A lot of people thought that J. D. Sumner was the best Bass Singer that there ever was, but some, myself included, feel differently. He was the World's lowest Bass Singer, but if you listen closely, you can almost hear him whisper some of the lowest notes that he ever sang. Another great (& often overlooked) Bass Singer, is Ken Turner. He can belt out some Super-Low Bass notes, that's for sure! Listen to the song "Rainbow of Love", and you'll see what I mean.
@@blondeblythe Oh! I'm sorry to hear that. He didn't look like he would've been prone to something like that. Unfortunately, Heart Attacks can take out even the healthiest of people, it seems. Well, his soul is home with the Lord now, so that's what matters. And-Don't forget-There's coming a day, when the Trumpets of God will sound! Those who were in Christ, and have passed away, will be resurrected first! Then, we which are alive and remain shall be caught up, at the last Trumpet Sound! WOW!!! Can you imagine that? All of us, on our way up to Heaven, are going to receive a GLORIFIED BODY, never to die no more! WE'RE GOING HOME!!!! HALLELUJAH TO THE LAMB OF GOD!!!
This is my favorite song ever done by the Statesmen. Jack Toney, along with James Blackwood, were the best of the best as lead singers. We will hear them again in heaven.
Great song! I noticed, though, that back then, these Gospel Groups only had one or two Mics to sing into. I love the reality of having each singer have his own Mic to sing into. That didn't happen, though, until either the 1950s or 1960s. Each singer, having his own Mic, produces a much better sound.
Back then, two Southern Gospel Music Bass Singers stood out, from other Bass Singers, that being James "The Big Chief" Weatherington, and J. D. Sumner. J. D. Sumner was long-known down through time, as being the lowest Bass Singer ever. However, there were times, as he grew older, that he seemed to have a slight problem with holding a note. However, this only happened very occasionally. Also, there were times that he attempted to sing very, very low...and you had trouble hearing the nore, that he was trying to sing. James "The Big Chief" Weatherington wasn't as low in pitch, but he could hold any note, and not let it waver. He had one of the best Bass Singing voices I ever heard, from that particular time period. Back then, if I would have been in the market for a Bass Singer, then James "The Big Chief" Weatherington would most definitely be my first choice!
If I read right, James "The Big Chief" Weatherington died of a Heart Attack, at the age of only 49 years old, and died on-stage, as he was performing a song, at the 1973 National Quartet Convention. That is what I read, if my memory serves me correctly.
![Jack Toney - Beyond the Gates [Live]](/img/n.gif)
Some brilliant G#1s from the Big Chief, he was the greatest bass singer to ever live.
In which time stamp
@@rodrickwatson2086 Whenever it returns to the tonic note, G#. This is at 0:46, 1:01, 1:10, 1:53, 2:09, 2:19.
A lot of people thought that J. D. Sumner was the best Bass Singer that there ever was, but some, myself included, feel differently. He was the World's lowest Bass Singer, but if you listen closely, you can almost hear him whisper some of the lowest notes that he ever sang.
Another great (& often overlooked) Bass Singer, is Ken Turner. He can belt out some Super-Low Bass notes, that's for sure! Listen to the song "Rainbow of Love", and you'll see what I mean.
I'm proud to say, Jack Toney is my uncle. The Statesmen were an amazing group!
Is he still alive?
Just curious...
@@ronaldshank7589 Thank you for asking. Unfortunately, Jack died of a heart attack on April 15, 2004.
@@blondeblythe Oh! I'm sorry to hear that. He didn't look like he would've been prone to something like that. Unfortunately, Heart Attacks can take out even the healthiest of people, it seems. Well, his soul is home with the Lord now, so that's what matters. And-Don't forget-There's coming a day, when the Trumpets of God will sound! Those who were in Christ, and have passed away, will be resurrected first! Then, we which are alive and remain shall be caught up, at the last Trumpet Sound! WOW!!! Can you imagine that? All of us, on our way up to Heaven, are going to receive a GLORIFIED BODY, never to die no more!
WE'RE
GOING
HOME!!!!
HALLELUJAH TO THE LAMB OF GOD!!!
Statesmen were the BEST!!!
JACK TONEY WHAT A GREAT LEAD SINGER AND BEAUTIFUL SONG
This is my favorite song ever done by the Statesmen. Jack Toney, along with James Blackwood, were the best of the best as lead singers. We will hear them again in heaven.
Jack was one of the greats!
I really appreciate that song.
So fantastic!
That's a beautiful song! No worries there!
I'd give anything to have a singing voice like that!
wonderful singing!!
Excellent!!
Hearing Jack sing is heaven itself. Talk about being moved..OH GLORY!
Wow, i love this song so much. on a sidenote, those skinny ties were funny.
Thank you
Great song! I noticed, though, that back then, these Gospel Groups only had one or two Mics to sing into. I love the reality of having each singer have his own Mic to sing into. That didn't happen, though, until either the 1950s or 1960s. Each singer, having his own Mic, produces a much better sound.
My had their albums when I was growing up I'm 64 now and it still takes me back to those good times
Message in the sky. Wish I could go back
Happy Rhythm - A Biography of Hovie Lister & the Statesmen Quartet by David L. Taylor.
Ball park figure for this one --- 1964-65
Back then, two Southern Gospel Music Bass Singers stood out, from other Bass Singers, that being James "The Big Chief" Weatherington, and J. D. Sumner.
J. D. Sumner was long-known down through time, as being the lowest Bass Singer ever. However, there were times, as he grew older, that he seemed to have a slight problem with holding a note. However, this only happened very occasionally. Also, there were times that he attempted to sing very, very low...and you had trouble hearing the nore, that he was trying to sing.
James "The Big Chief" Weatherington wasn't as low in pitch, but he could hold any note, and not let it waver. He had one of the best Bass Singing voices I ever heard, from that particular time period.
Back then, if I would have been in the market for a Bass Singer, then James "The Big Chief" Weatherington would most definitely be my first choice!
I know the Big Chief died in 1973 in Atlanta, Doy in 1986, Rosie at 61 or 62, Jack at 70, and Hovie not too long ago, except time flys bye!
If I read right, James "The Big Chief" Weatherington died of a Heart Attack, at the age of only 49 years old, and died on-stage, as he was performing a song, at the 1973 National Quartet Convention. That is what I read, if my memory serves me correctly.
His Voice is similar to James Blackwood's Voice.
❤️❤️❤️
BURT WEEMS
THIS WAS A FAVORITE FROM JAMES BLACKWOOD
Do you know the dates of all you post....makes it more interesting to know!
Chief was only in his early 50s when he died. Way too young.
I thought he was only 49, when he died, and sadly, it was a Massive Heart Attack, that took him out, right as he was singing a song, on-stage!
@ oh my goodness! It happened on stage? Didn’t know that.
0:48 g#1 by Chief
1:10 too?
@@ailtonsouzadearaujojunior2210 possible
@adkinsda HI! How do I aquire this book? Thanks! James..........:)
Is there a biography (book) on this group?
Does anyone know who wrote this? Trying to find sheet music for it (long shot)
Rupert Cravens. Story was told by Jack Toney on a later recording.
51
i like denver crumpler better myself