In fact, she gets it from the whole band." At that time, Sylvia Shemwell (sister of Judy Clay) replaced Troy, while Cissy Houston took over from Dionne, with Dee Dee Warwick as the group's official leader. }); Copyright 2015 . As it is reported, Johns, one of the most famous artists and painters who are alive today, holds the title for the creator of the most expensive painting by a living artist. . New York, New York, United States. The Sweet Inspirations is known for Deadpool (2016), Something Borrowed (2011) and Sandy Wexler (2017). This original backup group that was so in demand among producers, publishers, artists, and songwriters in the early '60s included Myrna's cousins, With both Doris and Dionne enjoying solo careers with hits (. Sweet Inspiration; Give My Love to Somebody; You Roam When You Don't Get It At Home; Blues Stay Away from Me; Let It Be Me; When Something Is Wrong With My Baby; I'm Blue; But You Know I Love You; Chained; Why Am I Treated So Bad; Unchained Melody; It's Not Easy; Get A Little Order; What The World Needs Now Is Love; Don't Go; It's Worth It All . 568-573). Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlNCvAFptM0. The incredible Shawn Klush first exploded onto the UK scene when 6 million viewers tuned in to see him crowned The World's Greatest Elvis' live on BBC One. Elvis Gold Piano Elvis Piano at Graceland. If traditional Quartet harmonies delivered with exuberance and heartfelt earnestness speak to your heart, then you are already a fan of this new release from one of the most important groups in the history of Southern Gospel Music. 9. Elvis demonstrated his desire for racial reconciliation in the musicians he chose, and in the treatment they received. Hugh Jarrett died at 78 on May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in March. I don't think they've received nearly enough credit for that. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. Just listen to Son of a Preacher Man sometimeand you get the idea of how important the Sweet Inspirations were to the Atlantic Sound. The Sweet Inspirations. _taboola.push({ [2] That session produced the first two singles released by Atlantic, a version of "Why (Am I Treated So Bad)," a song previously recorded by The Staple Singers and a soulful version of "Let It Be Me", a French song which had been a pop and R&B hit for Betty Everett & Jerry Butler in 1964. ", On March 30, 1968, the group scored their first and only top forty hit on the Billboard Top 40 Pop Chart with the song "Sweet Inspiration" on Atlantic Records. This entire property is amazing! Friday, September 2, 2016Fri, Sep 2, 2016, Friday, August 26, 2016 Saturday, August 27, 2016Fri, Aug 26, 2016 Sat, Aug 27, 2016, NYCB Theater at Westbury, NY, Westbury, NY, Back by Overwhelming Popular Demand, The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular returns to one of our favorite venues for 1 night only. The lineup was completed by Estelle Brown, Sylvia Shemwell and Myrna Smith. Once back in the U.S., her condition continued to deteriorate, as she suffered kidney failure, further complicated by a severe stroke. She led a successful career as a backup singer for such artists as Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson, and Aretha Franklin, and is now primarily a solo artist. UPI, 21 July 1975. The Inspirations Set to Release New Live Album in April Staff March 8, 2021 Arden, NC (March 8, 2021) Formed in 1964, The Inspirations are one of Gospel music's longest-standing quartets. When he made his first appearance in texas at the Astrodome, according to Myrna Smith, Elvis was told, 'Well, you can leave the black girls home. They dated for a while but remained close after it ended and Elvis continued to ask her to share his bed as friends for comfort. 2021 will soon be with us and hopefully have Sweet performing at a Venue near you. The line-up included Judy Guions (who later became Judy Clay), Marie Epps, Larry Drinkard, Nicholas Drinkard, Ann Moss, Lee and Emily. Wexler had been one of Chips Moman's first customers and had already cut Esther Phillips, King Curtis and Wilson Pickett at the studio. The singer who has performed with Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix and Dusty Springfield said: He was a Rock and Roll singer and we were gospel singers, so it did not coincide, it didnt fit. The Jordanaires worked with Elvis At that point, Brown had had enough and walked off the stage. See a video below where Elvis is having a conversation with The Sweet Inspirations and Myrna is featured in the video. Neal Matthews died on April 21, 2000. I'm sure he said, 'And I want your daughter to drive them'. Perhaps the most striking example of their contributions during this period is their uncredited mind-blowing appearance behind Garnet Mimms on Cry Baby in 1963. Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive? The Sweets provided his shows with some much-needed soul, and I think he appreciated that. "2 Backup Singers Walk Out on Elvis Presley During Performance." As stated above, the song Sweet Inspiration caught Elvis' attention, however it was the group, The Blossoms, who backed Elvis onhis '68 Comeback Special that was first choice forhis 1969 return to the stage in Las Vegas. Today there are many inspiring. Estelle Brown will be attending a few events in Memphis, Portia Griffin will be singing on these both shows! Featuring Elvis's original backing singers 'The Sweet Inspirations' who toured with Elvis from 1969-1977 and featured in concert movies That's The way It Is, Elvis On Tour and TV special Aloha From Hawaii. Esteemed Actor Ted Torres Martin to Perform Multimedia Musical Stage Production Show Based on the Life and Career of Elvis Presley. A link to the news story can be found here. Reply. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. [3] It was released in June 1967 and rose to No. Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. It was Wexler who dubbed them 'The Sweet Inspirations' and, as he said in the book, 'Rhythm and the Blues', they 'they became one of the pillars of the Atlantic Church of Sixties Soul ultimately it was only a matter of common decency to put them under contract as a featured group'. Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. The Sweet Inspirations join Shawn Klush on his World Tour throughout the UK. Add to Cart. 1 Hot Cake Or French Toast. In 1973, Brown, Smith, and Shemwell recorded an album for Stax Records. The group at this point was composed of Houston, Brown, Shemwell, and Smith. Stay safe. Steve Priest, the bassist and co-founder of glam rock band Sweet, has died at the age of 72. No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. Glendale, CA: Glendale House, 1987. 'Songs of Faith and Inspiration' by 'Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations' would be released in the summer of 1968, right in between 'Tighten Up' by Archie Bell & the Drells and The Midnight Mover by Wilson Pickett. News headlines delivered at 7:00 am Monday - Friday. Dee Dee left in 1965, when her solo career began to take off. [4] In October 2007, Morrison was awarded a Million-Air certificate by BMI for 8 million air plays of "Brown Eyed Girl".[5]. Walters Choir. The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. [2], In a recording session on March 28, 1967, the Sweet Inspirations provided the backup vocals for Van Morrison on his classic hit "Brown Eyed Girl". He could have chosen anybody to sing with him, but he chose The Sweet Inspirations. Though their first singles lacked much chart success, Atlantic was committed to the group, and an August session in Memphis yielded the bulk of songs used for the group's self-titled debut album, released in the late fall of 1967. The Sweet Inspirations did a great job of blending their voices to make a soulful sound that Elvis couldnt get enough of. 1 Oh! Highly recommended. [2] They group broke up shortly thereafter. While performing on the "Elvis: The Concert" European tour in March 2010, Smith developed pneumonia which eventually led to kidney failure and a stroke. It was beautiful and it stayed that way. 24; Mary says: May 16, 2011 at 10:12 am . When Jerry Wexler signed Aretha in early 1967, he brought in Cissy (now going by her married name of Houston) to sing background with Franklin's sisters Erma and Carolyn on the timeless 'I Never Loved A Man (The Way That I Love You)' LP. Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. The Sweet Inspirations were one of the premier female harmony groups of the 1960s, supporting Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and Wilson Pickett. Web and phone order services : 508-228-5814 Nantucketchocolatier.com. And then from how we were raised church-wise, that was the devils music. Sumner and the Stamps, a white male quintet that had replaced the Imperials, a similar quintet, back in 1971. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album - a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. "If you believe it'll work out, you'll see opportunities. [6], In 1967, the group did backing vocals for the Jimi Hendrix single "Burning of the Midnight Lamp" which was later featured on the album Electric Ladyland in 1968. My love and respect for him and his music have kept me focused as a tribute artist for all of these years. Popular music icon Elvis Presley dies in Memphis, Tennessee. The Sweet Inspirations. 'I don't know if the road was really for me', she says. When Elvis heard that sound he just had to have them sing with him. Estelle Brown, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. Pat Hodges & The Sweet Inspirations. History. No audition was required. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. [3] The association with Presley became well-publicized as he routinely introduced the Sweet Inspirations (along with the TCB Band members, the J. D. Sumner & Stamps Quartet, and Kathy Westmoreland) on his telecast concerts and live recordings. She added: And he continues to. This material may not be reproduced without permission. Artists Moods Energetic Positive Sweet Yearning Devotional Soothing Wistful Elegant Exciting Lively Relaxed Romantic Sentimental Sophisticated Strong Uplifting Warm Gentle Striding Gutsy Passionate Dreamy Artists Themes Faith Housework In Love Compassion Heartache Introspection Religion Yearning Healing/Comfort Passion Peace However, following Elvis' tragic death, they backed Frankie Valli on his number one single 'Grease'. Up until the day she died, Myrna Smith made a living telling old stories of Elvis and even singing as a back up singer for Elvis impersonators. The group sang backup for many stars, including Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Esther Phillips. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. The group was also invited to be part of the regular cast on the Gospel Singing Jubilee television program. Bill Baize, The Stamps Quartet, still active. The concert will feature backup singers Estelle Brown and Portia Griffin of the legendary Sweet Inspirations" who backed Elvis on several nationwide tours. They say Elvis has left the building. A Gamble & Huff composition, "Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover" appeared on the group's fifth album Sweet Sweet Soul. Dozens of tribute artists grace the outdoor stages, which are set around the picturesque Okanagan Lake, along with special guests Friends Of Elvis. click here for contact information. 1970 The Sweet Inspirations (1969 - 1977) Emily (Cissy) Houston; Myrna Smith; Estelle Brown Sylvia Shemwell In the mid-to-late-Sixties, these ladies could be heard backing up Aretha Franklin, Gene Pitney and Wilson Pickett, among others, but they didn't have a name until singer Chuck Jackson suggested they call themselves The Inspirations. News headlines delivered at 4:00 pm Monday - Friday. The Sweet Inspirations Top Songs #1: "Sweet Inspiration" #2: "Why (Am I Treated So Bad)" #3: "Let It Be Me" #4: "To Love Somebody" #5: "Unchained . The Sweet Inspirations: albums, songs, playlists | Listen on Deezer Sign up for Deezer for free and listen to The Sweet Inspirations: discography, top tracks and playlists. Elvis' retinue of backup singers in 1975 consisted of soprano Kathy Westmoreland, who had joined Presley's concert ensemble in 1969; the Sweet Inspirations, a quartet of Black female gospel singers who had also been with Elvis' touring group since 1970; and J.D. Through the use of multimedia film sequences, live stage acting and concert segments featuring back up singers Estelle Brown and Portia Griffin of the legendary "Sweet Inspirations" and Southern California's own tribute band, TCB Flash Band, Back to Live creates an entertainment experience like no other. Myrna Yvonne Smith (May 28, 1941 - December 24, 2010) [1] was an American songwriter and singer. She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley's backing group. We thought it didnt fit. Inspirations magazines. Read More. We welcome all of our South American fans to see the show once again! No wonder that he used to have them open his concerts. Doing what I love to do. Elvis was said to have loved the singers -especially Myrna Smith and he loved their hit song so much that he hired the group of four Black female singers to do backing vocals for him. It will be a night to remember and a chance to meet these Legends! http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/02004E599D9C46E7?brand=scrantoncc&camefrom=CFC_SCC_SCCCAL_ShawnKlush05152015. The "King" recorded and toured with the all-male Stampsas well as the female vocal group Sweet Inspirationsfor the remainder of his . 3362. The Sweet Inspirations had success with R\u0026B, gospel and pop recordings of their own, most notably their first hit single Sweet Inspiration, which gave the group their name in the late sixties and earned them a Grammy nomination. Keep the Faith. In the video, Demi attends a screening of the movie, only to be haunted . The Inspirations describe themselves as "an enthusiastic, sincere, clean-cut group of fundamental conservative Christian gentlemen with a desire and an objective to witness to a needful and sinful world through the medium of Gospel Music." They have sold more than one million copies of their sixty albums. TVs great but Shawn is happy to be back doing what he loves and that is keeping the memory alive. Her protestations only seemed to increase Presley's determination to embarrass her. Re-released in 1991, it is still . Shawn returns to Memphis on Elvis Tribute Week for the very 1st concert of the event. The Sweet Inspirations continued to work as sessions singers during this period, appearing on classic cuts by artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin (Chain of Fools), Dusty Springfield (Son of a Preacher Man), Van Morrison (Brown Eyed Girl) and Jimi Hendrix (Burning of the Midnight Lamp). Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. Meanwhile, The Kings ex-wife Priscilla has spoken of how she senses his spirit at Graceland. Smith later married Jerry Schilling, a friend and associate of Elvis who subsequently also managed the Beach Boys at one point. It seems like 2 years flew by just like that. The Gospelaires began appearing publicly with The Drinkard Singers, and their talents were soon recognized by the local record companies, who began using the girls as background vocalists on sessions, the first being the Burt Bacharach penned Mexican Divorce with 'The Drifters' in 1961. The ladies of Sweet Inspiration worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours, and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. The group continued on, however, and recorded their first album