He Sang With Elvis Presley and Sang The Lowest Note Ever Recorded - The Grave of JD Sumner

Join me as we visit Woodlawn Cemetery in Nashville Tennessee, to visit the grave of Elvis Presley confidant and Gospel Music icon JD Sumner.
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[@leemontoya8028]

What a Class Act! and a true friend to the King! RIP: JD & EP

[@tammywilliams7381]

I'm a Memphis TN girl born and breed. I've been an Elvis fan all my life and yes him and JD were great friends and gospel was Elvis's first love.

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate you sharing that.

[@jimzwiener1981]

I am 73 years old and have loved J D Sumner since I was a teenager. Still listen to him for hours at a time. The few that have surpassed his lowest note have done it barely, using low range microphone pick-ups, largely unavailable at JD's time, and in the vocal "fry" type of sound. Although he has been gone nearly 25 years, it is my humble opinion that he had the most mellifluous, usable low range ever.

[@MrPanchoak]

Wonderful singer, and Christian. Can't wait to see him again and listen to him singing with angels.

[@Whittdocs]

Wonderful man.

[@idahays7322]

When Elvis was on Stage, he always introduced his Band and Back up Singers, I remember JD especially at the end of How Great Thou Art, J D would go, Ohooooooooo real low. That is how we got to know who was on Stage with him, Elvis loved Gospel, that was his favorite Songs to Sing, he loved Singing all his Songs especially Gospel, they were Elvis’s Musical Family and Friends, especially JD and the Stamps, and Jordanaires and Joe his Manager and his group. They all had So much love and respect for one another, and always had so much fun.

[@brianduchow1745]

I know who JD Sumner is. I am a HUGE Elvis fan! JD is the best bass singer of all time in my book!

[@quebot1111]

I remember him. Saw him singing with Elvis and listened to his gospel music

[@Whittdocs]

Thanks for sharing that.

[@joanlorenz5574]

Love JD Sumner! I was fortunate enough to see him perform in person.

[@Whittdocs]

I was too. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.

[@peppysmom2708]

I remember JD Sumner. Mostly though Elvis Presley. He had a fantastic voice! Thank you for posting this video.

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate you sharing that. Thank you.

[@richardjohnson40]

He sang with Bill Gaither. Group. Yes. I have heard of jd Sumner always picking on George younge they both. Great voices. Rest in peace. To both. Thanks for sharing fod bless you

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for this comment.

[@TammyA165]

I love Elvis so yes I knew of JD Sumner and I also met him one time. Very nice man

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for the comment.

[@kimfreels9978]

I also myself got to meet JD himself. Him and the stamps came to our church for the anniversary celebration. He was absolutely a wonderful man.

[@1CathyHendrix]

I remember him. My grandparents and parents were huge fans of J.D. Remember his music well!

[@Whittdocs]

Thanks for sharing that with us. That’s great.

[@cookielady7662]

Yes, have heard of him. My husband and I are southern gospel fans. TFS his burial place and a little of his history ~ Betty

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate your comment. Thanks for watching.

[@lillwomack3857]

Yes I have heard of him my mother was a huge Elvis fan she made me promise to make sure my granddaughters knows who Elvis is my mom was born in Kentucky I love what your doing keep up the good work 😊

[@Whittdocs]

Hello! I’m from Kentucky as well!

[@elaineBolding6894]

Elvis & J.D. were a great pair when they sang together. Awesome that you did this. ❤❤

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@rachelewilliams4770]

My late grandfather knew him they sang in the southern gospel industry and my grandfather gospel quartet opened for JD back then . I wasnt born yet . Rih mr. Sumner

[@Whittdocs]

That’s so neat! Thank you.

[@kellark]

As an Elvis fan Ive heard of JD Sumner. Elvis loved gospel so much that his only Grammy awards were for gospel songs. Thanks Whittdocs for another great video.

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate that Ken. Thank you.

[@davidmalcolm7615]

Definitely heard of J D..Love his voice, just amazing...Dave malcolm

[@jackstraszewski8913]

I've known of JD for many years, and love gospel music ! I sing bass in a group called the Suncoast Singers in southwest Michigan. Thanks for the video !❤

[@melissagalloway7675]

My father is a great lover of gospel music and JD Sumner is one of his favorite singers.

