The late April session produced a version of The Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody", which became the group's fourth R&B chart hit, and a version of The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody," which gave the group a charted, though minor hit. The Sweet Inspirations are an American R&B girl group mostly known for their work as backup singers on studio recordings for other R&B and rock artists. 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). According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. As a backup group, the Sweet Inspirations was in high demand among producers, publishers, artists, and songwriters in the early 1960s. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. 1131. Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. In 1979, after Estelle Brown left the group, they were asked by The Bee Gees to go on tour with them and signed by Robert Stigwood to RSO. The Sweet Inspirations was founded by former members of The Drinkard Singers, a long-running Gospel singing group whose membership included Cissy Houston (ne Drinkard), mother of Whitney Houston, and Lee Warwick, who was Cissy's sister and the mother of Sweet Inspirations members Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick. Marion Keiske Who Discovered Elvis Presley? Even after singing and performing in concerts, they allegedly would continue to sing and jam all night. Shawn does an intimate show like no other that is free to the public. 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. Myrna Smith, a member of the group, The Sweet Inspirations, sang back up for rock & roll legend, Elvis Presley. The tragic pattern of Elvis' final years are familiar to nearly everyone. The Sweet Inspirations. If you don't believe it'll work out, you'll see obstacles." Wayne Dyer. In 2001, Sylvia suffered a stroke which left her unable to perform. Sylvia Shemwell died February 13, 2010. Myrna Smith died December 24, 2010. 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. Elvis, emboldened by his own American Studio recordings that had put him back in the top ten in 1969, Elvis decided to return to performing in public. The Sweet Inspirations. REDISCOVER The '60s: Soul Love. Almost motherly Then it became obvious to me that there were other women.. Estelle Brown will be attending a few events in Memphis, Portia Griffin will be singing on these both shows! Ultimate Elvis tribute Artists Shawn Klush and Cody Ray Slaughter with Images of the King Champion Michael Chambliss with special guests Elvis' Sweet Inspirations. Luke Combs recently took to social media to share a moving tribute to his paternal and maternal grandfathers. 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. 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. " The original song was made for the new film SCREAM VI, and even comes with a music video. She was replaced by Myrna Smith. After years apart, the Sweet Inspirations reformed in 1994 and continued to perform up until recently. Shrimp And Mushroom. Just prior to that, Cissy had sung with the rest of her group (which now included Estelle Brown) on 'King Curtis Plays The Great Memphis Hits'. 9. Ed Enoch, The Stamps Quartet, still active. Estelle Brown sang with Elvis from 1969 until his untimely passing in 1977. 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 music video for "Still Alive" dropped Friday, and it sees a leather-clad Lovato -- who goes by they/them/she/her pronouns according to her Instagram bio -- and her friends being hunted by Ghostface. Today Rick visits with Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations who were background singers for Elvis Presley Small Pecan Pie Bites w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 8 oz. David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994. Wexler had been one of Chips Moman's first customers and had already cut Esther Phillips, King Curtis and Wilson Pickett at the studio. 1 Oh! Doctors said he died of a heart attack, likely brought on by his addiction to prescription barbiturates. Jerry Schilling and Elvis Presley were close friends who reportedly both were attracted to Myrna Smith. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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). No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. The event also stars hometown celebrity, Philadelphia Freedom (Live at the Las Vegas Hilton), Sweets are headed to the UK for unprecedented Fall Tour starts Nov 3rd. It simply doesn't get any closer than this! Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. "Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground." Theodore Roosevelt. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', You don't have to bring them'. Dozens of tribute artists grace the outdoor stages, which are set around the picturesque Okanagan Lake, along with special guests Friends Of Elvis. 