camp in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona. In the audience I recognized JoeGuercio, Glen Hardin, Charlie Hodge, country singer Charlie Walker, andformer Stamp Terry Blackwood. 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. 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. Being greatly gifted as a writer, Donnie is among the list of America 's most renowned inspirational composers . His parents; brother, Donnie Sumner; and sisters, Reba Faye Sumner, Myrtle Tucker, Minnie New, and Mary Murphy precede him in death. 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.. 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). He heard my story and that night he decided to start a new life. That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). 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. He had a sense of fun and amused audiences with his impression of "the Gooney Bird". Sumner's funeral is set for Thursday, on what would have been his 74th birthday, in Nashville. 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. 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. and show them here for you to give us your opinion. Their regular bass singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys. Recently, he was welcomed into the Bill Gaither 'Homecoming' family, performing alongside other legends of Gospel music. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. A kid had a local newspaper and I could see the headline that said something to the effect of, Elvis Heart Attack Victim. 'His Hand in Mine' (1960) includes some old songs and spirituals, like 'Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho', but it also contains 'You'll Never Walk Alone' - a signature song of his later Las Vegas years, but not exactly a gospel tune. to join his group, the Stamps, as a pianist. also sang with Elvis Presley as backup along with "The Sunshine Boys," "The BlackWood Quartet," and "J.D. 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 tried to make car arrangements. It aint gonna be perfect tomorrow but, with Jesus living in ya, it can get better and better and better. It was then that he decided to walk away from it all. Absolutely nobody can communicate the lyrics of a gospel song like Elvis', may be re-printed for public display without permission, Interview with Michael Jarrett, songwriter, I'm Leavin', Interview with James Burton Sydney Australia 2006, James Burton: First Call For The Royalty Of Rockabilly, Interview with Terry Blackwood & Jim Murray. 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 wiped me out.". 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