in 25 years, 'In'the Right Place', in 2005. It simply doesn't get any closer than this! Nicholas is a Master Baker and Lucy's delectable sugar cookies fired up his tastebuds as well as his lusty desires. The Sweet Inspirations; Myrna was still making records with the Sweet Inspirations during her period with Elvis, but with limited commercial success. According to the documentary This Time, The Sweet Inspirations were hoping to resurrect their fortunes with the help of producer Peitor Angell, however, their fame would never be the same without the original King being alive and well. Smith dispels those rumors with her open and candid conversation about the love she shared for Elvis. Chosen as their first Atlantic release, their phenomenal version of Pops Staples' 1965 Civil Rights anthem Why (Am I treated So Bad) would break into the R&B top 40 (and even hit #57 on the Hot 100) during the Summer of Love. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley 's backing group. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. Elvis loved gospel and soul music. Elvis death: The King's pilot I thought Vernon Presley had died, Elvis Presley bodyguard says King'different'person in private, Elvis Presley Vegas backing singer: I believe The King is an ANGEL and he is still here, Elvis performing in Las Vegas with The Sweet Inspirations, Elvis Presley ALIVE? There was one person in particular who had sent the message. Shemwell suffered a stroke in 2001 that has kept her from performing with the group. Let It Be Me: The Atlantic Recordings (1967-1970) The Sweet Inspirations. They would sing behind him for the rest of his life. Elvis Musicians Elvis band who backed Elvis Presley that are still alive and performing today? + Plus Bonus DVD Audio. Two more singles released from the LP failed to chart, however, and Cissy Houston left the group shortly after that. You don't have to bring them'. Advertising | EEO Public File | In a documentary called, This Time, Smith admitted that Elvis tried to pursue a relationship with her. You couldnt sing the devils music because if you did you were going to hell., READ MORE:Elvis Presley had 'HUGE heart, Graceland like living at Disneyland'. In 1969, the group recorded their fourth album, Sweets for my Sweet. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The Sweet Inspirations were an American R&B girl group founded by Emily Cissy Houston (ne Drinkard), mother of Whitney Houston, and sister of Lee Warwick (herself the mother of well-known sisters Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick). Kathy explained: I dated him for about six months on a regular basis it was fun. The Inspirations performed at the next night's show in Greensboro, North Carolina, after Elvis apologized, but Kathy Westmoreland did not. Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley. The track hit number five on the R&B chart and was a top 20 pop hit. "Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground." Theodore Roosevelt. The Sweet Inspirations : Female vocal group, formed 1967 in New York, New York. While still singing with the Blackwood Brothers in 1962, Sumner took on the added responsibilities of managing the Stamps Quartet, developing them into one of the top gospel groups in the country. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. Elvis dear friend, Jerry Schilling, loved Smith too. I really, really want to get their other studio albums. 'The Sweet Inspirations', four girls from New York, are in Britain to promote their latest recording hit, What the World Needs Now. Even after singing and performing in concerts, they allegedly would continue to sing and jam all night. . Originally formed with Philly vocalists Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick and Doris Troy and Emily "Cissy&q read more. When Elvis glowered at the remaining singers and said, "Sorry for any embarrassment I might have caused, but if you can't take it, get off the pot," another Inspiration, Sylvia Shemwell, walked out, followed by Westmoreland. You have permission to edit this article. Doctors said he died of a heart attack, likely brought on by his addiction to prescription barbiturates. We are proud to announce that Heart of the King , A Tribute to Elvis is back and better than ever June 10th for one night only. 1 albums ('56-'59). The group, at various times, comprised of: Cissy Houston (a.k.a. In a lengthy note shared to Instagram, the country artist said that both were the inspiration behind his unreleased new song "See Me Now," from his upcoming fourth studio album, "Gettin' Old." In the post, Combs included a photo of . It simply doesn't get any closer than this! The Sweet Inspirations were an American R&B girl group founded by Emily "Cissy" Houston (ne Drinkard), mother of Whitney Houston, and sister of Lee Warwick (herself the mother of well-known sisters Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick). The original lineup included Doris Troy and the two Warwick sisters Dionne & Dee Dee. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. Keep up with the group by coming back often. A conversation about Aretha can only lead to discussion of The Sweet Inspirations. From suffragist Susan B. Anthony to civil rights activist Rosa Parks, they helped to shape the lives of not only the women who came after them but the world at large. While speaking with The Today Show around the 40th anniversary of his death,Priscilla was adamant that she still felt his presence at Graceland. Cissy, meanwhile, was also the director of the Gospelaires, the young people's choir at her church, New Hope Baptist, in Newark. Browse 172,747 the sweet inspirations stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Though their first singles lacked much chart success, Atlantic was committed to the group, and an August session in Memphis yielded the bulk of songs used for the group's self-titled debut album, released in the late fall of 1967. On the back of his success, Shawn embarked on an unprecedented world tour - performing to thousands of fans in theatres and arenas across the USA, South America, Europe and Australia. Super motivational quotes. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. Speaking with Spa Guy in Nashville, Tennessee, Estelle spoke of how at first she thought the opposite of Elvis. Jerry Schilling and Elvis Presley were close friends who reportedly both were attracted to Myrna Smith. A Gamble & Huff composition, Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover. Latest Audio (and video) updates:Video courtesy of Elvis Presley MP3 Audio Central. What a Fool I've Been 2:38 2 Blues Stay Away from Me 3:25 3 Don't Let Me Lose This Dream 2:23 4 Knock On Wood 3:02 5 Do Right Woman - Do Right Man 3:04 6 Don't Fight It 2:29 7 Sweet Inspiration 2:55 8 Let It Be Me 2:41 9 I'm Blue The Sweet Inspirations were one of the first Gospel groups to have an album released on a major record label, which was a live recording (released in 1959), of their performance at the Newport Jazz Festival. The Sweet Inspirations were top-tier background singers and an accomplished recording act in their own right. He once again criticized Westmoreland during the summer 1975 tour, telling audiences, among other things, that she would "take affection from anybody, anyplace, anytime. Unbowed, they would sign with Stax (a company where it was still okay to be Black) as a trio in 1973. The original line-up comprised of group leader Emily "Cissy" Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. She said: Oh absolutely. $2.99. 8. She then went on to describe how she believes Elvis is an angel and still with us. Estelle spoke of how after Las Vegas shows the backing singers would be invited up to Elvis suite where they would sing gospel tunes until seven oclock in the morning. Related Playlists. Small Pecan Pie Bites w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 8 oz. Both Dionne and Dee Dee were members, as was their cousin Myrna Smith and Judy's sister, Sylvia Shemwell. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Ed Enoch, The Stamps Quartet, still active. The infamous "catfish" incident that resulted in several of Elvis Presley's backup singers walking off stage in the middle of a concert was not merely a matter of their taking offense at a racist remark, but a reaction to the singer's increasingly bizarre behavior. The 3-day Festival is an annual event taking place in the picturesque city of Penticton, British Columbia, Canada in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. It was released in 1968 under the name "Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations. Cissy Houston left in 1969 to pursue her own solo career but the Sweet Inspirations remained loyal to the king of rock & roll. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', Portia Griffin who has been with the group for 19 years sang with Jeffery Osborne, the Killers and many more. When the label decided it needed more material to complete an LP on 'The Sweets', as they were informally known, they sent them down with Tom Dowd to American Sound in Memphis. Sylvia Shemwell, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. His ongoing misuse of an astonishing variety and volume of prescriptiondrugs turned his concert appearances into parodies staged by a sloppy, bloated performer who slurred lyrics rather than singing them, changed his character, caused him to act in an increasingly incomprehensible and erratic manner, and destroyed his health (ultimately killing him). The Elvis association in particular assured them regular work, including touring with the 'Elvis: The Concert' show, which featured Elvis on screen and his original backing band playing live. Unlike the king, Schilling never stopped pursing Schilling and he eventually won her over. They also recorded choir backing for The Killers' 2004 recording, Hot Fuss, on songs "Andy, You're a Star" and "All These Things That I've Done". [2] All of which kind of makes Atlantic's decision to cut a Gospel album on them at the height of their success kind of strange. Elvis Presley with his background singers, The Sweet Inspirations (Myrna Smith pictured far right) One of the people who loved that song so much was allegedly Elvis himself. ", BURBANK, CA - JUNE 27: Rock and roll musician Elvis Presley performing on the Elvis comeback TV special on June 27, 1968. Later they began traveling around the area and singing at various venues.