Mrs. Dunn is survived by her children, Kathy Hall (Greg), Jimmy Dunn and. He passed away in November of 1998; just three days shy of his 74th birthday. Collect rumors like this that says if you Is Donnie Sumner dead? After spending time in a couple of different groups, he finally got the call from Uncle J.D. He had personal problems and demons, but he did a lot of good in his own way. The Lakeland native sang in The Stamps quartet that backed up Elvis from 1971 to 1973. How do I say this? 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. Sumner was born May 30, 1947, in Irwin County, Georgia, to the late Leonard & Lois Roberts Sumner. Sherrill still had the bandages around my head and during the song, blood started running down his forard. I, of course, have been aware of Donnie and his work both during and after his years with Presley. His first church was in the little town of Bradley Junction, Florida. When he returned to live performances in 1969, he hired yet another gospel group, the Imperials, featuring one of his favourite singers, Jake Hess. HovieLister, Jake Hess, and James Blackwood spoke about the fun times they hadwith J.D. 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. That's the chain of events that happened from struggling artist to big artist. Blackwood's father, two uncles and older brother were members of a famous Southern gospel group, the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, and Presley admired their music. Donald Sumner Donald "Donnie" Sumner, of Adel, Ga., died March 25, 2020. You dont have to squall and bawl, have a fit and fall back in it. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. 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. 'We'd be wired most of the time. Theres nuts out there everywhere.. At Elvis' request, they were flown to Vegas to sing backup on the Tom Jones show, and at the end of that engagement, Elvis signed the three voices: Donnie Sumner, Sherrill Nielsen and Tim Baty to be his personal gospel group, and he changed their name to 'Voice' (the name actually came from a religious periodical Elvis received). 615-512-7565 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. He was a carpenter and worked in construction. He rarely went to church or read the Bible, according to one close associate, and his partying and overindulgence in food and drugs eventually led to his death at age 42. Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Friday, September 17, 2021, at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, in Irwin County, Georgia, with the Rev. 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". was probably one of the three most recognizable names in the whole world of southern gospel music', Donnie said. Candle 1. It aint gonna be perfect tomorrow but, with Jesus living in ya, it can get better and better and better. Donnies uncle, the late J.D. comforted him afterGeorge's wife, Tammy Wynette, passed away. He called Presley 'the greatest gospel singer who ever lived'. By 1971, Sumner had had enough success to write his autobiography, Gospel Music Is My Life. 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. 'the greatest gospel singer who ever lived'. 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. 'He had a pitch problem. Elvis was known for expecting almost unconditional loyalty from those who worked for him. He was a fan of TV evangelist Rex Humbard, but otherwise gospel music was his whole religious world. Then Donnie Sumner spoke beautifully abouthis uncle and about his own fight against drug abuse; I don't think therewas a dry eye in the house. If you sit at a piano and hit the further key on the left, its two notes below that. Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. 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 . By this, he meant the way that Sumner would run down the scale and bottom out on the lowest note he could hit. Charlie (Hodge) would call from time to time to see how I was doing. It was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". During that marriage PeggySue and Donnie lived in several places including in Lindrith and Bloomfield, New Mexico. Find the obituary of Phoebe R. Harrison (1952 - 2022) from Sumner, IL. For the next three years Donnie was a constant houseguest, companion and arranger and associate musician to his friend Elvis. If I can do it with a song, Ill do it. 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. For Engagements Contact: The vast majority of them are false. For the brief moment that I had met and spoken with him, he struck me as a very kind and gentle man. 'It's kind of a world of fantasy'. also sang with Elvis Presley as backup along with "The Sunshine Boys," "The BlackWood Quartet," and "J.D. The album includes an instant classic, 'Peace in the Valley'. Whether or not that was actually the case may be open for debate. 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. 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. 'When I was with Elvis I had plenty of money, plenty of safety, plenty of access to anything I wanted. 