Simply put, The Sweet Inspirations is essential listening for anyone with an interest in late-'60s soul music. 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.. As a backup group, the Sweet Inspirations was in high demand among . [2] They group broke up shortly thereafter. Which is just what he did, producing their first sessions for the company himself, just a week after they finished up work on the Aretha album. 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. And now another former member Estelle Brown has revealed in a new interview how she believes Elvis is still around as an angel. Part of our South American tour, don't miss our first time ever at the 5,000 seat Teatro Caupolican! Success! 'The Sweet Inspirations', four girls from New York, are in Britain to promote their latest recording hit, may be re-printed for public display without permission, Elvis demonstrated his desire for racial reconciliation, Elvis Presley and Racism: The Ultimate, Definitive Guide, Elvis Presley and Racism : The Ultimate, Definitive Guide, Interview with Michael Jarrett, songwriter, I'm Leavin', Interview with James Burton Sydney Australia 2006, James Burton : First Call For The Royalty Of Rockabilly, Interview with Terry Blackwood & Jim Murray. 1 Hot Cake Or French Toast With One Egg And Bacon Or Sausage Links. I'm sure he said, 'And I want your daughter to drive them'. The line-up included Judy Guions (who later became Judy Clay), Marie Epps, Larry Drinkard, Nicholas Drinkard, Ann Moss, Lee and Emily. The original line-up comprised of group leader Emily "Cissy" Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. 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. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. 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 Festival Brings Elvis Fans From Far And Wide To The Perfect Holiday Haven Penticton, British Columbia. Cissy Houston, Estelle Brown, Sylvia Shemwell and Myrna Smith made up the group that arranged and performed background vocals on countless recordings for a wide range of artistsfrom Wilson Pickett to Yusef Lateef to Jimi Hendrix to Elvis Presley and, of course, The Queen of Soul. Shrimp And Mushroom. He once again criticized Westmoreland during the summer 1975 tour, telling audiences, among other things, that she would "take affection from anybody, anyplace, anytime. It was all symptomatic of the drug-induced, physical decline that would culminate in Elvis' death from an overdose two years later. More info. HOT CAKE AND FRENCH TOAST. A founding member of the group was Dionne Warwick, who was later replaced by her aunt, Cissy Houston. The Sweet Inspirations. By the way, I'm writing this with the album playing away. After years apart, the Sweet Inspirations reformed in 1994 and continued to perform up until recently. . "The hard days are what make you stronger." Aly Raisman. Inspirations magazines. Dozens of tribute artists grace the outdoor stages, which are set around the picturesque Okanagan Lake, along with special guests Friends Of Elvis. You can unsubscribe at any time. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. 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. Myrna was a great soul singer whose voice was featured on some of the finest records of the second half of the 20th century. We thought it didnt fit. Finding . The group, at various times, comprised of: Cissy Houston (a.k.a. Liverpool Echo Arena Auditorium, Liverpool, UK. We look forward to seeing Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. A Gamble & Huff composition, Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive? 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. Hugh Jarrett died at 78 on May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in March. The Sweet inspirations had a hit record on the Pop, Soul and R and B charts in 1969. The singer said: Have you ever seen the movie Touched By An Angel? Learn more about the Soul Explosion celebration: https://found.ee/SoulExplosionSplash-gThe Sweet Inspirations were one of the most in-demand backing acts of . Menu. 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. They would sing behind him for the rest of his life. TVs great but Shawn is happy to be back doing what he loves and that is keeping the memory alive. Re-released in 1991, it is still . Estelle Brown sang with Elvis from 1969 until his untimely passing in 1977. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. 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. Steve Priest, the bassist and co-founder of glam rock band Sweet, has died at the age of 72. Spirits Having Flown Tour singing backup. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. See a video below where Elvis is having a conversation with The Sweet Inspirations and Myrna is featured in the video. The group sang backup for many stars, including Aretha Franklin . 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 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. 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. This material may not be reproduced without permission. '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. [2] By 1979, Estelle Brown had quit the group and was replaced by Gloria Brown, who toured with them but did not sing on the Sweet Inspirations last LP, Hot Butterfly, on RSO Records, with singer Pat Terry featured on the actual recording. Nicholas is a Master Baker and Lucy's delectable sugar cookies fired up his tastebuds as well as his lusty desires. In fact, she gets it from the whole band." Luke Combs recently took to social media to share a moving tribute to his paternal and maternal grandfathers. This first-of-its-kind musical performance tells the story of Presleys modest beginnings, rise to fame and return to live performing while featuring some of his greatest hits including Blue Suede Shoes and Hound Dog and even a few rare and classic tunes. When they were unable to come to Vegas because of prior commitments, Elvis didn't hesitate; he signed the 'Sweets' with no audition required. Unlike the king, Schilling never stopped pursing Schilling and he eventually won her over. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. The 1970s saw the Inspirations rise to national attention with a number of hit songs. "We've been on Elvis' last six albums and done almost 400 shows with him," explains Sumner. Shawn returns once again to a favorite destination. She was replaced by Myrna Smith. 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. "If you believe it'll work out, you'll see opportunities. He was very thoughtful. People who have been here have said that.. Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound. Aside from them working together, Smith had a boyfriend, Gregory, that was apart of the band as well. We love being here and connecting with peopleeverything starts with customer service! The Inspirations performed at the next night's show in Greensboro, North Carolina, after Elvis apologized, but Kathy Westmoreland did not. We hope to see you all there to celebrate the one and only Elvis Presley. 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,. Also included from that set are "Thats The Way My Baby Is", and "Flash In The Pan". Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. Tragically, Smith died at the age of 69 on December 24, 2010 from kidney failure. Shawn Klush returns to Scranton, PA with The Sweet Inspirations! You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. Estelle Brown Sweet Inspirations In Las Vegas Sweets are headed to the UK for unprecedented Fall Tour starts Nov 3rd Visit http://www.elvisworldtour.co.uk/ for all the information Nov3 Shawn Klush Fall UK Tour Thursday, November 3Thu, Nov 3 Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, UK [2] The record was on the chart for ten weeks and peaked at number 18. ", BURBANK, CA - JUNE 27: Rock and roll musician Elvis Presley performing on the Elvis comeback TV special on June 27, 1968. 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. We welcome all of our South American fans to see the show once again! She stood on stage with Elvis for over 1000 performances. Another famous piece . 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? Weather forecast delivered at 9:00 am daily. The quartet began in 1964 when Martin Cook, a teacher at Swain County High School, invited several young men to his home for evenings of singing. [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. While speaking with The Today Show around the 40th anniversary of his death,Priscilla was adamant that she still felt his presence at Graceland. The Sweet Inspirations. 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. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA. Atlanta Elvis fans, the wait is over. If you have Closed Captioning issues or have disabilities and have issues and require assistance accessing the KTBS or KPXJ Public File, American singer and songwriter (19412010), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Myrna_Smith&oldid=1133798944, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 January 2023, at 15:48. It was clear that Elvis loved his background vocalists. At the end of the year, The Sweets would record Sweet Sweet Soul with Ugene Dozier and Thom Bell at Sigma Sound in Philadelphia, and (Gotta Find) A Brand New Lover would become their biggest hit since Sweet Inspiration in early 1970. The comparison between the old and new is obvious as they are both a compilation of the best of Sweet's recordings, satisfaction guaranteed. 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. Saturday, 4th March 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. By mutual agreement, the girls broke up later that year. 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'. Myrna Yvonne Smith (May 28, 1941 December 24, 2010)[1] was an American songwriter and singer. Related Playlists. Pat Terry would take Estelle's place on their disco flavored album, Hot Butterfly, which didn't sell much - probably due to the fact that the company had overextended itself by then, and was busy fighting off a lawsuit from those self-same Brothers Gibb. Friday, June 24, 2016 Sunday, June 26, 2016Fri, Jun 24, 2016 Sun, Jun 26, 2016, Penticton Elvis Fest, 5902 Lakeshore Rd, Penticton, British Columbia. So whenwe got there, we were greeted by this little blonde in a convertible and she had to drive us around and she was his daughter. Sweet Inspirations on tour now throughout the UK! 308. One of the people who loved that song so much was allegedly Elvis himself. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. But he was really upset about it. 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 (. I could SWAP places with a doppelgnger, Brian May on Queens influences: The Beatles 'built our bible', Rolling Stones: Brian Jones would call Bob Dylan EVERY day, Elvis Presley had 'HUGE heart, Graceland like living at Disneyland', Elvis Presley's WALKOUT after awkward meeting with Brian Wilson, Elvis: It was INTENSE The King watching 1968 special with Priscilla, Elvis: Colonel Parker's telegram Ive NEVER shared this Priscilla, Elvis Presley's HILARIOUS response to Graceland street named after him, Elvis didn't want to be old on stage, hed be BLOWN AWAY by legacy'. 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. 