Almost motherly Then it became obvious to me that there were other women.. 1131. 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). Highly recommended. Elvis Presley's songs are unforgettable - they have stood the test of time, especially his singles of the 1950s, a decade in which he had a song at No. My love and respect for him and his music have kept me focused as a tribute artist for all of these years. Myrna Smith is one of the original Sweet Inspirations, the backing group who sang with Elvis in concert from 1969 until the end. The Sweet Inspirations is known for Deadpool (2016), Something Borrowed (2011) and Sandy Wexler (2017). Myrna was a great soul singer whose voice was featured on some of the finest records of the second half of the 20th century. Nicholas is a Master Baker and Lucy's delectable sugar cookies fired up his tastebuds as well as his lusty desires. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. The group continued on, however, and recorded their first album in 25 years, 'In'the Right Place', in 2005. 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. 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. We thought it didnt fit. There was an error processing your request. The song also caught Elvis Presley's attention. The Sweet Inspirations worked with Presley until his death in 1977. Estelle Brown Obituary. Elvis Australia was founded in 1996 www.elvis.com.au was literally born from the concept of wanting to represent 'Elvis in Australia', so www.elvis.com.au Read more. Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. The Sweet Inspirations covered I've Been Loving You Too Long, But You Know I Love You, When Something Is Wrong with My Baby, Do Right Woman - Do Right Man and other songs. Meanwhile, The Kings ex-wife Priscilla has spoken of how she senses his spirit at Graceland. By the way, I'm writing this with the album playing away. We hope to see you all there to celebrate the one and only Elvis Presley. You have permission to edit this article. 1 albums ('56-'59). This is an excellent release no fan should be without it. Joe Guercio, conductor, died in 2015. Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, Elvis' Sweet Inspirations and Elvis' original drummer DJ Fontana. Cissy Houston The Sweet Inspirations, Soundtrack: Deadpool. It seems like 2 years flew by just like that. News headlines delivered at 4:00 pm Monday - Friday. Steve Priest, the bassist and co-founder of glam rock band Sweet, has died at the age of 72. Later they began traveling around the area and singing at various venues. [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. In 1979, the group toured with The Bee Gees during their U.S. Jerry Schilling and Elvis Presley were close friends who reportedly both were attracted to Myrna Smith. 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 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. The Sweet Inspirations. Guralnick, Peter. Its surreal, but theres an energy here. Sumner and the Stamps, a white male quintet that had replaced the Imperials, a similar quintet, back in 1971. [2] Ultimate Elvis tribute Artists Shawn Klush and Cody Ray Slaughter with Images of the King Champion Michael Chambliss with special guests Elvis' Sweet Inspirations. The original lineup included Doris Troy and the two Warwick sisters Dionne & Dee Dee. I do feel his spirit is here, yes. She was replaced by Myrna Smith. The 1970s saw the Inspirations rise to national attention with a number of hit songs. Over the years, Elvis Presley had a number of backing singers, including The Sweet Inspirations. 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. Keep up with the group by coming back often. I am still missing a few and would be interested in buying some of them once you get organized. Starring world renowned Elvis Tribute artist Shawn Klush, and boasting a supporting cast of the finest the industry has to offer, Heart of the King is truly a must see for all Elvis fans, and fans of rock alike. But U. S. magazines are disappearing. Menu. 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. Ed Enoch, The Stamps Quartet, still active. It was all symptomatic of the drug-induced, physical decline that would culminate in Elvis' death from an overdose two years later. Estelle Brown sang with Elvis from 1969 until his untimely passing in 1977. She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley 's backing group. 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. It was beautiful and it stayed that way. The concert will feature backup singers Estelle Brown and Portia Griffin of the legendary Sweet Inspirations" who backed Elvis on several nationwide tours. [2] They group broke up shortly thereafter. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. Sweet Inspiration (1967) was covered in Sweet Inspiration by Diana Ross, The Supremes and The Temptations (1968) I Need Your Sweet Inspiration by The Pioneers (1970) Sweet Inspiration by King Curtis (1968) see 4 more connections. The group, at various times, comprised of: Cissy Houston (a.k.a. Fontana Interview with Charlie Hodge Interview with Ernst Jorgensen Elvis Presley & the TCB Band, Copyright 2022 by www.elvis.com.au & www.elvispresley.com.au, https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/the-sweet-inspirations.shtml. The multimedia stage production will take audiences on an astounding musical journey through the life and career of The King of Rock n Roll himself Elvis Presley. 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 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. They also toured with the Bee Gees and released the disco album 'Hot Butterfly' in this period, but with the record achieving limited success the group decided to break up. Sylvia Shemwell, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. This entire property is amazing! When Emily 'Cissy' Drinkard was five years old, she began singing in a family Gospel group called The Drinkard Singers. She became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. 1 Hot Cake Or French Toast. TVs great but Shawn is happy to be back doing what he loves and that is keeping the memory alive. The Sweet Inspirations was an R&B gospel group comprised of four members: Cissy Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston, Sylvia Shernwell, Myrna Smith, and Estelle Brown. [4] In October 2007, Morrison was awarded a Million-Air certificate by BMI for 8 million air plays of "Brown Eyed Girl".[5]. While speaking with The Today Show around the 40th anniversary of his death,Priscilla was adamant that she still felt his presence at Graceland. Estelle Brown, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. Even after singing and performing in concerts, they allegedly would continue to sing and jam all night. 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. 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. Popular music icon Elvis Presley dies in Memphis, Tennessee. Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. Pilgrims of Sorrow (1968) was sampled in Hollywood Briggs by Asun Eastwood (2017) Elvis Gold Piano Elvis Piano at Graceland. Aside from them working together, Smith had a boyfriend, Gregory, that was apart of the band as well. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Welcome to the Official website of The Sweet Inspirations! She said: Oh absolutely. Myrna Smith began singing at the age of five she when she sang Jesus Loves Me with her father's gospel group, on 'The Sons of Harmony Radio Show'. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. 2021 will soon be with us and hopefully have Sweet performing at a Venue near you. The group sang backup for many stars, including Aretha Franklin . Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA. Atlanta Elvis fans, the wait is over. News headlines delivered at 7:00 am Monday - Friday. 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. Sylvia Shinwell was the sister of Judy Clay of "Private Number" fame. 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. Despite excellent songwriting and production from David Porter and Ronnie Williams, 'Slipped and Tripped', the 45 released from Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia failed to dent the charts. 96 were here. Award-winning entertainer and recipient of the Heart of the King Award Ted Torres Martin in conjunction with KWICK Productions is proud to bring the live stage production of Back to Live to El Portal. Estelle Brown, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. 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'. He could have chosen anybody to sing with him, but he chose The Sweet Inspirations. Elvis stated to his musical associates and entourage that he must otain The Sweet Inspirations. We were all touched by the same angel: Elvis Presley. 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. The Sweet Inspirations recorded by themselves for the first time in April 1967 for Atlantic Records. ELVIS PRESLEY told girlfriend and backing singer of seven years, Kathy Westmoreland, that he knew he would die soon. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. The 3-day Festival is an annual event taking place in the picturesque city of Penticton, British Columbia, Canada in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. The lineup was completed by Estelle Brown, Sylvia Shemwell and Myrna Smith. No wonder that he used to have them open his concerts. Estelle Brown, one of the Sweet Inspirations, responded to his remark by hanging her head, and Elvis continued by proclaiming, "Estelle, Sweet Inspirations, Stamps, if you don't look up,. Myrna also backed Elvis up during his 1976 Graceland recordings, both in February of that year and in the October/November sessions. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. Deep down inside, he knew the deal. By October 2010, she was a patient at the Canyon Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California. 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 pop-rock-gospel trio of Don Sumner, Sean Nielsen and Tim Beaty is The Voice, which has being the opening act and backup group for Elvis Presley. 4/14/2020. 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. The Sweet Inspirations. The Sweet Inspirations. 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). The Sweet Inspirations were one of the premier female harmony groups of the 1960s, supporting Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and Wilson Pickett. 1 Oh! 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. 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. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. He was known for his playful humour and outrageous costumes when Sweet played hits like Blockbuster and . Spirits Having Flown Tour singing backup. She then went on to describe how she believes Elvis is an angel and still with us. " The original song was made for the new film SCREAM VI, and even comes with a music video. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. It will be a night to remember and a chance to meet these Legends! As the story goes, Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham got up off the couch, wrote a song for The Sweets, and cut it themselves while Dowd and the rest of the Atlantic crew went to lunch. One more single that didn't do much would follow in 1974 and, when Stax went under the following year, they took their contract with them.Through this, they were still performing with Elvis. Elvis demonstrated his desire for racial reconciliation in the musicians he chose, and in the treatment they received. 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. So Westmoreland, 42, will spend the weekend in Las Vegas, where she first met Elvis in 1970 and where her sister is a backup singer for Wayne Newton. They performed at Elvis Presley tribute shows,[2] and released new material in 2005. Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. Smith was replaced with Los Angeles-based singer Kelly Jones; as of March 2011[update], the Sweet Inspirations are continuing to perform backup vocals with Elvis: The Concert and continue to do many concerts worldwide with Elvis Presley Enterprises' first ever "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist", Shawn Klush,[9] sometimes as a duo and other times as a trio. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1999. 