J.D. Sumner and The Stamps

Elvis Presley was only 16 when he first heard the powerful voice of J.D. Sumner. So captivated by the deep melodias tones produced by this great man, he would sneak in the back door of the Ellis Auditorium in Memphis. The two men soon formed a bond that would last throughout their lives.

Born John Daniel Sumner in 1925, J.D. grew up in the sunny state of Florida. He began his Southern Gospel singing career in 1943, when he joined a group called the "Sunshine Boys." He began singing with the Blackwood Brothers in 1954 and continued until 1965.

In the mid-'60's J.D. bought the "Stamps Music Company," changing their name.

He and his group, "The Stamps Quartet," began performing with his long-time friend Elvis, in 1970.

On many occasions Elvis would invite J.D, also known as "Big Daddy," or "Jim Dandy," home after a concert to sing Gospel. Elvis would sit at the piano while they harmonized for hours.

J.D.s award winning voice earned him a Grammy, as well as a spot in the prestigious GMA Hall of Fame.

J.D.s famous voice plunging into a double low C, placed him in the Guiness Book of Records as the World's Lowest Bass singer.

Mary, his lovely wife of 51-years, passed away in 1992. J.D. never stopped talking of the love they shared.

J.D. coming in with his famous slide endings combined with the remarkable talents of Elvis Presley made an unforgettable combination of sounds.

The World lost J.D. on November 16, 1998 of a heart attack following a concert in Myrtle Beach. The Funeral services began appropriately with a tape of J.D. singing "The Lord Still Lives in This Old House," to approximately 2,000 mourners.

Official J.D. Sumner and The Stamps home page
This wonderful Web site is brought to us by J.D.s daughter, Shirley Sumner Enoch.

The J.D. Sumner Memorial Page.
is an informative look into J.D.'s musical career. You'll enjoy the story as well as links to other interesting Web sites of this great mans life.

The Catalog of J.D. Sumner Merchandise
can be found at this Web site. "The Final Sessions," was the last project J.D. and the Stamps Quartet recorded. It includes photos, and letters from friends, family and other artists. Shirley Sumner Enoch has given us the opportunity to purchase this, as well as numerous other CDs, videos and books.

Pictures of J.D. Sumner were used with the permission of Darwin Lamm, editor of the always fantastic

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