Jesus said, Lo, I am with you and thats where Im gonna stay!, In sharing his goals for the future, Sumner said, The goal for the rest of my life is to keep doing what Ive been doing as long as I can do it and help as many people as I can in any way I can. Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Friday, September 17, 2021, at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, in Irwin County, Georgia, with the Rev. Donnie's professional career began in the early sixties. You can now see some of his choice work each month here on Boomerocity.com! They wouldve never had any financial problems. Donnie Sumner: By profession, I'm a musician. 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. He was born March 3, 1953, to Alma and Orba Sumner. Can you imagine, Elvis: 'Hey Sherrill, The doc's here to give you a hair transplant'. He also formed the National Quartet Convention, which became the biggest event on the Southern gospel calendar. While Donnie was a great musician, JD must have known that he would soon need a lead singer, as Roger McDuff had been contemplating singing full-time with his brothers, John and Colman. In 1956 the Blackwood Brothers Quartet found national acclaim when they won Arthur Godfrey's television talent show. Bill had worked as a Sawyer in Logging, and enjoyed watching Westerns and the Outdoors. Web: Obituary Daily Times Index, 1995-2016. It was when Donnie was singing with the Stamps that they got the call to tour with Elvis Presley. That's what I've been doing for 48 years'. It was the only thing in this life that brought him relief', he said. These stories begged the question about Sumners opinion as to the claim that Elvis staged his death in August of 1977. Sumner - Donnie Sumner's uncle and one of the founders of The Stamps. Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up with the latest from Boomerocity.com. Website Design and SEO by WorkSmart Business Solutions. attleboro obituaries this past weekend; elder high school alumni directory; edgewood valley country club initiation fee; heartland mallory and jake wedding; Gallery By Industry. 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. If we can inspire people to live better lives, we've performed a ministry.". Presley recorded three gospel albums. 's face, I did not approach the bier. Donnie cleaned up his life and took a long break from performing. He said Elvis did not have an ideal voice for singing gospel but made up for it by conveying the power and emotion of the music. They kept talking about it on the news. Hes got a great presentation and I really enjoyed it. He looked distinctive with his grey hair and hand cupped over his ear as though he were receiving personal messages from the Saviour. Like those of you reading this article, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news that Elvis had died. They dont see me in all the places of ill repute that I found myself in during that time period. ), Donnie found time to write a book. He was a fan of TV evangelist Rex Humbard, but otherwise gospel music was his whole religious world. This site is sponsored as public resource by the independent funeral homes repesented here. Bye.. 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". The ceremony was supposed to end with a videotape of one ofJ.D. sumnercountysource.com OBITUARY: Donnie Lee Culbreath I asked Donnie for his thoughts on his legendary uncle. He didnt say that I wasnt!. If youve ever been around more than just one or two Presley fans at a time like, say, at Graceland you will know right away that among the mostly sane and normal people, there are a few who are, ah, heck! covered me up. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." Donnie Sumner currently lives in Hendersonville, TN; in the past Donnie has also lived in Lebanon TN. Since childhood his favorite form of entertainment has been "GOSPEL MUSIC" with styles ranging from "Foot-stompin' - hand-clappin' revival tunes" to what has become known in today's market as contemporary sacred music. . Elvis Presley had used a former gospel group, the Jordanaires, on many of his hit recordings. 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. 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. The family will receive friends Monday from 12:30 until 2:00 PM at Genesis full Gospel Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Roy Conner officiating. 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. U.S . 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'. Mr. Donnie Lee Culbreath of Cottontown, Tennessee passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, he was 64 years old. Thats the gospel truth! He left the group to form the Tennessee Rangers and began performing country music with a year residency at the Grand Old Opry. Those who knew Elvis agree he felt trapped by his fame. Donnie Sumner is listed in the credits for the following albums: Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. The King of Rock 'n' Roll also known for his religious music. The service beganwith a recording of a recent composition of J.D. After fifteen minutes, most of the congregation left while she wasspeaking. He was raised the son of a minister and is no newcomer to the world of Christian music. He was wearing his TCB ring and pendant which Elvis had given him. Eventually, Charlie Hodge, Elvis' right-hand man called and said they needed someone to help out with the high notes'. 