are any of the sweet inspirations still alive are any of the sweet inspirations still alive

The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. Saturday, 4th March 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. In 2001, Sylvia suffered a stroke which left her unable to perform. The Inspirations Set to Release New Live Album in April An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. We look forward to seeing 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 group, at various times, comprised of: Cissy Houston (a.k.a. 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'. Although the whole incident was not so simply explained, "Black backup singers walked out after Elvis said they 'smelled like catfish'" is the memory the public has retained of an evening best forgotten. She died on December 24, 2010, in Canoga Park, California, after an illness, five months short of her 70th birthday.[1]. 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. The Sweet Inspirations Top Songs - Music VF 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." Both Dionne and Dee Dee were members, as was their cousin Myrna Smith and Judy's sister, Sylvia Shemwell. Simply put, The Sweet Inspirations is essential listening for anyone with an interest in late-'60s soul music. Aside from them working together, Smith had a boyfriend, Gregory, that was apart of the band as well. The "King" recorded and toured with the all-male Stampsas well as the female vocal group Sweet Inspirationsfor the remainder of his . We welcome all of our South American fans to see the show once again! Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. 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. Ed Enoch, The Stamps Quartet, still active. He was replaced by new lead Curtis Young. 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. 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. Houston'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. In a documentary called, This Time, Smith admitted that Elvis tried to pursue a relationship with her. Buy it Interview with Myrna Smith Cissy Houston Remembers Elvis Presley. Estelle Brown joined the team soon after, and the line-up that was to become an Atlantic recording group was set. We thought it didnt fit. Elvis FAQ: Elvis' Backup Singers Direct from the USA, the world's most successful Elvis tribute artist of all time returns to the UK by popular demand. 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. Smith had many fond memories of Elvis in which she reflected on his love for music as well as his love for black women, particularly her. Doing what I love to do. Clockwise from top. ", As Presley biographer Peter Guralnick wrote, "Neither Kathy nor the Sweets knew exactly what he meant by the 'catfish' remark; none of them thought it was racial they just knew it was hostile, and there was an ugly undertone, not just to that comment but to his whole demeanor.". I always say, God I thank you and Elvis I thank you too!. The Sweet Inspirations (Estelle Brown, Smith, and Shemwell) got back together again in 1994, with new member Portia Griffin. Hes still here because as long as were here and were keeping him going, hes here. Elvis Presley and Racism : The Ultimate, Definitive Guide, Interview with Larry Muhoberac Interview with John Wilkinson Interview with Michael Jarrett, songwriter, I'm Leavin' Interview with James Burton Interview with James Burton Sydney Australia 2006 James Burton : First Call For The Royalty Of Rockabilly Interview with Ronnie Tutt Interview with Ronnie Tutt #2 Interview with Jerry Scheff Interview with Glen D. Hardin Interview with Sherrill Nielsen Interview with Terry Blackwood & Jim Murray Interview with Tony Brown Duke Bardwell Interview with Scotty Moore Bill Black Interview with D.J. It was all symptomatic of the drug-induced, physical decline that would culminate in Elvis' death from an overdose two years later. They Come To Celebrate The King Of Rock & Roll Elvis Presley! Just listen to Son of a Preacher Man sometimeand you get the idea of how important the Sweet Inspirations were to the Atlantic Sound. Myrna Smith - Wikipedia Today Rick visits with Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations who were background singers for Elvis Presley A conversation about Aretha can only lead to discussion of The Sweet Inspirations. Did Elvis Presley's Backup Singers Walk Out On a Concert After He Said ", BURBANK, CA - JUNE 27: Rock and roll musician Elvis Presley performing on the Elvis comeback TV special on June 27, 1968. Although they would hit the R&B chart twice more for the label, by 1971, with Wexler now merely an employee and the Warner owned company's focus shifting to acts like Led Zeppelin, Derek & the Dominoes and Crosby, Stills and Nash, they chose not to renew The Sweets' contract in 1972. The Inspirations - Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Over the years, Elvis Presley had a number of backing singers, including The Sweet Inspirations. Sweet Inspirations - Facebook Jerry Schilling and Elvis Presley were close friends who reportedly both were attracted to Myrna Smith. Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, Elvis' Sweet Inspirations and Elvis' original drummer DJ Fontana. When did Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley start singing together? Keep the Faith. News headlines delivered at 7:00 am Monday - Friday. In 1979, the group toured with The Bee Gees during their U.S. 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. 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. Part of our South American tour, don't miss our first time ever at the 5,000 seat Teatro Caupolican! J.D. Sumner | Country Music Artist | His Life & Music! | Willie Nelson 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. Myrna also backed Elvis up during his 1976 Graceland recordings, both in February of that year, and in the October/November sessions, resulting in two albums. 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. 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. This isnt too surprising, as their have been rumors that Elvis was very fond of the ladies. The original line-up comprised of group leader Emily "Cissy" Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. The Sweet Inspirations - Samples, Covers and Remixes History. The Sweet Inspirations 1969:Sylvia Shemwell, Cissy Houston, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. Cissy Houston 1. for 59 weeks and 4 No. However, she added: Ive learned better than that but we just didnt think it would work. Meanwhile, The Kings ex-wife Priscilla has spoken of how she senses his spirit at Graceland. 1970 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. 1131. Luke Combs recently took to social media to share a moving tribute to his paternal and maternal grandfathers. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. click here for contact information. The Inspirations announced a monumental change in their group, as founder/pianist/group co-owner Martin Cook resigned all of his roles last Wednesday. 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. SWEET Official | New Album "Isolation Boulevard" They are, left to right: Cissy Drinkard Houston, Myrna Smith, Sylvia Shemwell and Estelle Brown. Advertising | EEO Public File | Westmoreland had had a relationship with Elvis, and when she refused to pick up where they had left off during a concert tour earlier that year and started dating a member of the band, he began to introduce her at performances using "a string of veiled and not-so-veiled sexual references." This entire property is amazing! 4/14/2020. Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive? Success! I'm sure he said, 'And I want your daughter to drive them'. Myrna Smithalso backed Elvis up during his 1976 Graceland recordings, both in February of that year and in the October/November sessions, resulting in two albums. Myna Smith: Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. If you don't believe it'll work out, you'll see obstacles." Wayne Dyer. Lee, who was the mother of Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, had also adopted another daughter named Judy Guions (who would later become known as Judy Clay). In 1978, the group sang backing vocals on Frankie Valli's No.1 hit "Grease" from the film of the same name. Cissy Houston, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. 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 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 Sweet Inspirations were one of the premier female harmony groups of the 1960s, supporting Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and Wilson Pickett. You can unsubscribe at any time. 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. 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. Marion Keiske Who Discovered Elvis Presley? 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. No wonder that he used to have them open his concerts. 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. 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-pk) Estelle Brown will be attending a few events in Memphis, Portia Griffin will be singing on these both shows! The Sweet Inspirations - - The Sweet Inspirations - Wikipedia The band backed Elvis on everything from his rock tunes to gospel numbers, from Christmas songs to his movie soundtracks. 'The Sweet Inspirations', four girls from New York, are in Britain to promote their latest recording hit, What the World Needs Now. Elvis Presley and Racism: The Ultimate, Definitive Guide, 1967 : Sweet Inspirations : Atlantic 1968 : Songs of Faith & Inspiration : Atlantic 1969 : Sweets for my Sweet : Atlantic 1969 : What the World Needs Now is Love : Atlantic 1970 : Sweet Sweet Soul : Atlantic 1973 : The Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia : Stax 1979 : Hot Butterfly : RSO, #12 : The Sweet Inspirations :Black albums : 1968 #90 The Sweet Inspirations : Pop albums :1968, #13 : Let It Be Me : R&B|Black singles : 1967 #94 : Let It Be Me Pop singles : 1967 #36 : Why (Am I Treated so Bad) : Black singles : 1967 #57 : Why (Am I Treated so Bad) : Pop singles : 1967 #5 : Sweet Inspiration : Black singles : 1968 #18 : Sweet Inspiration : Pop singles : 1968 #30 : To Love Somebody : Black singles : 1968 #74 : To Love Somebody : Pop singles : 1968 #41 : Unchained Melody : Black singles : 1968 #73 : Unchained Melody : Pop singles 1968 #42 Crying in the Rain Black singles : 1969 #25 : A Brand New Lover : Black singles : 1970 #44 : Evidence : Black singles : 1971 #26 : Love is on the Way : Club Play singles : 1979 #34 : Celebration : Hot Dance music/Club Play : 2005, Interview with Myrna Smith Cissy Houston Remembers Elvis Presley. All members of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young formed in 1968 are still alive Formed in 1967 by five Charterhouse pupils including Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel and Anthony Phillips and later joined by Phil Collins, all the members of Genesis are still alive, as is original drummer and fifth founding member Chris Stewart. Female vocal group, formed 1967 in New York, New York. 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 - IMDb Her protestations only seemed to increase Presley's determination to embarrass her. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. It will leave audiences with knowledge of not only how great of an entertainer he was, but also a kindhearted, down-to-earth human being.. Doctors said he died of a heart attack, likely brought on by his addiction to prescription barbiturates. Sylvia Shemwell, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. Emily's older sister, Lee, served as the manager of the group, which soon got noticed by Mahalia Jackson. Really, really, like it. The Sweet Inspirations on Amazon Music Unlimited Friday, September 30, 2016 Saturday, October 1, 2016Fri, Sep 30, 2016 Sat, Oct 1, 2016, The El Portal Theatre, North Hollywood, CA. In 1994, original members Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia reformed 'The Sweet Inspirations', adding a fourth singer, Portia Griffin. Artist: The Sweet Inspirations | SecondHandSongs 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. 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. 