Offered is a complete stage suit worn by J.D. Sumner while performing with Elvis Presley during concerts in the 1970s. The 1976 photo at right shows J.D. wearing the offered suit on stage with Elvis in 1976 (several of the sequins on the sleeve can be photo matched). While Elvis' jumpsuits were the center of attention during his shows, the back up band and other singers were also dressed for the bright stage lights, with outfits almost as outlandish. The offered suit includes the jacket, vest and pants--the vest still maintains its original "The Tony Alamo of Nashville" tagging. For a time in the 1970s, evangelist Alamo also made jackets and stage outfits that would be worn by several stars, including Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, Burt Reynolds and more.
In 1971, Elvis hired J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet as his backup singing group. Sumner was a close friend and early idol of Elvis', going back to Sumner's time in the gospel groups The Sunshine Boys and The Blackwood Brothers Quartet in the early and mid-1950s. Elvis met Sumner just as his own career was beginning in 1954, but had seen him perform many times at Memphis' Ellis Auditorium. Throughout Elvis' 1970's tours, J.D. Sumner and The Stamps were fixture, backing up the singer for years.
The suit emanates from Sumner's family, and is accompanied by Letter of Provenance from J.D.'s daughter, Shirley Sumner Enoch. It reads in part
J.D. SUMNER'S STAGE WORN SUIT. A black polyester three-piece suit with beaded trim, owned and worn onstage by the late gospel vocalist J.D. Sumner while performing with Elvis. The Stamps, in addition to accompanying Elvis on tour from 1971-77, also appeared on many of Presley's studio recordings during the last years of his life.
The suit shows signs of use, but presents with no damage. Very well preserved with just a few loose sequins and fastners. Near Mint condition.