24; Mary says: May 16, 2011 at 10:12 am . The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. Their sound was defined by the piercing tenor vocals of Archie Watkins and the booming bass of Mike Holcomb. The band backed Elvis on everything from his rock tunes to gospel numbers, from Christmas songs to his movie soundtracks. Add to Cart. The group started with the superstar in the fall of 1973. I don't think you can say enough about the importance of these ladies' vocals to the phenomenal 'New York Soul' records that were being produced in and around the city in the early sixties. Taking over for Cook is another fouding member of the group, former tenor Archie Watkins. He once again criticized Westmoreland during the summer 1975 tour, telling audiences, among other things, that she would "take affection from anybody, anyplace, anytime. [3] It was released in June 1967 and rose to No. Shawn does an intimate show like no other that is free to the public. She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley's backing group. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. 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. Estelle Brown, one of the Sweet Inspirations, responded to his remark by hanging her head, and Elvis continued by proclaiming, "Estelle, Sweet Inspirations, Stamps, if you don't look up, I'm going to kick your ass." The Sweet Inspirations 1969:Sylvia Shemwell, Cissy Houston, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. They would also overdub their unbelievable background vocals in New York that summer when Atlantic brought back the tapes that they had recorded with Dusty Springfield at American in Memphis. 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. I really, really want to get their other studio albums. Small Pecan Pie Bites w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 8 oz. Luke Combs recently took to social media to share a moving tribute to his paternal and maternal grandfathers. Elvis dear friend, Jerry Schilling, loved Smith too. Presley's on-stage behavior became increasingly bizarre, and, on the final night of the tour, he took requests, threw his guitar into the crowd, and gave away a $6,500 ring to an audience member. It simply doesn't get any closer than this! ", 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. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. In 1978, The Sweet Inspirations sang background on Frankie Valli's number one smash, Grease (! 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 . Super motivational quotes. The group sang backup for many stars, including Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Esther Phillips. At that point, Brown had had enough and walked off the stage. Today there are many inspiring. Reply. 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. Cissy's last recording session with 'The Sweet Inspirations' was in October 1969, since she wanted to pursue a solo career and concentrate on her family. Originally formed with Philly vocalists Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick and Doris Troy and Emily "Cissy&q read more. Marion Keiske Who Discovered Elvis Presley? The Sweet Inspirations had success with R&B, gospel and pop. When they were unable to come to Vegas because of prior commitments, Elvis didn't hesitate; he signed the 'Sweets' with no audition required. Really, really, like it. Clockwise from top. Error! 9. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. ", BURBANK, CA - JUNE 27: Rock and roll musician Elvis Presley performing on the Elvis comeback TV special on June 27, 1968. Two more singles released from the LP failed to chart, however, and Cissy Houston left the group shortly after that. 568-573). 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. We welcome all of our South American fans to see the show once again! Over the years, Elvis Presley had a number of backing singers, including The Sweet Inspirations. History. Portia Griffin who has been with the group for 19 years sang with Jeffery Osborne, the Killers and many more. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', In 1969, the group recorded their fourth album, Sweets for my Sweet. Gordon Stoker died at 88 at his Brentwood, Tennessee, home on March 27, 2013, after a long illness. While performing on the "Elvis: The Concert" European tour in March 2010, Smith developed pneumonia which eventually led to kidney failure and a stroke. Dee Dee left in 1965, when her solo career began to take off. Simply put, The Sweet Inspirations is essential listening for anyone with an interest in late-'60s soul music. Bill Baize, The Stamps Quartet, still active. 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 Please Note: Pit Seating includes a Pre - Show Meet and Greet and access into VIP Lounge 960, Saturday, August 13, 2016 Sunday, August 14, 2016Sat, Aug 13, 2016 Sun, Aug 14, 2016. Saturday, 4th March 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. 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. _taboola.push({ Smith even married Schilling briefly from 1982-1987. 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). We look forward to seeing Kathy explained: I dated him for about six months on a regular basis it was fun. Widely known for their extensive work behind Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley, the group is also what links Top Ten pop hits by Van Morrison, Dusty Springfield, and Frankie Valli. The original line-up comprised of group leader Emily "Cissy" Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. 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. Weather forecast delivered at 9:00 am daily. This isnt too surprising, as their have been rumors that Elvis was very fond of the ladies. See a video below where Elvis is having a conversation with The Sweet Inspirations and Myrna is featured in the video. The Inspirations performed at the next night's show in Greensboro, North Carolina, after Elvis apologized, but Kathy Westmoreland did not. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album - a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. 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.