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. By the way, I'm writing this with the album playing away. The Sweet Inspirations were hired by Elvis Presley in 1969 without an audition, due to Elvis being very familiar with The Sweet Inspirations. Keep up with the group by coming back often. The Sweet Inspirations: albums, songs, playlists | Listen on Deezer In addition to being an amazing musician, singer and entertainer, Elvis was a down-to-earth and humble person with a big heart, says Torres Martin. The group continued on, however, and recorded their first album in 25 years, 'In'the Right Place', in 2005. A founding member of the group was Dionne Warwick, who was later replaced by her aunt, Cissy Houston. The Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville would like to take a moment to wish Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations a very Happy 70th Birthday!! It was released in 1968 under the name "Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations. Sweet Inspiration is a sweet sexy tale of the eldest son of Santa Claus and how Lucy's sweet treats and unique style drew him in changing the course of his path forever. When Elvis heard that sound he just had to have them sing with him. His engagement that christened The International Hotel in Vegas that July would mark his first appearance in over eight years. 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. 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. 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. After years apart, the Sweet Inspirations reformed in 1994 and continued to perform up until recently. 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. So Elvis always made sure he got even. 24; Mary says: May 16, 2011 at 10:12 am . Myrna Smith, a member of the group, The Sweet Inspirations, sang back up for rock & roll legend, Elvis Presley. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. Sausage And Cheese. The groups most successful song was Sweet Inspiration, which was cut during a two-day session at American Sound in Memphis in August 1967. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album - a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. People who have been here have said that.. Myrna also backed Elvis up during his 1976 Graceland recordings, both in February of that year and in the October/November sessions. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994. Sweet Inspirations is where my ~Dream~ comes alive and lets me be creative as my heart allows. 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. 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. I don't think they've received nearly enough credit for that. 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. The Sweet Inspirations music, videos, stats, and photos | Last.fm The Sweets provided his shows with some much-needed soul, and I think he appreciated that. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. 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. 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'. Farewell Martin Cook, Welcome Back Archie! | Fuson's Findings Their sound was defined by the piercing tenor vocals of Archie Watkins and the booming bass of Mike Holcomb. We love being here and connecting with peopleeverything starts with customer service! 15 Most Famous Artists and Painters Who are Alive Today The cover artwork tips a hat to Desolation Boulevard, 1975 and the band's first Headline Tours. Interview with Myrna Smith | Elvis Articles When I used to work down in this area we would order in from here all time time for business events and their pastries were always well received. No he hasnt! Smith dispels those rumors with her open and candid conversation about the love she shared for Elvis. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', 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. The line-up included Judy Guions (who later became Judy Clay), Marie Epps, Larry Drinkard, Nicholas Drinkard, Ann Moss, Lee and Emily. Menu. 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. 3362. Despite their touring success, Houston longed for the comforts of home. Sumner and the Stamps, a white male quintet that had replaced the Imperials, a similar quintet, back in 1971. Its a wonderful weekend of remembering Elvis through his extensive musical library, and touching stories from those who knew him about how he touched their lives. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. [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. 568-573). (4-pk) $ 40.00 Quantity: Product Type: Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. Emily Drinkard, 30th September 1933, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.) (above) This article about a United States songwriter is a stub. Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. She stood on stage with Elvis for over 1000 performances. 1 Hot Cake Or French Toast. I do feel his spirit is here, yes. But then when we went to rehearsal with him for the first time, it was just like a marriage. Myrna Yvonne Smith (May 28, 1941 - December 24, 2010) [1] was an American songwriter and singer. They would sing behind him for the rest of his life. 1 albums ('56-'59). She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley 's backing group. The Inspirations performed at the next night's show in Greensboro, North Carolina, after Elvis apologized, but Kathy Westmoreland did not. It simply doesn't get any closer than this! The Sweet Inspirations Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic Myrna Yvonne Smith (May 28, 1941 December 24, 2010)[1] was an American songwriter and singer. Re-released in 1991, it is still . So Elvis always made sure he got even. Dee Dee left in 1965, when her solo career began to take off. Because of Smiths memories, we learned two things about the King of Rock and Roll: he loved black women and he was possibly not racist. 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. Popular music icon Elvis Presley dies in Memphis, Tennessee. We hope to see you all there to celebrate the one and only Elvis Presley. A link to the news story can be found here. Elvis loved gospel and soul music. 11 talking about this. '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. Until Now! 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. The Sweet Inspirations Inducted into The Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Estelle Brown Obituary (1940 - 2021) | Jacksonville, Florida - Echovita 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.