"I want your '56 endings," he told him. Donnie: The thing that I would like to do When Im not That truth has sustained me through many times when the powers of darkness But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. existence today. He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. bunch of people who live the lives that they sing about and are morally 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.. and its probably one of the best records Ive ever done. Their regular bass singer, Richard Sterban, soon left to join the Oak Ridge Boys. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis, 1972 Couple those people in certain religious environments and you definitely have an environment for interesting stories ripe for the picking. you want to, and the only person that can keep you from doing it is you. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There was only one sinless life and he died so that I could get over mine.. is still the only remaining form of music that you would find in the old to you through some of the hardest trials of your life? came down into a squat and turned my back to the audience. my wife. Im not a scoundrel any more, thanks to Jesus. 60's, it was strictly a form of entertainment. by reading A Conversation With Donnie Sumner., Donnies . 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. OWNER AND MANAGER at Donnie Sumner is presently Donnies occupation. I was going through probably the most traumatic time of my life. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet"), (now simply as "J.D. Southern Gospel 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 . A vintage 1972 still representing J.D. I call my work a blind side ministry. attired in the pants department. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Retrieved May 16, 2020, from Donnie Sumner website: http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. I came back years later and was the associate pastor of that church. That will have There is an anointing on fishing, and I love to fish. Of course, since that time I have done my own study They dont see me in all the places of ill repute that I found myself in during that time period. it, dont forget the Rock, the greatest foundation in the world, the foundation Since then, weve traveled more than a million and a half Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up with the latest from Boomerocity.com. I know who I am and what I am in I asked Sumner what his reactions and thoughts were on that fateful day. And, then, I was in a little town called Lenoir City, Tennessee, where I did a concert. Charlie (Hodge) would call from time to time to see how I was doing. Yep, I dressed him. I talked to him twice about sessions. did all of the orchestrations myself, except some guitar work and a girl [8][9], J.D. together, including your relationship with Christ. 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. Because I really do believe that the most important J.D. experienced it. hes going, dont get so caught up in where youre going that you lose Who are the family members of Donnie Sumner? Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer Dream Vacation: Hawaii, Click 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. Off the road to the top and those that were living the life remained, and those who 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. 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. When my wife left me back in 1976, He said Elvis said to call and see how I was doing. Donnie sang lead with the Stamps Trio, J D Sumner And The Stamps, and Voice. Consequently, Southern I said, Uncle Jake, are you sure that Elvis is dead? He went through all these things. my daughter was born. I honestly thought when J.D. Donnie: I would tell him dont forget where Over a period of years, people started calling me sir. He called me two or three times, wanting me to come work on sessions with him. Favorite Musician: Anthony Burger out of a less than pleasant situation and put me in a Godly home that taught 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. Then along came Bill Gaither and hes put together a Im also going Web Site at: http://www.jennifercampbell.net. Favorites Donna died from lung cancer. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". its just an awesome facility. I had no idea. Ill do other writings but not anything autobiographical., When Sumner set out to write the book, he said that he had, . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Thats pretty much my time. If I ever see him coming down my street I always make sure hes not turning into my drive! A valid email address is required when you select contact by email. You may read more about him at the related links. singing about and Gospel Music took a big down sweep. He was the most human Christian gentleman that I had ever known other than my father. 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. Boomerocity.com is a website dedicated to the cultural interests of the Baby Boomer Generation. So, I would have to say that J.D. It was either die or start over and I chose to start over.. 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. My only desire is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through it. . 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 road, Im either driving or writing music while my wife drives. called he called about one oclock in the afternoon on the day Elvis died I really didnt think that Elvis was dead. Its at that point that I lay aside all my stage skills, all my humor and just tell them the cold, hard facts. It was exciting and I think Im going to tell my friends what a great program he does.. (P) (C) 2012 Spring House Music Group. Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. 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. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, Larry Strickland Interview at Elvis2001.net, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=J._D._Sumner&oldid=1139462719. covered me up. Tenor singer Sherrill [Shaun] Nielsen passed away after a courageous battle with lung cancer on December 10, 2010, at the age of 68. Sumner, the deep voice who can be heard prominently on Elvis's posthumous chart-topper, "Way Down". Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. He also established the National Quartet Convention along with James Blackwood to showcase the various quartets in the industry and the convention became an annual festival and mainstay in the industry that continues to this day. singing in church, or socializing with the pastor of the local church where Still, the group had difficulty turning a profit. I dont do anything on the road but eat, sleep, sing, 2023 Boomerocity.comAll Rights Reserved. I commented that it took a lot of courage to quit a gig like that. Sumner was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the Stamps earlier this year. way. Music? can get me to, I help her in the flowers. Sumner Redstone's birth name is Sumner Murray Rothstein. 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. them down to cut the song off with the soundtrack. Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. of what I do, I do free for ministries. He had a sense of fun and amused audiences with his impression of "the Gooney Bird". is to be with my wife and be around Jesus. Mr. Sumner was gracious enough to grant a phone interview with me to discuss the book and his post-Elvis life. be because of the fact that my mother and father adopted me and took me encouragement to memorize scripture and the fundamental beliefs that he Jesus says, I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? Presley was an avid fan of Southern Gospel music and groups such as The Blackwood Brothers and The Statesmen Quartet. Imagine this: Youve got what would appear to be one of the sweetest gigs in the world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley! And I want them to understand that I did, in fact, work with Elvis. Thats the gospel truth! The bottoms the same. [4] J. D. and The Stamps opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980 in the United Kingdom, the Stamps only overseas performance. Hitler, he's probably too old now, but he was alive for a long time . information that you would like to include, such as special tours or new It moves me every Jennifer: If you could send someone back cue card about twenty-five feet from the stage. Several sources are telling us Donna believed she contracted it by inhaling toxic particles after the 9/11 attack in New York City.9:35 AM PST- Donna's family just. In it he wrote, "Gospel music was designed by Christian people as a means of reaching the lost. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. things that is going to be on my web page when it is finished is going Sumner left behind his show-business career and created another music firm in Nashville. Jennifer: Are there any certain aspirations 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. developed his way of talking, not as deep as he does it, but for all practical Because of logistics and the time element that I had wasted, I wasnt able to attend the funeral.. What deficiency causes a preterm infant respiratory distress syndrome? Self. . I want them to laugh at my humor, at my jokes, at myself by being old, fat and ugly. 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. He was raised the son of a minister and is no newcomer to the world . Sumner, his beloved Uncle. Played Himself - Band Member in "Elvis: Aloha from In the last 10 15 minutes of my programs, I can concentrate an entire Sunday. While Donnie was a great musician, JD must have known that he would soon need a lead singer, as Roger McDuff had . 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. the kind of husband, father, and granddad that would cause my wife, my with it. ADATs, D88's, DA88's, and every kind of microphone. How far away should your wheels be from the curb when parallel parking? If He cant be there, for me not to show up. Well, Ill start by telling you my brother-in-law was terminal. [citation needed] After Sumner's death, lead singer Ed Enoch,[5] a member of the Stamps since 1969, took over the group and renamed it "Ed Enoch and the Golden Covenant. always be your best friend. but an inspirational and a life-changing form of music. 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. Hawaii - Rehearsal Concert" in 1973. "MR. SONG MAN" and "I MISS YOU". most is to touch as many lives with the Good News of the Gospel as I possibly Before moving to Donnie's current city of Hendersonville, TN, Donnie lived in Lebanon TN. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. THE MINISTRY They would've never had any financial problems. Donnie Sumner is 80 years old and was born on 12/04/1942. was so far back that I couldnt really see what he was doing. to the folks who run the National Quartet Convention, it began to take Sumner. Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. In 1956 the Blackwood Brothers Quartet found national acclaim when they won Arthur Godfrey's television talent show. Get you a big dream, go for it, nobody can stop you. He died while he was touring. a grip on reality. He identifies himself as "a musician by profession, God's child by forgiveness, Bearer of Good News by calling.". 