J.D. Sumner
Acting • Born 1924-11-19 – Died 1998-11-16
Biography
John Daniel "J. D." Sumner was an American gospel singer, songwriter, and music promoter noted for his bass voice. Sumner sings the final note on the Elvis Presley song "Way Down", a C1. His vocal range extended below the lowest playable note on the piano, reaching the note G0 in a 26-second vocal slide at a concert while singing backing vocals for Presley. There are some claiming he reached an Eb0 in a recorded live concert while singing with the Blackwood Brothers, however this cannot be verified. He was famous for his group J. D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet and his associations with the Blackwood Brothers and Elvis Presley.
Filmography
21 credits
Elvis on Tour
Movie • 1972
Self - Vocals, The Stamps
This Is My Story
Movie • 1997
Himself
The Sweetest Song I Know
Movie • 1995
Himself
Atlanta Homecoming
Movie • 1998
Himself
All Day Singing at The Dome
Movie • 1998
Self
Elvis in Concert
Movie • 1977
Self - backing vocals (uncredited)
Elvis: The Lost Performances
Movie • 1992
Self (archive footage)
Elvis - Aloha from Hawaii
Movie • 1973
Self - Band
Quick on the Trigger
Movie • 1948
Band Member
The Elvis I Knew
Movie • 1994
Self
Kennedy Center Homecoming
Movie • 2002
Sunday Meetin' Time
Movie • 2006
Feelin' At Home
Movie • 1997
Challenge of the Range
Movie • 1949
Guitar Player (uncredited)
Elvis Live at Madison Square Garden
Movie • 1972
Self - Vocals
Elvis Presley: Meet Me In Memphis
Movie • 2022
vocals
A Tribute To George Younce
Movie • 2005
Gaither's Pond: The Lure Depths
Movie • 1997
Elvis: A Life in Music
Movie • 2026
Self (archive footage)
Elvis In Concert Remastered
Movie • 2009
Self - backing vocals (uncredited)
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
Movie • 2026
Self (archive footage)