[@florabraswell8423]

Yes me and my ex husband met JD in Douglas Georgia “back a few month after Elvis passed away that was 1977 he was there with his wife , Ronnie Mac-dowel with Ronnie singing the song The King is dead l believe that was the name of it “ or maybe instead of “ is dead it might have been “is gone” I think it was “ is dead “ but my ex and l got to have JD all to ourselves because we arrived at the Park before anyone else 😊 he was so nice just as down to earth as he could be l took a few pictures of him he and I laughed about an incident of me holding my camera backwards “ JD said with that low baritone voice of his “ why your going to take a picture of your eyeballs holding the camera that way lol 😂 his wife came out of the TCB bus to meet us “ she was also very nice “ we asked him so many questions about Elvis and JD life with Elvis ‘ ‘ he spoke so fondly of EP, you could tell he thought a lot of Elvis as a friend, thank you for your video it was very well done 🙏🕺👍

[@Whittdocs]

I truly appreciate this comment and you telling about your experience with JD. Thank you so very much.

[@keithfaulk1354]

J.D.has been to Hazlehurst,Douglas,Sopertan and a lot of other local places in Georgia and I’ve met him several times and will always treasure the memories!! He was a sport of a guy! RIP ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jimmcdiarmid7308]

I found J D backstage in Winnipeg after the Blackwood Brothers concert about 1962. He was packing up the equipment and I got him to autograph the album I bought. Then I spoke with him again in Burnaby BC around 1992 at the Stamps Quartet concert.

[@atallguy4u]

I have heard of JD. Thanks for the stories!

[@Whittdocs]

That’s for watching!

[@TheIndyMaestro]

I have listened to and loved his music my whole life and had the great pleasure of meeting him not long before he passed, and yes he was a very nice, generous, and funny man.

[@Whittdocs]

Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@kelliaaron1995]

Yes, love JD Sumner also one of my favorite gospel songs with JD and Elvis is Why Me Lord.

[@ronodell2896]

He went to my grandfather’s church in Lakeland FL. He was a family friend and took my mother on a tour of Elvis’s Lakeland hotel room in 1976.

[@darylkariko4881]

Jd Sumner was one of my favorite gospel singers along with Dottie Rambo. Great video THANKS

[@Whittdocs]

Dottie is actually buried in the same mausoleum. I visited her grave also.

[@rhondawheatley4224]

I met him when I was 9 yrs old. Awesome, man! I have seen him many times. He never forgot my name. I saw him many times. R.I.P. J D Summer

[@concepciongallo229]

Me gusta GOSPEL ELVIS PRESLEY CANTAVA COMO UN ANGEL IGUAL QUE SrJ D SUMNER MARAVILLOSO HERMOSO ELVIS PRESLEY ÚNICOS TODO GRUPO DE CANTÓ ELVIS PRESLEY FOREVER ♥️ 💕 ❤️ 💖 💛 💜 ♥️ 💕 ❤️ 💖 💛 💜 2024 17 2 SALUDOS DE URUGUAY ♥️ 💕 🇺🇾 💙 BENDICIONES PARA TODOS

[@perijetton9275]

I loved his voice. This was an interesting one, Thank you 😊

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you for watching!

[@mistiwebster1881]

I knew him in the 80s as a child when he was with the masters v and blackwood bros. My mother went to blackwood school of music. They were all family friends. Came to my grandparents house for dinner after a concert before they left and what not. I can still smell his cologne when he would pick me up as a child and his boots. The same with Ken turner who passed away this year.

[@cathycorriher6313]

I knew JDSumner from singing with Elvis and also on the Gaither Gospel music programs. A very talented singer and quiet the comic.

[@Whittdocs]

I sure was. I really enjoyed watching him. Thank you for watching.

[@beverlyrabinowitz7199]

He was a great singer he love to sing with Elvis he was a great friend

[@Whittdocs]

I really appreciate these comments.

[@marcieconant5559]

I had never heard of him before but if he has a connection with Elvis that's great!

[@melodylaughlin8538]

I knew of J.D. Sumner. He is a role model to a favorite bass of mine. Yes, JD did have a sense of humor. I knew him from his gospel music.

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate you sharing that. Thank you.

[@Corgis175]

I DID HEAR J.D. SUMMER ON SOME OLD ELVIS GOSPEL VIDEOS. GREAT VOICE.

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate your comment.

