J.D. Sumner & The Stamps: The Legacy of Gospel Music’s Most Iconic Bass Singer
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A Look into the Life of J.D. Sumner
J.D. Sumner was a music icon and a pivotal figure in the modern Southern Gospel music genre. Born on November 19th, 1924 in Lakeland, Florida, Sumner grew up in a family of musicians, singing in his church choir from a young age. He began performing with the Sunshine Boys Quartet at the age of 19 and formed the Stamps Quartet in 1949, which would later become J.D. Sumner & The Stamps.
How old was J.D. Sumner when he passed away?
J.D. Sumner passed away at the age of 73 on November 16th, 1998, due to a heart attack.
Was J.D. Sumner married?
Yes, J.D. Sumner was married to his wife Orphelia Sumner for over 50 years until his passing in 1998.
Did J.D. Sumner have any children?
J.D. Sumner and his wife Orphelia had a daughter named Donna Sumner Mashburn.
How tall was J.D. Sumner?
J.D. Sumner stood at an impressive 6’5″ tall, a stature that was as prominent as his remarkable voice.
A Career Built on an Incredible Voice
J.D. Sumner’s deep bass voice was what set him apart from other singers in the industry. His range and control of his voice captivated audiences, cementing his status as one of the greatest Gospel singers of all time. He was awarded the Gospel Music Association’s prestigious Dove Award on four separate occasions and was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame twice; once as a member of The Stamps and again as a solo artist.
What was J.D. Sumner’s favorite song to perform?
Although Sumner sang countless songs over his career, his personal favorite was “It’s All About Him”.
What were some of J.D. Sumner’s top songs?
J.D. Sumner’s impressive discography includes timeless classics such as “Amazing Grace”, “In the Sweet Bye and Bye”, “What A Lovely Name”, “I’m Bound for That City”, “When He Reached Down His Hand for Me”, and “Rainbow of Love”.
What type of music did J.D. Sumner and The Stamps perform?
J.D. Sumner & The Stamps performed Southern Gospel music, a genre characterized by its strong Christian messages and unique vocal harmonies.
How did J.D. Sumner & The Stamps become famous?
J.D. Sumner & The Stamps found fame through their incredible live performances and tours, often performing alongside Elvis Presley, with whom Sumner had a close relationship. Sumner’s unique voice and showmanship helped to catapult The Stamps into the mainstream, earning them a large and devoted fanbase.
What was J.D. Sumner’s net worth?
At the time of his passing, J.D. Sumner’s net worth was estimated to be $500,000, a testament to his success as a singer and performer.
A Legacy That Lives On
J.D. Sumner’s influence on the Gospel music industry and his contribution to Southern Gospel music is immeasurable. His incredible voice and passion for his craft inspired countless artists and continue to do so to this day.
What did industry professionals say about J.D. Sumner’s legacy?
“When you ask for a bass singer, the first name that comes to anyone’s mind is J.D. Sumner,” said Bill Gaither, a legendary Gospel music composer. “He was one of the all-time great voices, and he was so good to people. He could’ve been very high-maintenance, but he was not. He was very humble and giving, and he inspired all of us.”
Did J.D. Sumner pass on his talent to his family?
J.D. Sumner’s daughter, Donna Sumner Mashburn, has followed in her father’s footsteps, taking over his management company, Sumner & Associates, which continues to promote Gospel music and the legacy of her father.
What are some of the accolades that J.D. Sumner received?
In addition to his induction into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, J.D. Sumner was also inducted into the Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame and received an honorary doctorate from Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, Florida.
What was J.D. Sumner’s relationship with Elvis Presley?
J.D. Sumner had a close and long-standing friendship with Elvis Presley, performing with him on stage and in the studio. Sumner’s voice can be heard on some of Elvis’s classic recordings, including “Suspicious Minds” and “You Gave Me a Mountain”.
What was J.D. Sumner’s last performance?
J.D. Sumner’s last performance was a rendition of “How Great Thou Art”, which he sang with his daughter Donna Sumner Mashburn at a church service in Nashville, Tennessee, just three days before his passing.
What was J.D. Sumner’s impact on the Southern Gospel music genre?
J.D. Sumner’s influence on the Southern Gospel music genre is immeasurable. His unique voice and showmanship helped to elevate the genre into the mainstream, inspiring countless artists and pushing the boundaries of what was once considered just a regional and niche music genre.
In conclusion, J.D. Sumner’s incredible bass voice and his dedication to Gospel music have forever left a mark on the music industry and in the hearts of his fans. His timeless music continues to inspire and uplift people today, over two decades after his passing, cementing his status as an icon of Southern Gospel music and a treasure of American music history.
