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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[@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.

[@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!

[@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 ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@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.

[@tobyscarce4481]

He was my icon. I loved his singing. He was an inspiration for me to sing bass. I hope to get half as good as was as a singer and a man. A true example of Christian love

[@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.

[@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

[@rondaestep1792]

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

[@Whittdocs]

Yes. Beautiful song.

[@MrPanchoak]

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

[@Whittdocs]

Wonderful man.

[@quebot1111]

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

[@Whittdocs]

Thanks for sharing that.

[@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.

[@rondaestep1792]

love his voice he was a great friend to Elvis

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@rondaestep1792]

@@Whittdocs l look forward to your videos

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@donwoods1172]

Greatest bass singer ever.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@chuckcawthon3370]

He had a generous and giving heart to help others in genuine need.

[@arnolegierse8916]

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

[@Whittdocs]

Thanks for sharing that with us!

[@elaineBolding6894]

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

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@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.

[@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.

[@normanelder3481]

I love this old man and he's low voice.

[@Whittdocs]

Thanks for commenting! I appreciate it.

[@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.

[@melissagalloway7675]

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

[@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.

[@darrylewaggoner2118]

My family has preformed gospel music all my life. I'm 67 now and I traveled full time with The Winston Miller family from Florida. I was able to meet J.D. on several occasions and he was definitely a hoot and a good man. You see sir everyone has hero's in their life, mine happen to be J.D., James Blackwood, George Younce. BILL Gaither ect. Thank you for your video of J.D and Mary Agnus's resting place. Darryle W.//Knoxville, Tn.

[@Whittdocs]

That’s great. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@darrylewaggoner2118]

@@Whittdocs But also thank you fou your "tastefully " done video's sir. I've watched Author Dark's " Hollywood Graveyard " video for just about as long as he's been putting them up; you and he are the best at what you do my opinion.

[@Whittdocs]

I’m honored that you would say that.

[@michelleequevilley6302]

I love Southern Gospel music and JD Sumner.

[@Whittdocs]

He was fantastic for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@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.

[@kevinlowery3107]

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

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate you watching. Thank you!

[@charlesfrantz3940]

JD was a really good singer !

[@Whittdocs]

I fully agree with that.

[@bobo2bear]

Hi, Yes my Mother loved the old gospel songs and I remember us watching him on some shows like Grand Ole Opry or Lawrence Welk Show. That deep voice is so memorable, it just ran through you.

[@Whittdocs]

It sure did! Thanks for watching.

[@atallguy4u]

I have heard of JD. Thanks for the stories!

[@Whittdocs]

That’s for watching!

[@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.

[@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

[@kelliaaron1995]

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

[@marcieconant5559]

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

[@dougrobinson5830]

Seen him a couple of times in concert with my parents. They were huge southern gospel fans.

[@Whittdocs]

Mine were too! Thank you. I find it soothing also.

[@BABYDOT54]

Loved his singing

[@Whittdocs]

I did too! Thanks for watching.

[@nonimcmullen9951]

When I was in my early yrs.i met J.D. Sumner at the church my family attend in Houston, Texas. He was singing with the Blackwood Bros. at that time. I loved his voice and was so amazed how deep his voice was singing. Loved the gospel music that he sung.

[@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.

[@davidstoneburner8725]

I saw JD many times in concert with The Gaither Homecoming crew. Along with many great “old timers” little did I know during those times I was watching legends from the Gospel Genre. I now consider myself very fortunate. I have been to probably close to 15 of those concerts . Btw I really enjoy your channel

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for watching my channel. I greatly and truly appreciate it. I was able to go to a few of those Gaither concerts myself. Amazing talent and true legends within the field.

[@Christina-xp9ys]

I have never heard of him. He sure sounded like a great man. Thank you for sharing. I now have someone I can learn more about. 💙 RIParadise JD Sumner 🙏

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so very much!

[@Christina-xp9ys]

@@Whittdocs You're very welcome! 💙

[@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.

[@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.

[@beverlyrabinowitz7199]

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

[@Whittdocs]

I really appreciate these comments.

[@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!

[@martowe9689]

JD Sumner was a great gospel singer . I loved his voice . he sang the bass in the song way down with Elvis . JD Sumner and and the Stamps quartet was one of my favorite gospel groups

[@Whittdocs]

I agree. Wonderful singer. Thank you!

[@perijetton9275]

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

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you for watching!

[@keithfaulk1354]

J.D.was simply the best !! ❤️💯💯

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@davidbrennan3613]

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

[@Whittdocs]

They sure were. Thank you so much.

[@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.

[@nancyhanson9074]

I loved his low voice! JD also sang at Gladly Presleys funeral

[@Whittdocs]

He was a great singer for sure.

[@beverlyedwards2502]

@@Whittdocs when the blackwoods first started coming to Michigan to what they call Saturday night? Singings The blackwoods were just starting out and my mom and dad had them in their home several times and fed them cuz we always went to the gospel. Singings JD was a terrific man and as you said, he had a great sense of humor and he was very warm. But southern gospel singers in southern singers are a lot friendlier than the pop stars and they're always very cordial to their audience and people in them and they are just they were just part of them. New JD personally and it was a privilege

[@barbarahagofsky1191]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@TheSassy777]

JD was a very popular Gospel singer and still is with his albums

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for watching.

[@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.

[@TheLanise]

Wow what a life he led great video

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for the comments.

[@MsSusieq1960]

Loved this guy. Thank you for sharing.

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you!

[@beverlyrabinowitz7199]

Thank you for doing this

[@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.

[@wandaboring6066]

I love your videos and I love listening to the respect you show to the people you visit thank you so much for taking me along

[@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.

[@karendewease1057]

I just visited this 2 weeks ago. Thanks for sharing.

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate you sharing this. Thank you.

[@pippadot679]

Great video on JD Sumner. Love this thank you for remembering him. Amazing job!

[@Whittdocs]

I appreciate that. Thank you so much.

[@RockinWheelsAuctions]

I feel so blessed to have grown up listening to Jd Sumner! He was always my favorite bass singer!

[@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 !❤

[@jeanaesamuel47]

Cool video!!!❤💙💛💚💜💛

[@Elvis__TCB]

Very nice, thank you. This is one I have long wanted to visit. Lucky you got to meet him and thank you for encouraging others to learn about JD. I got to meet and have a good talk with Shirley (his daughter) and that is as close as I got! I was also blessed to meet and speak many times with his nephew Donnie, another great singer people should look up! Fun fact, Shirley was married to Stamps member Ed Enoch.

[@susan5301]

A very nice video! Thanks for sharing! 😀

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much!

[@marilynnsoto8109]

Loved to listen to him.

[@brendashaw2035]

Yes!

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much!

[@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.

[@ChuckD63]

Good stuff as always

[@Whittdocs]

Thanks!

[@roymarksberry4152]

Is a wonderful man

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@fairygrammy]

I know who JD was. I didn't know about him until I was in my mid to late 40's...😊

[@bradenbenedict3670]

JD was an Awesome Bass Singer

[@Whittdocs]

I fully agree. Thank you for watching.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@brianmiller2739]

Really cool video..very informing

[@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!

[@Linell801]

I was a huge fan..miss his voice

[@Whittdocs]

Thank you 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.

[@davidmalcolm7615]

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