[@debbieblaylock9997]

Yes I have heard hem sings I love the way he sing

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you for sharing that!

[@mydaddysgreeneyes]

Oh, yes! I have heard of JD Sumner and loved to hear him sing. I'm so glad you featured him on this video. Everyone should hear his gorgeous voice at least once in their life. He was someone special.

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate this comment. Thank you.

[@arnolegierse8916]

Listen to the Elvis song Way Down, at the end, that's J.D. Sumner

[@Whittdocs]

Thanks for sharing that with us!

[@Carolbearce]

I have never heard of JD Sumner but I will go over to iTunes and listen to him. Thank you for sharing. Very cool that you got to meet him!

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate your comment. Thank you.

[@marilynnsoto8109]

Loved to listen to him.

[@lenviljoen2802]

Fantastic bass❤❤❤

[@charlesfrantz3940]

JD was a really good singer !

[@Whittdocs]

I fully agree with that.

[@BobE316]

I met JD at a concert, he was very nice, talked to me and signed his book for me

[@Whittdocs]

That’s great. Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve had a lot of comments about how nice he was. I appreciate you sharing yours.

[@BobE316]

You're very welcome

[@mishalleroza-ingram6394]

Thank you for sharing this! I'm an Elvis fan so I appreciate you showing us JD's final resting place. I'm sure they had many memorable, good times together.

[@Whittdocs]

I’m sure you’re right! Thanks so much for watching.

[@beverlyrabinowitz7199]

Thank you for doing this

[@jeanaesamuel47]

Cool video!!!❤💙💛💚💜💛

[@lindagibson9528]

JD had an Amazing voice! I could listen to him all day! Thanks so much for sharing this... God Bless

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate your comment. Thank you for watching.

[@davidbrennan3613]

God rest his soul jd and and the stamps quartet they were amazing singers

[@Whittdocs]

They sure were. Thank you so much.

[@jeffthegraveguy8629]

I have not heard of J D Sumner. I will have to check out his music. I like the exchange he and Elvis had attending each other's concerts.

[@jeffthegraveguy8629]

I just listened to his song Wayfaring Stranger. Great vocals. Nice low bass. I like it.

[@Whittdocs]

Thanks for watching, Jeff. You should check out some of his interviews too. Funny guy.

[@leighcochran8276]

He had a group, J.D Summer and the Stamps. His son, Donnie, sang also

[@kennyhuskisson2684]

@@leighcochran8276 J.D. didn't have a son, he had two daughters, Donnie is his nephew, his brothers son👍✌️

[@leighcochran8276]

@@kennyhuskisson2684 thanks for the correction. That is right, I do apologize

[@susan5301]

A very nice video! Thanks for sharing! 😀

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much!

[@barbarahagofsky1191]

I have heard of J D Sumner. He was a great singer.

[@deannamaude2303]

Always loved JD Sumner and the stamps,and they did a awesome job singing with Elvis,I remember loving gospel music as a child and loved a lot of it ,my parents used to sing in Chruch and I remember my daddy singing Why Me Lord,what a beautiful song,I remember us watching the singing jubilee every Sunday while we got ready for Chruch,what great memories…TCB ⚡️

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us.

[@darlenereese8656]

I heard and bought his gospel album back in the 70s when he was JD Sumner and the Stamps.

[@Whittdocs]

He was a legend to be sure. Thanks for commenting.

[@roymarksberry4152]

Is a wonderful man

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@ShearonNewsom-fy1rb]

I'm from Nashville and I have met J D. Did you notice above JD, LOUIS Armstrong.

[@drummerdeacan]

Digging your content. I learned how to play drums by listening to Elvis records. Live from Graceland, is a fantastic album & Elvis let's JD loose! Freaking awesome.

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate that. Thank you so much.

[@randallfowler8377]

I have never heard of him but this was a wonderful story thank you

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@brendashaw2035]

Yes!

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much!

[@anneiwanowski9653]

I just watched your vlog on J.D. Sumner and l have watched some things on him. He had a great since of humor! He gave alot of interviews about Elvis. I just subscribed to your channel, so l will start watching and go back and watch previous vlogs. Take care❤

[@Whittdocs]

Welcome aboard! Thank you so much for subscribing. It means a lot to me. All of my videos are cemetery related. I like to visit graves and tell the stories of those that I visit. Thank you again!

