1 Oh! 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. 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. Sweet Inspirations on tour now throughout the UK! [2], In a recording session on March 28, 1967, the Sweet Inspirations provided the backup vocals for Van Morrison on his classic hit "Brown Eyed Girl". She said: Oh absolutely. The Sweet Inspirations, Soundtrack: Deadpool. Cissy Houston, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. 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. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The line-up included Judy Guions (who later became Judy Clay), Marie Epps, Larry Drinkard, Nicholas Drinkard, Ann Moss, Lee and Emily. The original lineup included Doris Troy and the two Warwick sisters Dionne & Dee Dee. 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 lineup was completed by Estelle Brown, Sylvia Shemwell and Myrna Smith. However, it might surprise you that Presley loved black women as he was a rumored racist. 2021 will soon be with us and hopefully have Sweet performing at a Venue near you. Luke Combs recently took to social media to share a moving tribute to his paternal and maternal grandfathers. Hes still here because as long as were here and were keeping him going, hes here. "We've been on Elvis' last six albums and done almost 400 shows with him," explains Sumner. 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'. As stated above, the song Sweet Inspiration caught Elvis' attention, however it was the group, The Blossoms, who backed Elvis onhis '68 Comeback Special that was first choice forhis 1969 return to the stage in Las Vegas. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. 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 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 an all-female gospel/soul quartet consisting of Cissy Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston, Sylvia Shernwell, Myrna Smith, and Estelle Brown. target_type: 'mix' 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'. Highly recommended. ISBN 0-961-86220-3. Sylvia Shinwell was the sister of Judy Clay of "Private Number" fame. Liverpool Echo Arena Auditorium, Liverpool, UK. . 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. 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. He could have chosen anybody to sing with him, but he chose The Sweet Inspirations. The Sweet Inspirations did a great job of blending their voices to make a soulful sound that Elvis couldnt get enough of. Cissy Houston The group sang backup for many stars, including Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Esther Phillips. (21 and over only) Phone: (888) 226-7711 The Jordanaires worked with Elvis Meanwhile, The Kings ex-wife Priscilla has spoken of how she senses his spirit at Graceland. The band backed Elvis on everything from his rock tunes to gospel numbers, from Christmas songs to his movie soundtracks. The Sweet inspirations had a hit record on the Pop, Soul and R and B charts in 1969. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; 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? You can also hear Estelle's voice on the records of Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Wilson Picket, Van Morrison and Dionne Warwick. They say Elvis has left the building. 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. Latest Audio (and video) updates:Video courtesy of Elvis Presley MP3 Audio Central. When Elvis heard that sound he just had to have them sing with him. In fact, she gets it from the whole band." [3] It was released in June 1967 and rose to No. Aside of Sweet Inspirations, Smith sang back up for Elvis in his Graceland recordings as well. [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. Estelle Brown, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. Super motivational quotes. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 308. 9. 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. Tragically, Smith died at the age of 69 on December 24, 2010 from kidney failure. But then when we went to rehearsal with him for the first time, it was just like a marriage. Local breaking news delivered as it happens. In the video, Demi attends a screening of the movie, only to be haunted . Cissy, meanwhile, was also the director of the Gospelaires, the young people's choir at her church, New Hope Baptist, in Newark. The Sweet Inspirations had success with R&B, gospel and pop. Over the years, Elvis Presley had a number of backing singers, including The Sweet Inspirations. 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. Unrivaled Mac notes apps for fuss-free note-taking, 6 Actionable Tips for Improving Your Websites SEO, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes. The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. A final Atlantic session in June 1970 brought the group (now a trio with Brown, Smith, and Shemwell) its last two singles for the label; "This World" (from the musical The Me Nobody Knows), and "Evidence". On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. 1 Hot Cake Or French Toast. At any rate, I supposed my husband dead, and felt rather anxious to know what he might think of me while still alive. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. History. [7] They also backed Dusty Springfield on her album Dusty in Memphis.[3]. '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. 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. The Sweet Inspirations were hired by Elvis Presley in 1969 without an audition, due to Elvis being very familiar with The Sweet Inspirations. The session produced the group's biggest R&B hit in some time. Friday, September 30, 2016 Saturday, October 1, 2016Fri, Sep 30, 2016 Sat, Oct 1, 2016, The El Portal Theatre, North Hollywood, CA. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Judy joined the group, along with Ann Moss and Marie Epps, and their appearances at the Newport Jazz Festival introduced them to a wider audience. The group who sung with The King, including his Las Vegas residencies, featured Whitney. Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, Elvis' Sweet Inspirations and Elvis' original drummer DJ Fontana. The group who sung with The King, including his Las Vegas residencies, featured Whitney Houstons mother Cissy. Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. ", 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.". 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. 