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. They would provide the background vocals that June as they were recording Aretha's 'Lady Soul' (that's them on Chain Of Fools!! Part of our South American tour, don't miss our first time ever at the 5,000 seat Teatro Caupolican! The parcel being directed to me, I had a right to open it without being thought indiscreet, and, as my husband is in the full enjoyment of health, I could read his will without emotion. Guralnick, Peter. In 1979, the group toured with The Bee Gees during their U.S. Shortly after cutting the gospel set, the Sweet Inspirations were back in Atlantic's studios to record their third album, What the World Needs Now is Love,[2] recorded in February 1968 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. The Sweet Inspirations also began recording and touring with Elvis Presley as both background singers and his warm-up act,[2] as well as doing occasional live dates with Aretha Franklin. Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. In the early 1980s, she co-wrote all of the songs on Carl Wilson's 1981 solo album Carl Wilson, as well as a few of the songs on his 1983 solo album Youngblood, and Wilson's contributions to The Beach Boys' self-titled 1985 album. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. A founding member of the group was Dionne Warwick, who was later replaced by her aunt, Cissy Houston. So Elvis always made sure he got even. She became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. At any rate, I supposed my husband dead, and felt rather anxious to know what he might think of me while still alive. The Sweet Inspirations; 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. When they brought down the house at the 1957 festival, they were signed to RCA on the spot, and they released the critically acclaimed 'A Joyful Noise' the following year. However, she added: Ive learned better than that but we just didnt think it would work. Sylvia Shinwell was the sister of Judy Clay of "Private Number" fame. It was beautiful and it stayed that way. Finding . Elvis loved gospel and soul music. ), which had been written and produced by Barry Gibb and released on RSO records. 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. In 1951, they would appear with Jackson, Clara Ward, and Rosetta Tharpe at a sold-out Carnegie Hall, after which they would record a few singles for Savoy, in addition to broadcasting live from Symphony Hall in New Jersey every Sunday. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This original backup group that was so in demand among producers, publishers, artists, and songwriters in the early '60s included Myrna's cousins Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, Doris Troy and Judy Guions (later Judy Clay). The Sweet Inspirations : Female vocal group, formed 1967 in New York, New York. Re-released in 1991, it is still . The group was also invited to be part of the regular cast on the Gospel Singing Jubilee television program. Elvis stated to his musical associates and entourage that he must otain The Sweet Inspirations. By October 2010, she was a patient at the Canyon Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California. Elvis Gold Piano Elvis Piano at Graceland. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com, Elvis Presley's backup singers walked out on a concert after he remarked that their breath "smelled like catfish. Myrna was still making records with the Sweet Inspirations during her period with Elvis, but with limited commercial success. He was replaced by new lead Curtis Young. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. The Inspirations performed at the next night's show in Greensboro, North Carolina, after Elvis apologized, but Kathy Westmoreland did not. You can unsubscribe at any time. 1970 Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Once back in the U.S., her condition continued to deteriorate, as she suffered kidney failure, further complicated by a severe stroke. Ed Enoch, The Stamps Quartet, still active. The Complete Atlantic Singles Plus. It simply doesn't get any closer than this! She was married previously to Jerry Schilling from 1982-1987. The line-up included Judy Guions (who later became Judy Clay), Marie Epps, Larry Drinkard, Nicholas Drinkard, Ann Moss, Lee and Emily. It was released in 1968 under the name "Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations. [2] They group broke up shortly thereafter. While they were successful in their own right as a group with many hit recordings, the one song that stood out the song was their song, Sweet Inspiration. Back in the 60s, that song had many people bopping their heads and tapping their feet. Rick Rowe's Where in the ArkLaTex: Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations, Possible tornadoes leaving damage across the ArkLaTex, Renters forced out of Stoner Avenue apartments, Governors urge residents to brace for severe weather on Thursday, Shreveport man busted with drugs, stolen gun. Berns would go on to use them on just about every record he cut from then on, most notably on the subsequent string of hits he produced on Solomon Burke for Atlantic. "The hard days are what make you stronger." Aly Raisman. New York, New York, United States. The Sweet Inspirations 345fans Top tracks Playlists 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". Later they began traveling around the area and singing at various venues. The group's distinct sound is instantly recognizable and has changed little across 57 years of recordings no matter who was singing. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album - a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. The Inspirations are a professional Southern Gospel quartet from Bryson City, NC. The Sweet Inspirations were founded by 'Cissy' Houston(Born Emily Drinkard, married to Gary Houston at age 21 for two years) mother of Whitney Houston, and sister of Lee Warrick (herself the mother of well-known sisters, Myrna Smith's cousins Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick). You can also hear Estelle's voice on the records of Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Wilson Picket, Van Morrison and Dionne Warwick. The Sweet Inspirations appeared with Elvis in more than 1,000 concerts and featured in the concert movies 'That's The Way It Is' and 'Elvis On'tour', as well as the television specials 'Aloha from Hawaii' and 'Elvis in Concert'. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Elvis in Person at the International Hotel, "Elvis Presley Estelle Brown Sweet Inspirations Backup Singer Interview The Spa Guy", "The Dead Rock Stars Club 2010 July to December", "Peter Gabriel Receives Top Honor at BMI London Awards", "The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland", "Myrna Smith - Interview - Elvis Information Network", From Memphis to Vegas / From Vegas to Memphis, Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas, From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee, Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Performances, Command Performances: The Essential 60s Masters II, Suspicious Minds: The Memphis 1969 Anthology, The King of Rock 'n' Roll: The Complete 50's Masters, From Nashville to Memphis: The Essential '60s Masters, Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Essential '70s Masters, Peace in the Valley: The Complete Gospel Recordings, The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Sweet_Inspirations&oldid=1141321166, Articles needing additional references from December 2010, All articles needing additional references, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Articles containing potentially dated statements from March 2011, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Sylvia Shemwell mezzo-soprano/2nd soprano (1966?1979, 19942001; died 2010), Estelle Brown contralto/2nd alto (19651979, 1994present), Ann Williams soprano/1st soprano (19691970), Kelly Jones mezzo soprano/soprano (2010present), This page was last edited on 24 February 2023, at 13:22. And now another former member Estelle Brown has revealed in a new interview how she believes Elvis is still around as an angel. Elvis Presley Grave Who is Buried at Graceland? But U. S. magazines are disappearing. Smith even married Schilling briefly from 1982-1987. Despite their touring success, Houston longed for the comforts of home. He was 42. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Unlike the king, Schilling never stopped pursing Schilling and he eventually won her over. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. It was released in 1968 under the name 'Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations'. chocolates shopping sweet inspirations. They began performing again and were in demand by the legions of Elvis fans who had seen them in the seventies with the King, in addition to the Soul intelligentsia overseas, where they retained a huge following. Buy it Interview with Myrna Smith Cissy Houston Remembers Elvis Presley. Friday, June 17, 2016 Saturday, June 18, 2016Fri, Jun 17, 2016 Sat, Jun 18, 2016, Tulsa Performing Arts Center Chapman Hall, Tulsa, OK. Shawn Klush, Elvis' Sweet Inspirations, Elvis' original Drummer DJ Fontana and introducing sensational new 50's Elvis Jake Rowley. It was that song that caught the attention of Elvis Presley, who signed them to provide backing vocals and be an opening act for his record-breaking 1969 Las Vegas engagement, his official return to the live concert stage after his triumphant '68 TV special and the end of his Hollywood movie contract obligations. The Sweet inspirations had a hit record on the Pop, Soul and R and B charts in 1969. 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. A Gamble & Huff composition, Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover. Popular music icon Elvis Presley dies in Memphis, Tennessee. Both Troy and Dionne Warwick enjoyed solo careers with hits in 1963, "Just One Look" and "Don't Make Me Over" respectively, on which the Sweet Inspirations can be heard. A conversation about Aretha can only lead to discussion of The Sweet Inspirations. Hugh Jarrett died at 78 on May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in March. Presumably, Elvis' decision to have The Sweet Inspirations join him as part of his band must have been based partly on the strength of this album. 1 albums ('56-'59). This is an excellent release no fan should be without it. Add to Cart. The Sweet Inspirations had success with R&B, gospel and pop. The Inspirations, a hallmark name in Classic Gospel Quartet Music, bring The One in the Water..If you were raised on the sounds of the Gospel Singing Jubilee. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. They would sing behind him for the rest of his life. When Emily 'Cissy' Drinkard was five years old, she began singing in a family Gospel group called The Drinkard Singers. Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley. 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. [4] In October 2007, Morrison was awarded a Million-Air certificate by BMI for 8 million air plays of "Brown Eyed Girl".[5]. We thought it didnt fit. Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. This is Shawn's first time in Tulsa and his birthday weekend so come celebrate with us and don't miss the Ultimate Elvis Experience. Shawn returns once again to a favorite destination. Pat Hodges & The Sweet Inspirations. And there were times Smith provided backing vocals alone, minus her group. People who have been here have said that.. Speaking with Spa Guy in Nashville, Tennessee, Estelle spoke of how at first she thought the opposite of Elvis. The Inspirations announced a monumental change in their group, as founder/pianist/group co-owner Martin Cook resigned all of his roles last Wednesday. The 1970s saw the Inspirations rise to national attention with a number of hit songs. 308. "Elvis and his doctors told me how ill he really was." Shockingly, Kathy says . Reply. Estelle Brown, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. The Sweet Inspirations is known for Deadpool (2016), Something Borrowed (2011) and Sandy Wexler (2017). 1 Hot Cake Or French Toast With One Egg And Bacon Or Sausage Links. Matters came to a head during an evening performance in Norfolk. Another famous piece . '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. 11 talking about this. Web and phone order services : 508-228-5814 Nantucketchocolatier.com. Myrna also backed Elvis up during his 1976 Graceland recordings, both in February of that year and in the October/November sessions. Taking over for Cook is another fouding member of the group, former tenor Archie Watkins. The Sweet Inspirations were one of the premier female harmony groups of the 1960s, supporting Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and Wilson Pickett. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Movies. 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). Glendale, CA: Glendale House, 1987. 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). [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. Friday, June 24, 2016 Sunday, June 26, 2016Fri, Jun 24, 2016 Sun, Jun 26, 2016, Penticton Elvis Fest, 5902 Lakeshore Rd, Penticton, British Columbia. "If you believe it'll work out, you'll see opportunities. [2] When she joined, the lead singer of the Sweet Inspirations was Cissy Houston, the mother of Whitney Houston and dynamic soprano featured on Aretha Franklin's "Ain't No Way". Aside of Sweet Inspirations, Smith sang back up for Elvis in his Graceland recordings as well. The group who sung with The King, including his Las Vegas residencies, featured Whitney. And musicians who back Elvis and are no longer with us but left their legacy of great rock n roll music for over 3 decades from the mid 1950s mid 1970s, Elvis Musician Bill Black died died 1965. 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. Today there are many inspiring. 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. The original lineup included Doris Troy and the two Warwick sisters Dionne & Dee Dee. Liverpool Echo Arena Auditorium, Liverpool, UK. _taboola.push({ 3362. A final Atlantic session in June 1970 brought the group (now a trio with Brown, Smith, and Shemwell) its last two singles for the label; "This World" (from the musical The Me Nobody Knows), and "Evidence". When Elvis heard that sound he just had to have them sing with him. The Penticton Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival Society is a not-for-profit society whose main goal is to celebrate the life and music of the greatest entertainer ever known Elvis Presley. 96 were here. But he was really upset about it. Aside from them working together, Smith had a boyfriend, Gregory, that was apart of the band as well. "2 Backup Singers Walk Out on Elvis Presley During Performance." Estelle Brown, Myrna Smith, and Sylvia Shemwell begun performing with Elvis in Las Vegas in 1969 and they continued to perform at every concert with Elvis all the way through the year of 1977 until Elvis' passing. shrimp, mushrooms, red onions, parmesan and feta cheese. The Sweet Inspirations (Estelle Brown, Smith, and Shemwell) got back together again in 1994, with new member Portia Griffin. Justly acknowledged as the groundbreaking, chart-topping tour de force it is, it's hard to imagine what this legendary Bert Berns and Jerry Ragavoy production would sound like without the girls from Newark. You have permission to edit this article. Error! However, that didnt stop the King from showing Smith love and affection. [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. 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 . Walters Choir. She later became the lead singer of The Sweet Inspirations, and in 1969, Myrna began her eight-year association with Elvis Presley when the 'Sweet Inspirations' were chosen as his opening act and backing singers for his engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. Sylvia Shemwell, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. Thanks for visiting our page! 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 Sweet Inspirations were an all-female gospel/soul quartet consisting of Cissy Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston, Sylvia Shernwell, Myrna Smith, and Estelle Brown. Clockwise from top. The Sweet Inspirations recorded by themselves for the first time in April 1967 for Atlantic Records. Nicholas is a Master Baker and Lucy's delectable sugar cookies fired up his tastebuds as well as his lusty desires.