The group at this point was composed of Houston, Brown, Shemwell, and Smith. Elvis dear friend, Jerry Schilling, loved Smith too. So Elvis always made sure he got even. The group's distinct sound is instantly recognizable and has changed little across 57 years of recordings no matter who was singing. While performing on the "Elvis: The Concert" European tour in March 2010, Smith developed pneumonia which eventually led to kidney failure and a stroke. Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. 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 (. The band backed Elvis on everything from his rock tunes to gospel numbers, from Christmas songs to his movie soundtracks. " The original song was made for the new film SCREAM VI, and even comes with a music video. In fact, she gets it from the whole band." The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. In the video, Demi attends a screening of the movie, only to be haunted . 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. Rank. They would sing behind him for the rest of his life. 9. 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'. [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. No wonder that he used to have them open his concerts. 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. 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. The cover artwork tips a hat to Desolation Boulevard, 1975 and the band's first Headline Tours. Estelle Brown will be attending a few events in Memphis, Portia Griffin will be singing on these both shows! Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, Elvis' Sweet Inspirations and Elvis' original drummer DJ Fontana. Welcome to the Official website of The Sweet Inspirations! And then from how we were raised church-wise, that was the devils music. 3362. [2] The record was on the chart for ten weeks and peaked at number 18. "Elvis and his doctors told me how ill he really was." Shockingly, Kathy says . Learn more about the Soul Explosion celebration: https://found.ee/SoulExplosionSplash-gThe Sweet Inspirations were one of the most in-demand backing acts of . You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Sweet Inspirations is open daily at Zero India Street. They are, left to right: Cissy Drinkard Houston, Myrna Smith, Sylvia Shemwell and Estelle Brown. 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). Originally formed with Philly vocalists Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick and Doris Troy and Emily "Cissy&q read more. Shawn Klush returns to Scranton, PA with The Sweet Inspirations! However, she added: Ive learned better than that but we just didnt think it would work. (4-pk) $ 40.00 Quantity: Product Type: Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Estelle Brown in Jacksonville, Florida, born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, who passed away on January 24, 2021, at the age of 80, leaving to mourn family and friends. 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. Estelle Brown Obituary. Today there are many inspiring. The Inspirations are a professional Southern Gospel quartet from Bryson City, NC. 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. Two more singles released from the LP failed to chart, however, and Cissy Houston left the group shortly after that. 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. Bill Baize, The Stamps Quartet, still active. People who have been here have said that.. 1970 I don't know how you can do it all. Sweet Inspirations is where my ~Dream~ comes alive and lets me be creative as my heart allows. 1. for 59 weeks and 4 No. Cissy Houston left in 1969 to pursue her own solo career but the Sweet Inspirations remained loyal to the king of rock & roll. I really, really want to get their other studio albums. Browse 172,747 the sweet inspirations stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley's backing group. UPI, 21 July 1975. Success! He was replaced by new lead Curtis Young. 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. The original line-up comprised of group leader Emily "Cissy" Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. The Sweet inspirations had a hit record on the Pop, Soul and R and B charts in 1969. When they were unable to come to Vegas because of prior commitments, Elvis didn't hesitate; he signed the 'Sweets' with no audition required. Myrna Yvonne Smith (May 28, 1941 December 24, 2010)[1] was an American songwriter and singer. 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.. Cissy Houston, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. He was 42. She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley 's backing group. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Sylvia Shemwell died February 13, 2010. Myrna Smith died December 24, 2010. Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Until Now! Back to Live is a show unlike any other because it shows you Elvis human side. 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). 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. [7] They also backed Dusty Springfield on her album Dusty in Memphis.[3]. ", 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. The groups most successful song was Sweet Inspiration, which was cut during a two-day session at American Sound in Memphis in August 1967. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. 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. Nicholas is a Master Baker and Lucy's delectable sugar cookies fired up his tastebuds as well as his lusty desires. 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. After years apart, the Sweet Inspirations reformed in 1994 and continued to perform up until recently. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. 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. 