J. D. Sumner

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John Daniel "J. D." Sumner (November 19, 1924 - November 16, 1998) was an American singer and songwriter. "J.D." Sumner was born in Lakeland, Florida. Sumner was inspired to become a bass singer at the age of four after hearing Frank Stamps perform. He began developing his talent from that moment.

Sumner served in the United States military during World War II from 1942 until his discharge in 1945. He began to pursue his dream of being a bass singer when he formed the "Sunny Side Quartet." He began to make a name for himself after joining the "Sunshine Boys" in 1948.

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[edit] Sumner/Blackwood partnership

In 1954, The Blackwood Brothers members R. W. Blackwood and Bill Lyles lost their lives in a plane crash. James Blackwood asked Sumner to replace Lyles in the bass slot. When Sumner joined this group, his fame began to skyrocket.

Sumner and James Blackwood soon became partners in a number of business ventures that took on a life of their own. In 1956, they formed the National Quartet Convention, an event which continues to be the largest event in gospel music. Sumner dubbed it "the Granddaddy of them all." Sumner and Blackwood also formed the Gospel Music Association, which recognizes achievement annually in all forms of gospel music through the Dove Awards. Sumner and Blackwood adapted the first bus for touring purposes.

The two men purchased the Stamps Quartet in 1963. Sumner continued to sing with the Blackwood Brothers for a period of time after this. He ultimately decided to leave the group and sing with the Stamps so he could manage them directly. It is during this time JD decided that each singer needed a microphone, thus the beginning of the use of individual microphones. In time they began to be billed as "J. D. Sumner and the Stamps."

[edit] Elvis Presley

In November of 1971, J. D. Sumner and the Stamps were invited to tour with Elvis Presley. The group became a regular fixture with Presley until his last concert on June 26th, 1977. The Stamps were also featured on most of Presley’s studio recordings between 1972 and 1977. In the midst of their popularity while performing with Presley, the Stamps released what is probably their most critically acclaimed recording, a double LP titled Live At Murray State. The singers joining J. D. Sumner on that recording were Ed Hill, Ed Enoch, and Bill Baize.

[edit] Masters V

Sumner disbanded the Stamps in 1980. He then joined Jake Hess, Hovie Lister, Rosie Rozell, and James Blackwood to form the Masters V. This group of "living legends" toured until 1988. Lister served as the group's emcee while Sumner injected his brand of dry humor into their performances.

[edit] Guinness Book Of World Records

In 1983, the Guinness Book Of World Records recognized Sumner's 1966 solo recording of the hymn "Blessed Assurance." According to Guinness, the song contained the lowest recorded note ever produced by a human voice, a "double low" C. The recording was re-issued in 1984 as part of Sumner's solo project Thank God For Kids and again in 1999 posthumously on The Wait Is Over.

(Note: This record was later surpassed by Dan Britton and again by current record-holder Tim Storms.)

[edit] Stamps Reborn

After the Masters V disbanded in 1988, J.D. Sumner brought back the Stamps with former members Ed Hill and Ed Enoch. In the early 1990s, the Stamps were active participants in the Gaither Homecoming videos. They also enjoyed a great deal of success performing at Elvis Presley tribute events, both domestically and overseas. In addition to the two Eds, Rick Strickland and Jerry Kelso were members of the group during Sumner’s final years.

J.D. Sumner died in 1998 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He was on tour at the time of his death. In addition to his other accomplishments, he wrote more than 700 songs. He has also inspired many generations of future southern gospel singers, including the up in coming bass singer, Garrett Mathison.

[edit] Discography

1960s - Blackwoods Brothers recordings featuring J.D. Sumner:
1970s - Elvis Presley recordings featuring J.D. Sumner & The Stamps:
1970s - J.D. Sumner & The Stamps:
1980s - Masters V:
1980s - J.D. Sumner & The Stamps:
1990s - J.D. Sumner & The Stamps:

  • Golden Memories Of Elvis
  • The Real Facts About Elvis' Death
  • Peace In The Valley - 1993
  • The Final Sessions - 1999
  • Hall Of Fame - 1999

[edit] External links

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