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. 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). Donnie Hooker the Rev. 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. But I never talked to Elvis again face-to-face. 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. 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. These stories begged the question about Sumners opinion as to the claim that Elvis staged his death in August of 1977. I said, Uncle Jake, are you sure that Elvis is dead? He went through all these things. 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. People never talked about J.D.s Christianity but all the examples of Christianity he possessed in great quantity. 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. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, 25% off everything with this Red Letter Days discount code, 20 extra entries with this Omaze promo code, 5% off UK Theme Parks using this Attraction Tickets discount code, Up to 10% off Sony Playstation gift cards, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK April 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this April, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. I was in a revival. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? 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. 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. Often appear in internet rumors and false news about the death of a famous class that logically affect their family and friends. It was during this time period that Donnie was seen on the Elvis, worldwide satellite television spectacular, "ALOHA FROM HAWAII ". 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. I was in tears. This is an excellent release no fan should be without it. I wouldn't be on the road as much as I am, staying away from my family, if it were not so. 'He had a feel and a passion for it. He can be seen on some of the Gather shows now. The ceremony was supposed to end with a videotape of one ofJ.D. 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. Donnie Sumner - Tour Coordinator Website Design and SEO by WorkSmart Business Solutions. His vibrato would be a quarter-tone on either side of the note. attleboro obituaries this past weekend; elder high school alumni directory; edgewood valley country club initiation fee; heartland mallory and jake wedding; Gallery By Industry. Imagine this: Youve got what would appear to be one of the sweetest gigs in the world: singing back-up for Elvis Presley! He did and was now my youth minister at the church I was an associate at! The last lines J.D. The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. Phoebe R. Harrison Obituary (1952 - 2022) | Sumner, IL - Echovita I hate to say it, but I turned into a stone drug addict'. There is no photo or video of Phoebe R. Harrison.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. "I want your '56 endings," he told him. Web: Obituary Daily Times Index, 1995-2016. I was in Florida at the time. Donnie Sumner, raised the son of a minister, is no new comer to the world of Christian music. Just before this Elvis had decided to gift Sherrill with a hair transplant if you can believe that! with J.D. Shaun (Sherrill) tells the story, 'Elvis had written it on a sheet of toilet tissue and it was for the sum of $100,000 for which we'd travel with him, write songs for his music company, and work with him. You can now see some of his choice work each month here on Boomerocity.com! Sherrill Nielsen: That was in Palm Springs. Entering this not that into the search form will return results containing "this" and not "that". . Donnie's uncle, the late J.D. Donnie Sumner Story All my life I wanted to be in a southern gospel quartet', he said. I made up this crazy excuse that I just couldnt afford to come up there. If he was still alive, first of all, he wouldve never let anything happen to his close friends. Donald Sumner Obituary (1953 - 2020) - Brunswick, GA - The Brunswick News Several grandchildren. Everybody thought he was a great singer, but what made him great in rock and roll was his appearance. On the Saturday morning before Labor Day in 1976, he stood on the balcony outside Elvis' suite trying to get the nerve to jump'. On Thursday, November 19, 1998 at 3:00:00 AM UTC-5, AlwysElvis wrote: After all these years without our precious J.D., I'd love an audio copy of his funeral service, (edited, of course). In 1956 the Blackwood Brothers Quartet found national acclaim when they won Arthur Godfrey's television talent show. Hell be back next week.. It was a time in his life that would be a roller-coaster ride of success and heartbreak and eventually redemption. Then the Stamps sang three songs, including "I Can Feel the Touch of HisHand," my favorite J.D. Obituary - Community Funeral Home Inc. of Beulaville NC . It was when Donnie was singing with the Stamps that they got the call to tour with Elvis Presley. 'I don't think anyone could judge him', Moscheo said. In the last 10 15 minutes of my programs, I can concentrate an entire Sunday. It only took one sentence for Donnie Sumner to describe his career in music'. You dont have to put on a football helmet and run at the gates of Heaven. That was the last time Donnie talked to Elvis face to face. I, of course, have been aware of Donnie and his work both during and after his years with Presley. 'When I was with Elvis I had plenty of money, plenty of safety, plenty of access to anything I wanted. Wanda Grey Slate Obituary 2023 - Moody Funeral Services After both of us laughing very hard at that comment, Donnie added, Yeah, I am absolutely positive that he is dead. I wish someone would have video or cassette taped it I'd lve a copy. I never talked to J.D. Geraldo said, Why are you so sure? He said, If he wasnt dead, he woulda done killed Michael Jackson.. Since he brought up the end of his life, I asked Donnie what, when hes joined Elvis in leaving this building called earth, he hopes his legacy is and how does he want to be remembered. Charlie (Hodge) would call from time to time to see how I was doing. Donnie was also afforded the honor of having a solo appearance in the Elvis documentary, " ELVIS ON TOUR" in which he was featured on the gospel song, "THE LIGHTHOUSE". (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. Like those of you reading this article, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news that Elvis had died. 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. One of the books I bought (but no longer have) was one written by the late televangelist, Rex Humbard. 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. 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. John Daniel Sumner, singer: born Lakeland, Florida 19 November 1924; married (two daughters); died Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 15 November 1998. 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. Geraldo asked him if he was certain that Elvis was dead. sang represented the man'soutlook on life: "If I can help somebody as I pass along Then my living shall not be in vain. And, then, I was in a little town called Lenoir City, Tennessee, where I did a concert. (J.D. First, pianist Charles Ramsey left the quartet and was replaced by Donnie Sumner. Bill had worked as a Sawyer in Logging, and enjoyed watching Westerns and the Outdoors. J.D. Sumner shared a story or two. Donnie is the nephew of the late J. D. SUMNER, nationally acclaimed as the "world's lowest bass singer." It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Phoebe R. Harrison of Sumner, Illinois, born in Olney, Illinois, who passed away on May 7, 2022, at the age of 70, leaving to mourn family and friends. Donnie Sumner will be in concert at First Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 4. (n.d.). Burial will follow in the church cemetery. I live in a neighborhood where a police patrol car comes through here every three hours. It was more or less a social thing for the first few years and it progressed', Donnie said. Donnie Sumner currently lives in Hendersonville, TN; in the past Donnie has also lived in Lebanon TN. Sumner in concert at First Baptist Sept. 4. - Record Herald If I can do it with a Scripture, Ill do it. Jesus is a new life, Jesus is an abundant life and Jesus is everlasting life'. Sumner and his quartet, the Stamps, had been performing at a theatre in Myrtle Beach. 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.