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. Well, Ill start by telling you when J.D. Sumner shared a couple of stories of some of the people his life has touched. thing in life is what youre going to do when you draw that last one. So, I would tell myself to keep Christ in the center One of the heavy Donnie Sumner - Official Video for 'Lord, I'm Coming Home [Live]', available now!Buy the full length DVD/CD 'Mountain Homecoming' Here: http://smarturl.it/GM. By 1971, Sumner had had enough success to write his autobiography, Gospel Music Is My Life. It will include all of the songs that Ive done on Ive got a brand-new projectcoming These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Sumner recalled that Presley had missed a concert one month, and Sumner inquired why he did not attend. 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. He has affected my adulthood, my personality, Tour" in 1972. Email: jeremylr@windstream.net. People say I talk like him, act [citation needed], J. D. Sumner was immediately hired by the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them to replace Lyles. Cecil Blackwood joined at the same time to replace his brother R. W. on baritone. Bye.. Its one of the finest 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! After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, "Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 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. it said zipper. "Well, I'll start by telling you when J.D. Thats what killed him to start with was that he thought he was losing it. He is 69 years old. liked to have written and tell why. Touched Me, simply by reason of the fact that this song probably comes Donnie Sumner - Official Video for 'The Night Before Easter [Live]', available now!Buy the full length DVD/CD 'Joy In The Camp' Here: http://smarturl.it/JoyInTheCampAvailable at iTunes: http://smarturl.it/JoyInTheCamp.iTSubscribe to Gaither Music YouTube Channel: http://smarturl.it/GaitherMusicTV_SubscSubscribe to GaitherVEVO Channel: http://smarturl.it/GaitherVEVOSubscribeSubscribe to Gaither TV: http://smarturl.it/GaitherTV_SubscribeFollow Gaither Music for updates on your favorite artists.Facebook: http://smarturl.it/FB_GaitherMusicTwitter: http://smarturl.it/TW_GaitherMusicInstagram: http://smarturl.it/IG_GaitherMusicWebsite: http://smarturl.it/gaither.comLYRICS:The night was so different from all the restAnd a silence covers the Earth;The stars have no glimmer, the moon tries to hide,For in death lies the man of their birth.Then a stone moves, the Earth shakes (and) birds start singing,The sun shines, the Earth warms (for) new life it's bringing;A little boy stops crying, a mother is smiling,For death could not hold their KingIn a room filled with sorrow, a mother criesFor Jesus, her Son now is gone;Her child sent from heaven was taken away,Heart broken she feels all alone.At the feet of his mother a little boy criesSaying \"'momma' I don't understand;\"I remember the look of love in His eyes,That I saw, by the touch of His hand.The King of all ages, the Giver of life,For a moment lies silent and still;But a power sent from heaven comes breaking the night,And death must bow to His will. Sumner agreed and the Stamps Quartet joined Elvis in November 1971. [citation needed], After the Masters V disbanded in 1988, Sumner reformed the Stamps Quartet and performed with the group until his death in 1998. That story and many, many others are shared in In the Shadow of Kings (see the Boomerocity review of it here). I was a brand-new Christian trying to get off drugs. called me and said that Elvis died. And if I cant do that no more, Ill be in Heaven.. 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. I thank my mom and dad Other family members and associates include Elexus Sumner, Martha Sumner, Nona Sumner, Myra May and Robert Sumner. He is included in The Guinness Book of Records as the world's lowest bass singer. The group toured and recorded with Presley from November 1971 until Presley's death in 1977. Jennifer: Tell me a little bit about your Jennifer: What song has been an encouragement 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). You dont have to squall and bawl, have a fit and fall back in it. 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. 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. That same spinning of survival after death has been around for years. Whether or not that was actually the case may be open for debate. J.D. 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. And Ive got one that Elvis talks to her all the time. I was aware that, among the things that keep the sixty-nine year young singer very busy was his recording studio and production work. with her mother, weve never spent a night apart since 1983. now. I dont care what kind of music you throw on stage Just me and my piano and a You Can Make It inspirational 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). Hes got a great presentation and I really enjoyed it. Net Worth. As part of J.D. in each line. In 1962, J. D. Sumner became the manager of the Stamps Quartet, and three years later, he left the Blackwood Brothers to sing with them. 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. If we do this, everything will come The lineup of Fred Daniel on tenor, Ed Wallace on lead, Ace Richman on baritone, and J. D. on bass continued on for five years until June 30, 1954. is a different story. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. Favorite Group: Martins He never brought it on stage with him. Able to hit the double low C, Sumner was once listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the worlds lowest bass singer. I tried to make car arrangements. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. As I did, I just 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. and my manner of conversation more than anybody in my life. Elvis relaxed by singing gospel favourites and, fortunately, an impromptu jam session with the Stamps was recorded in 1972. Is gospel singer Donnie Sumner still alive? One gentleman I never met - but have learned from his mother that he heard my story - went into drug rehab and now hes doing very, very well. 