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. Bill had worked as a Sawyer in Logging, and enjoyed watching Westerns and the Outdoors. It was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". He was born March 3, 1953, to Alma and Orba Sumner. . I hung up the phone and I started trying to find a flight to Memphis. 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'. I got saved - came back home. Hes got a good voice. Ronald Dale Ronnie Sumner, 74, of Irwin County, Georgia, died Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at his residence. (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. Please join us in Loving, Sharing and Memorializing Yvonne "Vonnie" Houston Futrell on this permanent online memorial. 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. This is an excellent release no fan should be without it. I wont go into the personal reasons why I know but J.D. By forgiveness, I'm a member of God's family, and I thank Him for everything I am or ever will be. wasimpressed by their arrangement of the song.) Besides the Blackwood Brothers, Presley idolized J.D. 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. J.D. The group's only UK appearance came when they opened for Jerry Lee Lewis in 1980. Sumner. He wanted to know if we were interested in it, and we were definitely interested in it'. . 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. Over the years, Donnie has served as a minister and evangelist, taking his message all over the country. 83 Obituaries. 1. for 59 weeks and 4 No. "The Lighthouse" Gospel Song by Donnie Sumner - Elvis' Gospel Band (The Stamps) High Quality Since childhood his favorite form of entertainment has been . Youve seen Bob Gruens work in galleries, books, and on the official John Lennon stamp by the U.S. Post Office. Jay Bonds and the Rev. He did and was now my youth minister at the church I was an associate at! 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.. Thats about eighty-five to ninety percent of what I do in an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. That guys got a lot of stage skills. Sumner, Ed Enoch, and Nick Bruno. That was the last time Donnie talked to Elvis face to face. He called me two or three times, wanting me to come work on sessions with him. It was when Donnie was singing with the Stamps that they got the call to tour with Elvis Presley. Stay up to date with Christian Music Archive via E-Mail! Being greatly gifted as a writer, Donnie is among the list of America 's most renowned inspirational composers . J.D. Sumner has been a part of my life for almost twenty years and as I wrote in a previous posting, I was fortunate to have met him five years ago. 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! 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. recitations, "The Farmer and the Lord," but gospel pianist Eva MaeLefevre got up and unfortunately spoke rather incoherently about her ownlife. 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. He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. Sumner and his quartet, the Stamps, had been performing at a theatre in Myrtle Beach. I just wanted to get out of the drugs and see if I could live. 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. Copyright Currentobituary.com, Your source for online obituaries and funeral notices. Donnie Sumner, a multi-talented veteran of musical performance, weaves together a fast-paced, well-planned, themed format of Sacred and Gospel repertoire, utilizing standard, as well as, his own original compositions. I asked Sumner what his reactions and thoughts were on that fateful day. 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. "I want your '56 endings," he told him. Raised in poverty, he earned a fortune, then gave away most of it. Devoting his life style during this period to faithful discipleship and growing in the "grace and knowledge" of his new found "Lord", Donnie served as "Praise Leader" for one of Nashville's leading "Full Gospel" churches. He was 73. 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. In the last 10 15 minutes of my programs, I can concentrate an entire Sunday. 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. 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. I tell you what, Randy, it dont take any courage. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. The next day was the recording session [7-9:20pm, 1:15-3:15am] September 22-23, 1973. Hovie. 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. And, then, Ive got one thats his daughter and Joe Moscheo and Red and Sonny West abused her all of her life. I was aware that, among the things that keep the sixty-nine year young singer very busy was his recording studio and production work. Reality is home, church and friends'. Website Design and SEO by WorkSmart Business Solutions. Highly recommended. When you hit bottom, you aint got no place to fall. Most of the acts were male quartets featuring four- part harmonies. He heard my story and that night he decided to start a new life. It was Humbards contention that southern gospel music had the same effect on Elvis. Another non-gospel song, 'Crying in the Chapel', that became a pop-chart hit. It was exciting and I think Im going to tell my friends what a great program he does.. 