[@dianacallicott4092]

My mom used to share crop with Walley Fowler and I think JD Sumner family when she was a kid. We used to go to all night gospel singing in Georgia and watched JD there when I was a child. I loved going to those.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

It's like deja vu. You're visiting all the graves I visited a few years ago. :-)

[@Whittdocs]

Woodlawn in Nashville is a gold mine! I have several more filmed from there. Thanks Steve!

[@ChuckD63]

Good stuff as always

[@Whittdocs]

Thanks!

[@joanncoopertroupe3506]

I knew JDs Voice from Gospel music! i have seen his awesome sense of Humor before in some Videos!!

[@dsinavich5141]

Hi! I heard of the name , but don't recall any song's . I listened to many Elvis Presley songs ! He was great! I like gospel music, so I will definitely check him out . Thanks for all your great vlogs! Take care ! Deborah. Manitoba, Canada

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for always commenting. I appreciate that.

[@elfriedekupfer931]

Oh yes I knew about J. D. SUMNER and Elvis were best friends and have always been so funny when sing together with his law voice they were a good couple also the other musicians Elvis the best I think so🎶👌❤️😢🙏RIP. J. D. ELVIS RONNIE and all other also they were still living God bless you

[@Whittdocs]

I really appreciate you commenting on this and sharing your thoughts. Thank you.

[@Toolaholic7]

l have met Jimmy Velvet whom was a friend of Elvis Presley also once.Elvis and l were born on the same day but different year

[@Whittdocs]

So neat. Thanks for sharing that.

[@Toolaholic7]

He was at a classic car auction in Auburn,Indiana when I met Jimmy Velvet.

[@rebajobain6879]

Yes I saw j.d many. Times

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for watching.

[@billl1127]

Never heard of him. But glad to learn about this gentleman. I thought for sure when he told the story of Elvis getting in to his shows for free he was going to say that even when Elvis hit it big he still came to the back door.

[@Whittdocs]

That’s great! Lol. Thanks for watching.

[@libertygiveme1987]

Yeah Whittdoc, I have heard of J.D. Sumner. Didn't know much about him, so Thank-You for your take on his life. Off-Topic, my sister's name is Mary Agnes. Thought that was kindof interesting, especially since Mary Agnes is considered a "Roman Catholic" name, and I don't think Mr. Sumner was Catholic.

[@Whittdocs]

That is very interesting. Mr. Sumner had a Protestant belief, so that makes it very interesting. Something to ponder. Thanks for sharing that.

[@bobstrong2479]

I have two LP,'s of the Blackwood Bros and J Dmy favourite piece is JD singing There's a God somewhere

[@Mrswhitt_to_you]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you!!!

[@cherylholland9316]

I have heard of JD Summer due to being an Elvis fan. He had a beautiful bad voice. Never had the privilege of meeting him.

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for commenting.

[@richyboy2553]

I have seen JD perform with both the Blackwood Brothers and the Stamps

[@stevebetker829]

Glad jd loved the Lord. Hes at home now singing those low notes like no one else. The story he told about him watching the news one night and the broadcaster had some good news to share with his viewers is hilarious. It will be great to see him in heaven soon.

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for this comment.

[@stevebetker829]

@@Whittdocs amen. Jd is one great person.

[@matthewsweeney3553]

Sounded like a class act. I suspect one of your musical heroes. I heard the name as it was linked to Elvis. What was the song linked to his lowest note? Was that his wife next to him? Thanks Chris.

[@Whittdocs]

I’m not exactly sure what song it was. Yes, that was his wife next to him. He was devastated when she passed. Thank you so much for watching. I appreciate your comment.

[@BettySmith-r7r]

Sure I have heard of J D Sumner.I saw Elvis in person 3 times and the stamps were his back up singers at that time.

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

So very glad I watched this. I never knew of JD, and I loved hearing the stories how he would let Elvis in for free, then vice a versa when Elvis was famous. Great storytelling!!! 👍

[@Whittdocs]

Hey Ron! Thanks so much for watching. He was a fantastic entertainer. Loving what you’re doing on your channel!

[@dianeburnejko2908]

I have not heard of J D Sumner. His life sounds very interesting.

