Menu. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1999. In the video, Smith shared that she and Elvis were often flirty with each other, however, they worked together. The Sweet Inspirations is known for Deadpool (2016), Something Borrowed (2011) and Sandy Wexler (2017). An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. ), which had been written and produced by Barry Gibb and released on RSO records. Shemwell died on February 13, 2010. She then went on to describe how she believes Elvis is an angel and still with us. Large Pecan Pie Bites Jar w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 16 oz. Walters Choir. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. The King is coming. Doctors said he died of a heart attack, likely brought on by his addiction to prescription barbiturates. The Sweet Inspirations were founded by 'Cissy' Houston(Born Emily Drinkard, married to Gary Houston at age 21 for two years) mother of Whitney Houston, and sister of Lee Warrick (herself the mother of well-known sisters, Myrna Smith's cousins Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick). Shawn Klush returns to Scranton, PA with The Sweet Inspirations! 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. Gordon Stoker died at 88 at his Brentwood, Tennessee, home on March 27, 2013, after a long illness. Presley's behavior during a July 1975 performance in Norfolk, Virginia, was one of the low points in his long decline from superb entertainer to drug-sodden corpse. Direct from the USA, the world's most successful Elvis tribute artist of all time returns to the UK by popular demand. 1 Oh! Highly recommended. But he was really upset about it. 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. Its surreal, but theres an energy here. [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". He and the rest of the cast are happy to be back in one of the original homes of this concert tour. Shortly after cutting the gospel set, the Sweet Inspirations were back in Atlantic's studios to record their third album, What the World Needs Now is Love,[2] recorded in February 1968 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. The track hit number five on the R&B chart and was a top 20 pop hit. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', Elvis Presley Grave Who is Buried at Graceland? According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, Elvis' Sweet Inspirations and Elvis' original drummer DJ Fontana. 8. Small Pecan Pie Bites w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 8 oz. Liverpool Echo Arena Auditorium, Liverpool, UK. Browse 172,747 the sweet inspirations stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Demi Lovato Is Back and Better Than Ever With ' Still Alive ' If you ' re a fan of the iconic Scream movies, you need to give a listen to Demi Lovato ' s new song " Still Alive. She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley's backing group. 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. Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound. Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. See a video below where Elvis is having a conversation with The Sweet Inspirations and Myrna is featured in the video. 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'. "We've been on Elvis' last six albums and done almost 400 shows with him," explains Sumner. You can unsubscribe at any time. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. 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. 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. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlNCvAFptM0. 9. 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. 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]. Reply. Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. The groups most successful song was Sweet Inspiration, which was cut during a two-day session at American Sound in Memphis in August 1967. 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. After years apart, the Sweet Inspirations reformed in 1994 and continued to perform up until recently. 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 3-day Festival is an annual event taking place in the picturesque city of Penticton, British Columbia, Canada in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. shrimp, mushrooms, red onions, parmesan and feta cheese. The group, at various times, comprised of: Cissy Houston (a.k.a. Despite her financial struggles, she was determined tokeep her career and her friendships with her group mates going for as long as she could. It seems like 2 years flew by just like that. The Festival Brings Elvis Fans From Far And Wide To The Perfect Holiday Haven Penticton, British Columbia. The Sweet Inspirations were one of the premier female harmony groups of the 1960s, supporting Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and Wilson Pickett. He could have chosen anybody to sing with him, but he chose The Sweet Inspirations. 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 late April session produced a version of The Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody", which became the group's fourth R&B chart hit, and a version of The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody," which gave the group a charted, though minor hit. 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. Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. 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. He was very thoughtful. In 1979, the group toured with The Bee Gees during their U.S. Esteemed Actor Ted Torres Martin to Perform Multimedia Musical Stage Production Show Based on the Life and Career of Elvis Presley. Shawn does an intimate show like no other that is free to the public. I get the feeling needlework in general is still alive and well in Europe. Despite their touring success, Houston longed for the comforts of home. Unlike the king, Schilling never stopped pursing Schilling and he eventually won her over. Welcome to the Official website of The Sweet Inspirations! She added: And he continues to. ", 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. KTBS 3 Public File | KPXJ 21 Public File. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', [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. The session produced the group's biggest R&B hit in some time. From suffragist Susan B. Anthony to civil rights activist Rosa Parks, they helped to shape the lives of not only the women who came after them but the world at large. Web and phone order services : 508-228-5814 Nantucketchocolatier.com. Doing what I love to do. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. chocolates shopping sweet inspirations. But U. S. magazines are disappearing. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. She was married previously to Jerry Schilling from 1982-1987. 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. Keep up with the group by coming back often. One of the people who loved that song so much was allegedly Elvis himself. Kathy explained: I dated him for about six months on a regular basis it was fun. 'The Sweet Inspirations', four girls from New York, are in Britain to promote their latest recording hit, What the World Needs Now. Elvis was said to have loved the singers -especially Myrna Smith and he loved their hit song so much that he hired the group of four Black female singers to do backing vocals for him. The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. He was replaced by new lead Curtis Young. "2 Backup Singers Walk Out on Elvis Presley During Performance." Estelle Brown Obituary. Elvis Musicians Elvis band who backed Elvis Presley that are still alive and performing today? Even after singing and performing in concerts, they allegedly would continue to sing and jam all night. [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. Sylvia Shemwell died February 13, 2010. Myrna Smith died December 24, 2010. ", 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 don't know if the road was really for me', she says. Related Playlists. Female vocal group, formed 1967 in New York, New York. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. [3] It was released in June 1967 and rose to No. By the time she was 8 years old, she was singing in a youth group called C.H. " The original song was made for the new film SCREAM VI, and even comes with a music video. 3362. Emily Drinkard, 30th September 1933, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.) (above) 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. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. News headlines delivered at 4:00 pm Monday - Friday. We hope to see you all there to celebrate the one and only Elvis Presley. It will be a night to remember and a chance to meet these Legends! The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. They Come To Celebrate The King Of Rock & Roll Elvis Presley! 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. Thanks for visiting our page! 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 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. The original line-up comprised of group leader Emily "Cissy" Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. 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. Elvis' retinue of backup singers in 1975 consisted of soprano Kathy Westmoreland, who had joined Presley's concert ensemble in 1969; the Sweet Inspirations, a quartet of Black female gospel singers who had also been with Elvis' touring group since 1970; and J.D. Bill Baize, The Stamps Quartet, still active. 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'. Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. Estelle Brown sang with Elvis from 1969 until his untimely passing in 1977. 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. Myrna also backed Elvis up during his 1976 Graceland recordings, both in February of that year and in the October/November sessions. Myrna was still making records with the Sweet Inspirations during her period with Elvis, but with limited commercial success. 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. Friday, June 24, 2016 Sunday, June 26, 2016Fri, Jun 24, 2016 Sun, Jun 26, 2016, Penticton Elvis Fest, 5902 Lakeshore Rd, Penticton, British Columbia. Really, really, like it. Advertising | EEO Public File | In 1969, the group recorded their fourth album, Sweets for my Sweet. I really, really want to get their other studio albums. Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley. If you have Closed Captioning issues or have disabilities and have issues and require assistance accessing the KTBS or KPXJ Public File, The Sweet Inspirations. However, she added: Ive learned better than that but we just didnt think it would work. The Sweet Inspirations. In 1978, the group sang backing vocals on Frankie Valli's No.1 hit "Grease" from the film of the same name. Friday, September 30, 2016 Saturday, October 1, 2016Fri, Sep 30, 2016 Sat, Oct 1, 2016, The El Portal Theatre, North Hollywood, CA. 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. Add to Cart. Buy it Interview with Myrna Smith Cissy Houston Remembers Elvis Presley. The group sang backup for many stars, including Aretha Franklin . Another famous piece . Glendale, CA: Glendale House, 1987. (4-pk) $ 40.00 Quantity: Product Type: Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. 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. [2] The record was on the chart for ten weeks and peaked at number 18. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. Their sound was defined by the piercing tenor vocals of Archie Watkins and the booming bass of Mike Holcomb. The group's distinct sound is instantly recognizable and has changed little across 57 years of recordings no matter who was singing. As long as we stay inspired, the sign will stay upand we have a long list to explore!". 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. 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. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA. Atlanta Elvis fans, the wait is over. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', It was that song that caught the attention of Elvis Presley, who signed them to provide backing vocals and be an opening act for his record-breaking 1969 Las Vegas engagement, his official return to the live concert stage after his triumphant '68 TV special and the end of his Hollywood movie contract obligations. 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). [2] They group broke up shortly thereafter. 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,. Sumner and the Stamps, a white male quintet that had replaced the Imperials, a similar quintet, back in 1971. 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. 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. We were all touched by the same angel: Elvis Presley. You have permission to edit this article. The Inspirations are a professional Southern Gospel quartet from Bryson City, NC. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. Up until the day she died, Myrna Smith made a living telling old stories of Elvis and even singing as a back up singer for Elvis impersonators. Myrna Smith is one of the original Sweet Inspirations, the backing group who sang with Elvis in concert from 1969 until the end. A Gamble & Huff composition, Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover. ", BURBANK, CA - JUNE 27: Rock and roll musician Elvis Presley performing on the Elvis comeback TV special on June 27, 1968. I don't know how you can do it all. 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. Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive? Sausage And Cheese. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The Inspirations performed at the next night's show in Greensboro, North Carolina, after Elvis apologized, but Kathy Westmoreland did not. 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. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. _taboola.push({ Presley reportedly called the ladies his church sisters. Guralnick, Peter. They would sing behind him for the rest of his life. It was released in 1968 under the name 'Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations'. Elvis Gold Piano Elvis Piano at Graceland. $2.99. The 1970s saw the Inspirations rise to national attention with a number of hit songs. Joe Guercio, conductor, died in 2015. Come and meet them May 15thin Scranton at a special Concert inShawn's hometown. [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. 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. 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. 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. By the way, I'm writing this with the album playing away. The Jordanaires worked with Elvis In a documentary called, This Time, Smith admitted that Elvis tried to pursue a relationship with her. History. Really, really recommend it. Part of our South American tour, don't miss our first time ever at the 5,000 seat Teatro Caupolican! She was replaced by Myrna Smith. Cissy Houston left in 1969 to pursue her own solo career but the Sweet Inspirations remained loyal to the king of rock & roll. Two more singles released from the LP failed to chart, however, and Cissy Houston left the group shortly after that. 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. Elvis stated to his musical associates and entourage that he must otain The Sweet Inspirations. 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. Aside of Sweet Inspirations, Smith sang back up for Elvis in his Graceland recordings as well. Wexler had been one of Chips Moman's first customers and had already cut Esther Phillips, King Curtis and Wilson Pickett at the studio. Its still that way.. Error! Weather forecast delivered at 9:00 am daily. She became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. However, it might surprise you that Presley loved black women as he was a rumored racist. 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."

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