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". The only song completed from the tapes supplied by Felton Jarvis was 'Sweet Angeline' they then recorded Donnie Sumner's'I Miss You' then lacking anything else Elvis wanted to record, Sherrill suggested 'Are You Sincere?'. I was in Florida at the time. Unfortunately, you'll find many suicides that are not resolved . ", Hi ELVIS Friends, This is a great tribute to a great man wish I could have been there. That's what I've been doing for 48 years'. 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. Geraldo said, Why are you so sure? He said, If he wasnt dead, he woulda done killed Michael Jackson.. The family will receive friends Monday from 12:30 until 2:00 PM at Genesis full Gospel Church. attleboro obituaries this past weekend; elder high school alumni directory; edgewood valley country club initiation fee; heartland mallory and jake wedding; Gallery By Industry. Then Ive got one girl that has married Elvis after he died. 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. There's also a private recording from that period, where he sings 'Let Me Be The One' and 'Spanish Eyes'. He looked distinctive with his grey hair and hand cupped over his ear as though he were receiving personal messages from the Saviour. I never talked to J.D. Like those of you reading this article, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news that Elvis had died. In a way, he was an evangelist'. Can you imagine, Elvis: 'Hey Sherrill, The doc's here to give you a hair transplant'. Just before this Elvis had decided to gift Sherrill with a hair transplant if you can believe that! He was a member and deacon of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. On the Saturday morning before Labor Day in 1976, he stood on the balcony outside Elvis' suite trying to get the nerve to jump'. Presley recorded three gospel albums. Copyright 1999 2023 Dave Maurer Everybody thought he was a great singer, but what made him great in rock and roll was his appearance. Sumner, the deep voice who can be heard prominently on Elvis's posthumous chart-topper, "Way Down". Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. With a closeness to this lineage of musical greatness, it was only natural that the younger Sumner would take an interest in the family business. This site is sponsored as public resource by the independent funeral homes repesented here. Because of logistics and the time element that I had wasted, I wasnt able to attend the funeral.. . But Elvis never forgot Donnie. 1 albums ('56-'59). Interment will follow in the church cemetery. 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". Ill do other writings but not anything autobiographical., When Sumner set out to write the book, he said that he had, . The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. 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. Im not a scoundrel any more, thanks to Jesus. Absolutely nobody can communicate the lyrics of a gospel song like Elvis', Sumner said from Nashville. As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is more than standing on a stage or a way to make a living. 'I don't think anyone could judge him', Moscheo said. 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. 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. Then he was going to come back and freak everybody out. Blackwood himself was part of another quartet at the First Assembly in Memphis, the Songfellows, and Presley wanted to join. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Thursday evening at the funeral home in Ocilla. It only took one sentence for Donnie Sumner to describe his career in music'. 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. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. April 19, 1952 - They unloaded tons of recording equipment. 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. Yep, I dressed him. September 10, 2021. He was born in Marshes Siding, Kentucky on May 22, 1947 the son of Jerome and Nellie (Bryant) Sumner. 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. Ive been there and done that and these are the stories that Ive got to prove it. No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. 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. He said Elvis said to call and see how I was doing. Moscheo called him 'a lonely person'. Contemporary gospel singerMark Lowry told some funny stories about his six-year friendship with J.D. (I live fifty miles north of Nashville.) Donnie was with the Stamps until the Aloha from Hawaii concert in 1973. 'James Blackwell being one and Bill Gaither being one and J.D. View The Obituary For Yvonne "Vonnie" Houston Futrell. They dont see me in all the places of ill repute that I found myself in during that time period. Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. 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. Access to SGHistory.com may be temporarily blocked if multiple pages are loaded in less than ten seconds. Sumner and Mary Sumner and three siblings, Pete Sumner, Frieda Key and Gail Roddenberry.