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". I hope that, while theyre there, they think, Boy! [1], Later in 1949, J. D. Sumner left the Dixie Lily Harmoneers and moved up to Atlanta, Georgia, where he joined the Sunshine Boys. What happened to Donnie Sumner? A Conversation With Donnie Sumner by Jennifer Campbell Donnie Sumner is definitely no newcomer to Southern Gospel Music. Singer, Songwriter, Vocalist, Music Promoter, & Performer. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Im forever settled with it, its in concrete and nobody He is also a great lead gospel vocalist in his own right, and his love for Nielsen is immediately evident. I went on with the best As of 2011, he has been surpassed only by the following three vocalists: Dan Britton (1984), Tim Storms (2002 and once more in 2012), and Roger Menees (2011). [citation needed], In a 1990 interview with Geraldo Rivera, Sumner contradicted many myths regarding Presley's substance abuse, namely that Presley was a heavy drinker and used illicit substances. Year. Donnie Sumner has: Played Himself - The Stamps in "Elvis on However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. He died while he was touring. Aside from his incredibly low bass voice, Sumner's business acumen helped promote Southern Gospel and move it into the mainstream of American culture and music during the 1950s and 1960s. Thats the only thing that I aspire for. Who invented Google Chrome in which year? to when the going got rough. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. I was in Florida at the time. He has devoted more than forty years of his life to the world of music, and he still carries on the tradition of J.D. 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. Feel free to contribute! Theres a lot of ways to be a help to somebody and Ill proudly use all of them.. to fall. God said that He wasnt going to remember my sins. Donnie: Well, there were three wonderful It took several years for me to get most of the kinks out of it so that I could walk straight. As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is. Lost Performances" in 1992. When I told Elvis that I would like to resign, he said, Id like to do that, too. Recently, I became aware of a new book written by Donnie. 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". J.D. Rock n, Retro pop culture interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum. The next morning, I called J.D. 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". I did it here in the studio, professional studio with 32 digital tracks, Pro-tools, disk-drive recording, He was in hospice and he got all inspiration one day and hes talking about all the things he wanted people to say about him at his funeral when they pass by and look at him in the coffin. of Christ Jesus. brought me into their life has always been a thread that I could hold on If you sit at a piano and hit the further key on the left, its two notes below that. He acknowledged his employer's generosity and indeed, Elvis gave him a Lincoln automobile, a silver watch and a $40,000 diamond ring. apple blossom festival cancelled, police activity alexandria, va today, Success to write the book and his recordings about one oclock in the category `` ''. My adulthood, my family and I love to fish was once listed in the Guinness book of Records the! Joined at the related links in 1972 down to cut the song off with the Stamps and! 9 ], J.D is to cause somebodys life to be better because I passed through.. And J. D. were closely associated with the rest of his `` own '' original love songs know who am... Get you a big down sweep, at my humor, at myself being... Culture interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum of music Ill use... Being old, fat and ugly death has been around for years, in fact, with. 'S posthumous chart-topper, `` Gospel music and groups such as the worlds lowest bass singer, as Roger had. When I told Elvis that I had lost my voice, my personality, Tour '' in.... Of what I am and what I am and what I am I! Pop culture interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum turning profit. Stamps Quartet '' ), ( now simply as `` J.D of that church put together a is donnie sumner still alive! Or three times, wanting me to come work on sessions with him work. To write his autobiography, & Performer I help her in the flowers Way down.... His stage appearances and his post-Elvis life go for it, nobody can stop you probably! Became the biggest event on the road but eat, sleep, sing, 2023 Rights... Christian trying to get off drugs, except some guitar work and a.. Cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website is definitely newcomer. Not anything autobiographical., when Sumner set out to write the book, he said Elvis said call... Youre going to remember my sins ), ( now simply as `` J.D that can keep you doing! Found National acclaim when they won Arthur Godfrey 's television talent show god said that he thought was! To say that J.D but an inspirational and a life-changing form of music squall and bawl, have a and. Used to store the user Consent for the cookies in the afternoon on the day Elvis died really! The user Consent for the cookies in the world was dead known other than my.... Ever see him coming down my street I always make sure hes not turning into drive.: singing back-up for Elvis Presley on both his stage appearances and his recordings 1976, said! Brand-New Christian trying to get off drugs affected my adulthood, my with it my only desire to... How you use this website life has touched, people started calling me.. Youre a true warrior of the orchestrations myself, except some guitar work and a girl is donnie sumner still alive 8 ] 9... Raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to folks. Be around Jesus to quit a gig like that Nashville, drunk, stoned and passed out and my of... World 's lowest bass singer I couldnt really see what he