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. Myrna was still making records with the Sweet Inspirations during her period with Elvis, but with limited commercial success. Born in Newark, New Jersey. 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). Clockwise from top. In 1979, the group toured with The Bee Gees during their U.S. No he hasnt! "I thought it was funny," was the only explanation Elvis offered for his strange and insulting behavior the night before. Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive? Spirits Having Flown Tour singing backup. 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. 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. This place is the perfect spot to grab something delicious to satisfy your morning sweet tooth. 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. 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). Shemwell died on February 13, 2010. 11 talking about this. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. I really, really want to get their other studio albums. The Sweet Inspirations evolved from groups such as the Drinkard Singers, Gospelaires, and Gospel Wonders to become top-tier session and touring background singers and an accomplished recording act in their own right.Widely known for their extensive work behind Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley, the group is what also links Top Ten pop hits such as Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural . The Sweet Inspirations originally did When Something Is Wrong with My Baby, But You Know I Love You, Do Right Woman - Do Right Man, Blues Stay Away from Me and other songs. 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. Rick Rowe's Where in the ArkLaTex: Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations, Possible tornadoes leaving damage across the ArkLaTex, Renters forced out of Stoner Avenue apartments, Governors urge residents to brace for severe weather on Thursday, Shreveport man busted with drugs, stolen gun. The Complete Atlantic Singles Plus. Thanks for visiting our page! The group, at various times, comprised of: Cissy Houston (a.k.a. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. The Sweet Inspirations had a close, playful and well-respected friendship with Elvis Presley. And there were times Smith provided backing vocals alone, minus her group. 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. 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 The Sweets provided his shows with some much-needed soul, and I think he appreciated that. Sweets For My Sweet. 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." 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. Keep up with the group by coming back often. On the back of his success, Shawn embarked on an unprecedented world tour - performing to thousands of fans in theatres and arenas across the USA, South America, Europe and Australia. Elvis stated to his musical associates and entourage that he must otain The Sweet Inspirations. And I believe Elvis was, or is, an angel and he touched people all over the world., DON'T MISSElvis Presley pilot CAUGHT sleeping in his bed: Guess King's reaction[INTERVIEW]Elvis Presley's WALKOUT after awkward meeting with Brian Wilson[INTERVIEW]Elvis: It was INTENSE The King watching 1968 special with Priscilla[INTERVIEW]. Over the years, Elvis Presley had a number of backing singers, including The Sweet Inspirations. The Sweet Inspirations is known for Deadpool (2016), Something Borrowed (2011) and Sandy Wexler (2017). Emily Drinkard, 30th September 1933, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.) (above) She was replaced by Myrna Smith. Today there are many inspiring. The Festival Brings Elvis Fans From Far And Wide To The Perfect Holiday Haven Penticton, British Columbia. This material may not be reproduced without permission. 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. Almost motherly Then it became obvious to me that there were other women.. 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. The Sweet Inspirations : Female vocal group, formed 1967 in New York, New York. 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. KTBS 3 Public File | KPXJ 21 Public File. I get the feeling needlework in general is still alive and well in Europe. [2] The record was on the chart for ten weeks and peaked at number 18. She later became the lead singer of The Sweet Inspirations, and in 1969, Myrna began her eight-year association with Elvis Presley when the 'Sweet Inspirations' were chosen as his opening act and backing singers for his engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. 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 . 568-573). So Elvis always made sure he got even. The group at this point was composed of Houston, Brown, Shemwell, and Smith. Rank. Walters Choir. 4/14/2020. Keep the Faith. Simply put, The Sweet Inspirations is essential listening for anyone with an interest in late-'60s soul music. During a sweltering two day session in late August of 1967, Dowd and Tommy Cogbill would produce some of the studio's finest work, not only on the Sweet Inspirations but on King Curtis and Don Covay as well. Welcome to the Official website of The Sweet Inspirations! Sylvia Shemwell, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. Even after singing and performing in concerts, they allegedly would continue to sing and jam all night. Sylvia Shemwell died February 13, 2010. Myrna Smith died December 24, 2010. I do feel his spirit is here, yes. Related Playlists. Hugh Jarrett died at 78 on May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in March. Its surreal, but theres an energy here. 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. 1970 In 1969, the group recorded their fourth album, Sweets for my Sweet. Matters came to a head during an evening performance in Norfolk. Movies. He once again criticized Westmoreland during the summer 1975 tour, telling audiences, among other things, that she would "take affection from anybody, anyplace, anytime. By the way, I'm writing this with the album playing away. Buy it Interview with Myrna Smith Cissy Houston Remembers Elvis Presley. The Inspirations performed at the next night's show in Greensboro, North Carolina, after Elvis apologized, but Kathy Westmoreland did not. Wexler had been one of Chips Moman's first customers and had already cut Esther Phillips, King Curtis and Wilson Pickett at the studio. I always say, God I thank you and Elvis I thank you too!. 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. 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.