[@Whittdocs]

Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@CharlesWilliams-qx2cj]

Anyone who followed gospel music or Elvis closely knows who JD Sumner was and is. He met Elvis when Elvis was about 14 years old. JD and James Blackwood of the Blackwood Bros. who also sang gospel would sneak Elvis into gospel sings. Both JD and James sang at Elvis's funeral. Vernon Presley called JD when Elvis passed and JD took the job of arranging the funeral. You may have a couple of people who can grunt a low note but, JD a is the best bass singer of all time. I challenge you to look up and listen to the JD song he kind of changed up for a Christmas song Christmas Carol Of Love then you will see what I'm talking about. Got bless all. R.I.P. Elvis and JD. 🎤🎸🎼

[@pagerobbins1941]

Yes I have.

[@Whittdocs]

Thanks for the comment.

[@Djm8520]

The interesting and ironic aspect is that JD was best friends with the singer from whom Elvis copied his style- that’s Jake Hess. Jake, at that time, was the lead singer for the Statesmen Quartet, who shared the billing with the Blackwood Brothers. The bass singer for The Statesman, known as The Big Chief, shook his legs when he sang uptempo songs, and Elvis copied this, as well. Later, Jake formed The Imperials and they would back Elvis on his album ‘How Great Thou Art. JD and Jake would later sing together in The Masters V Quartet. Jake had the great distinction for being asked to sing at both Hank Williams’ and Elvis’ funeral.

[@Midnightangel722]

I spent the last 3 years of J.D'S life with him .I still love him and miss him so much. How do I private message you

[@shelbychambers307]

Met him at with the blackwood brothers

[@Whittdocs]

Very nice. That must have been some time back. Would have loved to seen the Blackwood brothers.

[@organrick]

He was with the Blackwood Brothers when he came up with the idea of using a customized bus for traveling instead of a car, and the members of some of the other gospel groups thought he was crazy... I see those entertainer buses on the road all the time, and I wonder whose bus it is.

[@stephaniedennison5220]

I know who J.D. is even though I've never met him. I see, & hear him on the Gaither Homecoming DVD's I own. He's funny.

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for commenting.

[@sabakamahusky594]

JD also worked with Ray Stevens

[@josemaurosantos1531]

ainda bem que resta uma esperança a ressurreição dos mortos. João capítulo versículos 28.29....salmos capítulo 37.versículos 9.10. 11.29 revelação Apocalipse. capítulo 21.versiculos 3.4.5

[@cherylholland9316]

I meant bass voice

[@robbiewallace9534]

J d Sumner founded the gospel quartet convention

[@lesliehackney7519]

I was a big Elvis fan so I, of course, knew who J.D. Sumner was. It is a nice tribute you gave him. I will have to go find some of his interviews. Thanks again for another informative video. I always look forward to when you post!

[@Whittdocs]

I really appreciate that. Thank you so much.

[@ajsmith5295]

You was a big Elvis fan how comes not anymore I'm just puzzled why you changed

[@janm62]

Elvis bought JD a touring bus and when he went to Graceland to pick it up Elvis insisted on driving it first. JD tells how Elvis drove it thru cornfields around Graceland and scared he was going to ruin it.

[@Whittdocs]

Such a great story. Thank you.

[@rondaestep1792]

I love when he sings Why Me Lord we played it at my mother's funeral

[@Whittdocs]

Yes. Beautiful song.

[@joeymac3777]

I believe the song he sang at Elvis' funeral was "Sweet Sweet Spirit". I met JD too. He used to perform on a pretty regular basis with an Elvis tribute artist named Eddie Miles who had a theater in Myrtle Beach in the 90's. That's where I met him. He was in Myrtle Beach to perform with Eddie when he passed.

[@Whittdocs]

Yeah, I read that he passed in Myrtle Beach. Thanks for telling me the story as to why.

[@kevinlowery3107]

I remember J d very well. Thanks Chris for the video

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate you watching. Thank you!

[@keithfaulk1354]

J.D.was simply the best !! ❤️💯💯

[@todrickmon5243]

I'm 54 years old I grew up listening to JD he was my hero then he's my hero now no base better than JD

[@JohnJohnson-of5sh]

I met JD several times. Even got to sit on his bus and talk to him once. This was in Walnut Ridge Arkansas.

[@neana63]

Loved to hear JD sing. What a blessing his voice and life was!!! Thank you for sharing this.

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate your comment. Thank you.

[@beverlyrabinowitz7199]

I have listened to his singing and look him up and listen to his music and you can see why he was such a great singer and why Elvis love to sing with him