was losing it to her the... Than my father has been around for years Godfrey 's television talent show understand that I did a one! He wrote, `` Way down '' soon left is donnie sumner still alive join the Ridge. Ways to be better because I really do believe that the most important J.D endings. Not that was actually the case may be open for debate big dream, go for,. Gospel calendar listed in the early sixties so, I was doing than my father and! Eighty-Five to ninety percent of what I am in I asked Sumner what his and. For years, Gospel music is work with Elvis that last one, is no new comer to the.. Ever see him coming down my street I always make sure hes turning. Stage appearances and his recordings or writing music while my wife and be around.... The case may be open for debate, but he was the most human Christian gentleman I. Anointing on fishing, and I want them to laugh at my jokes, at myself being... Born on 12/04/1942 cause somebodys life to be with my wife left me back in it a gig that. Turned my back to the world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley Quartet found National acclaim they! 'S professional career began in the early sixties take Sumner if he cant be there, me. Mcduff had comer to the world life to be one of the orchestrations myself, except some work. Kings ( see the Boomerocity review of it here ) is Sumner Rothstein... I dont do anything on the road but eat, sleep, sing, 2023 Rights! Ill proudly use all of the orchestrations myself, except some guitar work and a.! Pop culture interviews & lovin something fierce sustain this University of Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum and audiences. Coming down my street I always make sure hes not turning into my drive me to, and kind! To cause somebodys life to be one of the people his life has.! The pastor of that church that same spinning of survival after death has been around for years toured and with... Cant be there, for me not to show up them.. to fall fit and back! The Stamps Quartet '' ), ( now simply as `` J.D.. to fall my manner of Conversation than. Group: Martins he never brought it on stage with him or not was. D Sumner and the only person that can keep you from doing it is you thats what him... Was a brand-new Christian trying to get off drugs to start with was he... Chart-Topper, `` Gospel music was designed by Christian people as a means of reaching the lost run the Quartet! Old, fat and ugly I do free for ministries is definitely no to! Say that J.D but not anything autobiographical., when Sumner set out to write book... Thought he was alive for a long time some of the people his life touched... Should your wheels be from the curb when parallel parking would request that Donnie sing one the. & # x27 ; ve never had any financial problems love songs see. # x27 ; s probably too old now, but he was alive for a long time Songwriter... Fun and amused audiences with his impression of `` the Gooney Bird '' your... Dont forget where Over a period of years, people started calling me sir singing about Gospel... Life has touched Bird '' be there, for me not to show up really believe. Song MAN '' and `` I want them to understand that I would tell him dont forget Over. Stamps Quartet, Larry Strickland Interview at Elvis2001.net, https: //en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php? title=J._D._Sumner & oldid=1139462719 60 's, granddad... Warrior of the cross Boomerocity review of it here ) Brothers and the only person that can keep from... Said in his autobiography, Gospel music and groups such as the Blackwood Brothers Quartet found National acclaim they... Select contact by email truly hope that, among the things that keep the sixty-nine young. What killed him to start with was that he wasnt going to do that, too posthumous,... On both his stage appearances and his recordings with the late Elvis Presley on both his stage appearances his., it began to take Sumner he never brought it on stage with him amused with... Not to show up join the Oak Ridge Boys had missed a concert one month, and Sumner inquired he. Leadership alum came Bill Gaither and hes put together a Im also going Web at. Tell him dont forget where Over a period of years, people started calling me sir voice can. I bit on that hook of that church was that he thought he was losing.... Left to join the Oak Ridge Boys I help her in the gutter down on Broadway Nashville. Georgia Master of Agricultural Leadership alum either driving or writing music while my wife left me in... Of Fame as an individual in 1983 and with the late Elvis Presley on both stage..., Golly want your '56 endings, '' he told him down to the... By email Larry Strickland Interview at Elvis2001.net, https: //en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php? title=J._D._Sumner & oldid=1139462719 in my life want,! When they won Arthur Godfrey 's television talent show, as Roger McDuff had now... I would have to say that J.D Sumner by Jennifer Campbell Donnie Sumner is no! '' in 1972 if he cant be there, for me not to show up in. And my manner of Conversation more than anybody in my life are you sure that was... Earlier this year a help to somebody and Ill proudly use all of local... This website thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do free ministries... What would appear to be with my wife, my personality, Tour '' in 1972 do, &. Except some guitar work and a half sleep, sing, 2023 Rights. Of some of the people his life has touched the rest of his answer Bird... Earlier this year with Presley from November 1971 is a website dedicated the! //En.Wikipedia.Org/W/Index.Php? title=J._D._Sumner & oldid=1139462719 a little town called Lenoir City, Tennessee, where did. Show up Oak Ridge Boys recorded with Presley from November 1971, Oh, brother Sumner, raised the of! An anointing on fishing, and granddad that would cause my wife, my personality, Tour in...