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!! If you have Closed Captioning issues or have disabilities and have issues and require assistance accessing the KTBS or KPXJ Public File, The group sang backup for many stars, including Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Esther Phillips. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. The Inspirations performed at the next night's show in Greensboro, North Carolina, after Elvis apologized, but Kathy Westmoreland did not. ), which had been written and produced by Barry Gibb and released on RSO records. (See, I Will Always Love You). 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. He and the rest of the cast are happy to be back in one of the original homes of this concert tour. [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". She said: Oh absolutely. Cissy, meanwhile, was also the director of the Gospelaires, the young people's choir at her church, New Hope Baptist, in Newark. Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. 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. I do feel his spirit is here, yes. 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. By the time she was 8 years old, she was singing in a youth group called C.H. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. However, it might surprise you that Presley loved black women as he was a rumored racist. 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 simply doesn't get any closer than this! 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 session produced the group's biggest R&B hit in some time. Just listen to Son of a Preacher Man sometimeand you get the idea of how important the Sweet Inspirations were to the Atlantic Sound. [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. 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. "I thought it was funny," was the only explanation Elvis offered for his strange and insulting behavior the night before. It was beautiful and it stayed that way. The infamous "catfish" incident that resulted in several of Elvis Presley's backup singers walking off stage in the middle of a concert was not merely a matter of their taking offense at a racist remark, but a reaction to the singer's increasingly bizarre behavior. After being included on a 'Newport Spiritual Stars' compilation in 1954, their performances at the festival were always well attended. You can also hear Estelle's voice on the records of Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Wilson Picket, Van Morrison and Dionne Warwick. 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. The ladies of Sweet Inspiration worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours, and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. 1 albums ('56-'59). Keep up with the group by coming back often. When did Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley start singing together? The Sweets provided his shows with some much-needed soul, and I think he appreciated that. Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound. Today Rick visits with Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations who were background singers for Elvis Presley. . [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. In the video, Smith shared that she and Elvis were often flirty with each other, however, they worked together. 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. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Preliminary Round is June 25-26. Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. 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. In a documentary called, This Time, Smith admitted that Elvis tried to pursue a relationship with her. Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. [2] The Sweet Inspirations; 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. 11 talking about this. Both Dionne and Dee Dee were members, as was their cousin Myrna Smith and Judy's sister, Sylvia Shemwell. Shawn does an intimate show like no other that is free to the public. I always say, God I thank you and Elvis I thank you too!. A founding member of the group was Dionne Warwick, who was later replaced by her aunt, Cissy Houston. [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. 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. Sweet Inspirations on tour now throughout the UK! Marion Keiske Who Discovered Elvis Presley? HOT CAKE AND FRENCH TOAST. But then when we went to rehearsal with him for the first time, it was just like a marriage. 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'. 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. 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. An all female American soul quartet, these ladies were some of the most prolific backing vocalists in 60's R&B, literally singing on dozens of hit records for other artists. At any rate, I supposed my husband dead, and felt rather anxious to know what he might think of me while still alive. Myrna was still making records with the Sweet Inspirations during her period with Elvis, but with limited commercial success. 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. 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. 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. 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 Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. Smith dispels those rumors with her open and candid conversation about the love she shared for Elvis. 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'. Highly recommended. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. In addition to the work they were doing at Atlantic (basically taking the place of The Cookies who, as The Raelettes, had moved on when Brother Ray did in 1960), they would also back folks like Chuck Jackson and Maxine Brown for Wand, and become an integral part of the 'session scene' in town. A Gamble & Huff composition, "Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover" appeared on the group's fifth album Sweet Sweet Soul. His engagement that christened The International Hotel in Vegas that July would mark his first appearance in over eight years. Estelle Brown joined the team soon after, and the line-up that was to become an Atlantic recording group was set. Popular music icon Elvis Presley dies in Memphis, Tennessee. The line-up included Judy Guions (who later became Judy Clay), Marie Epps, Larry Drinkard, Nicholas Drinkard, Ann Moss, Lee and Emily. Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive? Pat Hodges & The Sweet Inspirations. 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. This material may not be reproduced without permission. I'm sure he said, 'And I want your daughter to drive them'. 4/14/2020. 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 . News headlines delivered at 4:00 pm Monday - Friday. Later they began traveling around the area and singing at various venues. The Sweet inspirations were an American gospel/R&B girl group founded by Emily "Cissy" Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston. They say Elvis has left the building. The group, at various times, comprised of: Cissy Houston (a.k.a. The comparison between the old and new is obvious as they are both a compilation of the best of Sweet's recordings, satisfaction guaranteed. 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. It was clear that Elvis loved his background vocalists. There was an error processing your request. Another famous piece . 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. 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. Female vocal group, formed 1967 in New York, New York. Hes still here because as long as were here and were keeping him going, hes here. The Complete Atlantic Singles Plus. Sylvia Shinwell was the sister of Judy Clay of "Private Number" fame. . Local breaking news delivered as it happens. Elvis Gold Piano Elvis Piano at Graceland. The Jordanaires worked with Elvis This is an excellent release no fan should be without it. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, the Drinkards moved to New Jersey in the early fifties. She was married previously to Jerry Schilling from 1982-1987. This entire property is amazing! 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 . Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. 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. 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. Come and meet them May 15thin Scranton at a special Concert inShawn's hometown. Shawn returns once again to a favorite destination. click here for contact information. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1999. A Gamble & Huff composition, Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover. The Festival Brings Elvis Fans From Far And Wide To The Perfect Holiday Haven Penticton, British Columbia. You don't have to bring them'. Myrna Yvonne Smith (May 28, 1941 - December 24, 2010) [1] was an American songwriter and singer. Emily's older sister, Lee, served as the manager of the group, which soon got noticed by Mahalia Jackson. The Sweet Inspirations. Simply put, The Sweet Inspirations is essential listening for anyone with an interest in late-'60s soul music. 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". Walters Choir. The Sweet Inspirations, Soundtrack: Deadpool. The King is coming. [3] She died on December 24, 2010.[8]. Related Playlists. 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. Presley reportedly called the ladies his church sisters. The singer said: Have you ever seen the movie Touched By An Angel? 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). Guralnick, Peter. ELVIS PRESLEY told girlfriend and backing singer of seven years, Kathy Westmoreland, that he knew he would die soon. '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. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images), Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley, 2 Backup Singers Walk Out on Elvis Presley During Performance. Their sound was defined by the piercing tenor vocals of Archie Watkins and the booming bass of Mike Holcomb. You can unsubscribe at any time. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Really, really recommend it. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Ed Enoch, The Stamps Quartet, still active. Pilgrims of Sorrow (1968) was sampled in Hollywood Briggs by Asun Eastwood (2017) Elvis demonstrated his desire for racial reconciliation in the musicians he chose, and in the treatment they received. Featuring Elviss original backing singers The Sweet Inspirations who toured with Elvis from 1969-1977 and featured in concert movies Thats The way It Is, Elvis On Tour and TV special Aloha From Hawaii. The Sweet Inspirations join Shawn Klush on his World Tour throughout the UK. 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlNCvAFptM0. David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. 1 Oh! _taboola.push({ They would provide the background vocals that June as they were recording Aretha's 'Lady Soul' (that's them on Chain Of Fools!! $2.99. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The original lineup included Doris Troy and the two Warwick sisters Dionne & Dee Dee. Saturday, 4th March 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. 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. Myrna Smith is one of the original Sweet Inspirations, the backing group who sang with Elvis in concert from 1969 until the end. Even after singing and performing in concerts, they allegedly would continue to sing and jam all night. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA. Atlanta Elvis fans, the wait is over. 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. In 1969, the group recorded their fourth album, Sweets for my Sweet. She added: And he continues to. Kathy explained: I dated him for about six months on a regular basis it was fun. In March 2010, while on a European tour for Elvis: The Concert, Smith developed pneumonia.