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. 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. THE MINISTRY 615-512-7565 DONALD SUMNER OBITUARY. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet; Donnie is to the immediate left of Elvis. was probably one of the three most recognizable names in the whole world of southern gospel music', Donnie said. Contemporary gospel singerMark Lowry told some funny stories about his six-year friendship with J.D. His first church was in the little town of Bradley Junction, Florida. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. You dont have to put on a football helmet and run at the gates of Heaven. I came back years later and was the associate pastor of that church. Voice: The original group consisted of Sherrill Nielsen, Donnie Sumner and Tim Baty (Thinking About You). The Rev. She married Donnie Sumner in 1979 and their marriage brought forth 5 children, Jason Dwayne in 1980, Travis Lee in 1981, Vanessa Leeann in 1983, Jeremy Wade in 1986, and Cody Allen in 1990. 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". Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home - Olney 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. I tried to make car arrangements. The doctor cut a big hole in one of Elvis' sheets, draped it over him with his head centered inside the hole andproceeded to remove small plugs of hair from the back side of Sherrill's head and then inserted the plugs into holes he had previously made in the top of Sherrill's scalp. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." Both Donnie and J. D. were closely associated with the late ELVIS PRESLEY on both his stage appearances and his recordings. Elvis insisted his backup groups gather to sing gospel music after his concerts, sometimes until dawn. I was aware that, among the things that keep the sixty-nine year young singer very busy was his recording studio and production work. I wouldve dug a ditch just to get straight and live. 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. As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is more than standing on a stage or a way to make a living. Candle 3 . 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. His vibrato would be a quarter-tone on either side of the note. as members of the Masters V and with Bill Baize they sang "Peace. 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. "The Lighthouse" Gospel Song by Donnie Sumner - Elvis' Gospel Band (The Stamps) High Quality J.D. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." Sumner's funeral is set for Thursday, on what would have been his 74th birthday, in Nashville. on the Gaither Homecoming videos and thensang "The Star Spangled Banner" with his Gaither Vocal Band. Deciding that he needed to leave the tour and enter rehab, Donnie first had to tell his boss, who was in the hospital at the time. He was a carpenter and worked in construction. Another non-gospel song, 'Crying in the Chapel', that became a pop-chart hit. It was Humbards contention that southern gospel music had the same effect on Elvis. Youve seen Bob Gruens work in galleries, books, and on the official John Lennon stamp by the U.S. Post Office. What made him great in gospel was his ability to tell a story. He didnt wear his salvation on his arm sleeve. Entering this not that into the search form will return results containing "this" and not "that". The doctor then wrapped Sherrill's entire head in a huge, thick blanket of gauze. Sumner, who backed up Presley on concert tours from 1971 to '77, sang on Presley's . 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.. 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. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. Gospel music is my life.". Select one or more of the available filters to get started. But I never talked to Elvis again face-to-face. Hes got a good voice. Entering this or that into the search form will return results containing either "this" or "that". He was a member and deacon of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. (70 years old). Because of his various commitments, Sumner was managing, rather than singing with, the Stamps. At the end of "Nearer My God To Thee", Elvis says, "I was singing bass, but J.D. 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). Biography. 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. By 1971, Sumner had had enough success to write his autobiography, Gospel Music Is My Life. He died while he was touring. Thats the best part of the whole piece is if I can help somebody.. Not only that, but Elvis really considers you a close friend. Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. 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. I hope that, while theyre there, they think, Boy! also sang with Elvis Presley as backup along with "The Sunshine Boys," "The BlackWood Quartet," and "J.D. Special? John Daniel Sumner, singer: born Lakeland, Florida 19 November 1924; married (two daughters); died Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 15 November 1998. Donnie Sumner will be in concert at First Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 4. After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. Candle 2. 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 identifies himself as "a musician by profession, God's child by forgiveness, Bearer of Good News by calling.". Donnie Sumner is 80 years old and was born on 12/04/1942. recorded was "If ICan Help Somebody." 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. His mother took him occasionally, and he knew the basics of Christian teaching, but he was otherwise 'religiously illiterate', Sumner said. My uncle said for me to sing until they got somebody, and I sang for eight years', he said. It was either die or start over and I chose to start over.. On stage, Elvis would liken Sumner's voice to a B-52 bomber - and that was a compliment. That's the chain of events that happened from struggling artist to big artist. 1. for 59 weeks and 4 No. 73-year-old Sumner was found dead of a heart attack in his hotel room in Myrtle Beach, SC. Joe Moscheo, who was a keyboard player and singer with The Imperials when they backed up Elvis from 1969 to 1972. Christian Music Archive is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. 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. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Thursday evening at the funeral home in Ocilla. 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. Yeah, special. I had to ask Sumner if his friendship with Elvis was harmed by his departure or, for that matter, what his Uncle J.D.s reaction was. He was a Glynn County firefighter and a painter. years Donnie endeavored to create a secular music firm in Nashville , Tennessee under the banner of SPIRIT AND ASSOCIATES. I had no idea. Kenneth Alan Shaw. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. Then Ive got one girl that has married Elvis after he died. Well, Ill start by telling you my brother-in-law was terminal. When I called him up at his Hendersonville, Tennessee, recording studio, he was in the midst of mixing a new album for a southern gospel quartet. HovieLister, Jake Hess, and James Blackwood spoke about the fun times they hadwith J.D. 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". 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'. His parents; brother, Donnie Sumner; and sisters, Reba Faye Sumner, Myrtle Tucker, Minnie New, and Mary Murphy precede him in death. George Richey spoke of how J.D. They unloaded tons of recording equipment. 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. 'He had a pitch problem. 'I think he was a Christian, a believer. Spirit Ministries / Att. J.D. Elvis' guitarist, James Burton flew in, Charlie Hodge played acoustic guitar, Donnie Sumner played the piano with Voice supplying bass. Hes come back as Jessie and hes got a new record out. I love you. 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. Name: Location: Video: Image: Light A Candle. 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. He was born in Marshes Siding, Kentucky on May 22, 1947 the son of Jerome and Nellie (Bryant) Sumner. 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.. 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. Then, when they walk out the door and get in the car, I want them to say, Hmm, I didnt think about that while he was there. From time to time Elvis would request that Donnie sing one of his "own" original love songs. A valid email address is required when you select contact by email. 's, "God Still Lives inThis Ole House." Time and again, Elvis would ask him to repeat low notes. As he said in his autobiography, "Gospel music is more than standing on a stage or a way to make a living. http://www.donniesumner.com/about_donnie.asp. I have more books on the subject of Elvis than I do any other singular subject and thats after having lost one or two of them. to join his group, the Stamps, as a pianist. Imagine this: Youve got what would appear to be one of the sweetest gigs in the world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley! Gospel music executive BobWhitaker and former Stamps pianist and current MCA Nashville presidentTony Brown said a few words. One of the books I bought (but no longer have) was one written by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard. 2023 Boomerocity.comAll Rights Reserved. . Elvis Interviews , Elvis Articles , Elvis Biography , By David Adams. I hung up the phone and I started trying to find a flight to Memphis. Finally, it all came to a head. 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. Elvis made sure that each of the performers in his entourage were well taken care of, which means they had anything and everything at their fingertips'. 'How Great Thou Art' (1967) won Elvis his first Grammy for Best Sacred Album. George's wife, Tammy Wynette, passed away. 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. This video remembers Donald Lee Sumner, Jr, who passed away from Covid in December 2020. His parents; brother, Donnie Sumner; and sisters, Reba Faye Sumner, Myrtle Tucker, Minnie New, and Mary Murphy precede him in death. It was more or less a social thing for the first few years and it progressed', Donnie said. wouldhumorously pick on him. It was from such occasions that Elvis eventually came to record two of Donnie's country songs. Need addtional information, permission to use an article/picture, and/or advertise on boomerocity.com. comforted him afterGeorge's wife, Tammy Wynette, passed away. The bottoms the same. 'James Blackwell being one and Bill Gaither being one and J.D. 'I don't think anyone could judge him', Moscheo said. 's funeral yesterday. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. 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".

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