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. Rare Original '67 The SWEET INSPIRATIONS Atlantic Records Premiere Self Titled Stereo Vintage U.S Vinyl Press Lp Near MINT Sixties Funk Soul IsWhatIGot (1,123) $24.00 FREE shipping sweet sixteen svg / sweet 16 svg / sixteen svg / digital download CaffeinatedArtStudio (3,451) $1.30 $1.45 (10% off) However, it might surprise you that Presley loved black women as he was a rumored racist. The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Guralnick, Peter. Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. Matters came to a head during an evening performance in Norfolk. The Complete Atlantic Singles Plus. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Preliminary Round is June 25-26. Web and phone order services : 508-228-5814 Nantucketchocolatier.com. 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). 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'. 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. At that point, Brown had had enough and walked off the stage. He was known for his playful humour and outrageous costumes when Sweet played hits like Blockbuster and . Their sound was defined by the piercing tenor vocals of Archie Watkins and the booming bass of Mike Holcomb. 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. As a backup group, the Sweet Inspirations was in high demand among producers, publishers, artists, and songwriters in the early 1960s. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. Super motivational quotes. Browse 172,747 the sweet inspirations stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Estelle Brown will be attending a few events in Memphis, Portia Griffin will be singing on these both shows! Doing what I love to do. 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. chocolates shopping sweet inspirations. However, that didnt stop the King from showing Smith love and affection. Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. The track hit number five on the R&B chart and was a top 20 pop hit. Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. It simply doesn't get any closer than this! New York, New York, United States. Shawn has been busy on the road, with a particularly special stop last year on The Late Show, with David Letterman, however this year Shawn has taken his talents to Hollywood, with a feature role on the HBO hit series Vinyl. The group who sung with The King, including his Las Vegas residencies, featured Whitney. "2 Backup Singers Walk Out on Elvis Presley During Performance." Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. You can also hear Estelle's voice on the records of Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Wilson Picket, Van Morrison and Dionne Warwick. Emily Drinkard, 30th September 1933, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.) (above) 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. Today Rick visits with Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations who were background singers for Elvis Presley Sweet Inspirations is where my ~Dream~ comes alive and lets me be creative as my heart allows. 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. The Sweet Inspirations had success with R&B, gospel and pop. 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. Friday, September 30, 2016 Saturday, October 1, 2016Fri, Sep 30, 2016 Sat, Oct 1, 2016, The El Portal Theatre, North Hollywood, CA. 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. In the video, Smith shared that she and Elvis were often flirty with each other, however, they worked together. Highly recommended. ), and would become closely allied with her for the rest of her tenure at Atlantic. This isnt too surprising, as their have been rumors that Elvis was very fond of the ladies. It will be a night to remember and a chance to meet these Legends! She became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. The group who sung with The King, including his Las Vegas residencies, featured Whitney Houstons mother Cissy. 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. Cissy Houston left in 1969 to pursue her own solo career but the Sweet Inspirations remained loyal to the king of rock & roll. 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'. [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". Speaking with Spa Guy in Nashville, Tennessee, Estelle spoke of how at first she thought the opposite of Elvis. 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 follow-up, Let It Be Me, which had been recorded at those same New York sessions, did even better, just missing the R&B top ten. 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. I am still missing a few and would be interested in buying some of them once you get organized. 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. Really, really recommend it. Myrna Smith, a member of the group, The Sweet Inspirations, sang back up for rock & roll legend, Elvis Presley. 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. In 1963 she and three other singers formed a backup group that became known as the Sweet Inspirationsand performed around the country with various headliners. Shemwell died on February 13, 2010. The original line-up comprised of group leader Emily "Cissy" Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. In 1969, the group recorded their fourth album, Sweets for my Sweet. They are, left to right: Cissy Drinkard Houston, Myrna Smith, Sylvia Shemwell and Estelle Brown. 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. 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!! Myrna Smith is one of the original Sweet Inspirations, the backing group who sang with Elvis in concert from 1969 until the end. Error! Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, UK. 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. The Sweet Inspirations is known for Deadpool (2016), Something Borrowed (2011) and Sandy Wexler (2017). Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration.