'The Sweet Inspirations', four girls from New York, are in Britain to promote their latest recording hit, What the World Needs Now. No he hasnt! I really, really want to get their other studio albums. 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. It was all symptomatic of the drug-induced, physical decline that would culminate in Elvis' death from an overdose two years later. 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. Estelle Brown joined the team soon after, and the line-up that was to become an Atlantic recording group was set. Female vocal group, formed 1967 in New York, New York. Dee Dee left in 1965, when her solo career began to take off. Elvis demonstrated his desire for racial reconciliation in the musicians he chose, and in the treatment they received. Featuring Elvis's original backing singers 'The Sweet Inspirations' who toured with Elvis from 1969-1977 and featured in concert movies That's The way It Is, Elvis On Tour and TV special Aloha From Hawaii. The Sweet Inspirations (Estelle Brown, Smith, and Shemwell) got back together again in 1994, with new member Portia Griffin. 3362. 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. Super motivational quotes. Marion Keiske Who Discovered Elvis Presley? News headlines delivered at 7:00 am Monday - Friday. She added: And he continues to. Artists Moods Energetic Positive Sweet Yearning Devotional Soothing Wistful Elegant Exciting Lively Relaxed Romantic Sentimental Sophisticated Strong Uplifting Warm Gentle Striding Gutsy Passionate Dreamy Artists Themes Faith Housework In Love Compassion Heartache Introspection Religion Yearning Healing/Comfort Passion Peace 1 albums ('56-'59). ), which had been written and produced by Barry Gibb and released on RSO records. The Sweet Inspirations were one of the premier female harmony groups of the 1960s, supporting Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and Wilson Pickett. Estelle Brown will be attending a few events in Memphis, Portia Griffin will be singing on these both shows! [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. Add to Cart. In 1978, The Sweet Inspirations sang background on Frankie Valli's number one smash, Grease (! 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. The group who sung with The King, including his Las Vegas residencies, featured Whitney Houstons mother Cissy. The Sweet Inspirations were hired by Elvis Presley in 1969 without an audition, due to Elvis being very familiar with The Sweet Inspirations. (4-pk) $ 40.00 Quantity: Product Type: Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. 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. Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. _taboola.push({ The Sweet Inspirations; 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. Elvis dear friend, Jerry Schilling, loved Smith too. 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. This article about a United States songwriter is a stub. At that point, Brown had had enough and walked off the stage. 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. 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. 1 Oh! However, it might surprise you that Presley loved black women as he was a rumored racist. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. 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 is known for Deadpool (2016), Something Borrowed (2011) and Sandy Wexler (2017). So Elvis always made sure he got even. Local breaking news delivered as it happens. 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. Hugh Jarrett died at 78 on May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in March. In the video, Demi attends a screening of the movie, only to be haunted . [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. Thanks for visiting our page! While speaking with The Today Show around the 40th anniversary of his death,Priscilla was adamant that she still felt his presence at Graceland. Until Now! Nicholas is a Master Baker and Lucy's delectable sugar cookies fired up his tastebuds as well as his lusty desires. Their sound was defined by the piercing tenor vocals of Archie Watkins and the booming bass of Mike Holcomb. The group at this point was composed of Houston, Brown, Shemwell, and Smith. KTBS 3 Public File | KPXJ 21 Public File. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. Sweet Inspirations is open daily at Zero India Street. 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. 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. 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 session produced the group's biggest R&B hit in some time. Presley reportedly called the ladies his church sisters. When Elvis heard that sound he just had to have them sing with him. 4/14/2020. 9. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. 96 were here. Elvis Musicians Elvis band who backed Elvis Presley that are still alive and performing today? They say Elvis has left the building. [2] Smith was replaced with Los Angeles-based singer Kelly Jones; as of March 2011[update], the Sweet Inspirations are continuing to perform backup vocals with Elvis: The Concert and continue to do many concerts worldwide with Elvis Presley Enterprises' first ever "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist", Shawn Klush,[9] sometimes as a duo and other times as a trio. By mutual agreement, the girls broke up later that year. Both Dionne and Dee Dee were members, as was their cousin Myrna Smith and Judy's sister, Sylvia Shemwell. 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. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. I don't know how you can do it all. $2.99. ", BURBANK, CA - JUNE 27: Rock and roll musician Elvis Presley performing on the Elvis comeback TV special on June 27, 1968. 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. 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. 1970 David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994. The King is coming. If you have Closed Captioning issues or have disabilities and have issues and require assistance accessing the KTBS or KPXJ Public File, Guralnick, Peter. A Gamble & Huff composition, Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover. Hes still here because as long as were here and were keeping him going, hes here. The group continued on, however, and recorded their first album in 25 years, 'In'the Right Place', in 2005. His ongoing misuse of an astonishing variety and volume of prescriptiondrugs turned his concert appearances into parodies staged by a sloppy, bloated performer who slurred lyrics rather than singing them, changed his character, caused him to act in an increasingly incomprehensible and erratic manner, and destroyed his health (ultimately killing him). 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'. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album - a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. In the video, Smith shared that she and Elvis were often flirty with each other, however, they worked together. Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound. Kathy explained: I dated him for about six months on a regular basis it was fun. 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 . 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. In 1994, original members Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia reformed 'The Sweet Inspirations', adding a fourth singer, Portia Griffin. Related Playlists. [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. Estelle Brown, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. The parcel being directed to me, I had a right to open it without being thought indiscreet, and, as my husband is in the full enjoyment of health, I could read his will without emotion. His engagement that christened The International Hotel in Vegas that July would mark his first appearance in over eight years. The Inspirations Set to Release New Live Album in April Staff March 8, 2021 Arden, NC (March 8, 2021) Formed in 1964, The Inspirations are one of Gospel music's longest-standing quartets. (See, I Will Always Love You). Cissy Houston (born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933) is a gospel and soul singer. 9. Clockwise from top. In 1978, the group sang backing vocals on Frankie Valli's No.1 hit "Grease" from the film of the same name. 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. 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. Born in Newark, New Jersey. Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. One of the people who loved that song so much was allegedly Elvis himself. Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. Unrivaled Mac notes apps for fuss-free note-taking, 6 Actionable Tips for Improving Your Websites SEO, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes. 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 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. 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. Her protestations only seemed to increase Presley's determination to embarrass her. The groups most successful song was Sweet Inspiration, which was cut during a two-day session at American Sound in Memphis in August 1967. New York, New York, United States. Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive? Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. This material may not be reproduced without permission. Add to Cart. The remainder of the album was recorded in November 1970, with Shemwell, Brown, Smith, and new member Ann Williams, a friend of Brown's who stayed for what turned out to be the group's last full Atlantic album. 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. Sylvia Shemwell, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. The Sweet Inspirations had evolved from the Gospelaires group. Learn more about the Soul Explosion celebration: https://found.ee/SoulExplosionSplash-gThe Sweet Inspirations were one of the most in-demand backing acts of . Aside from them working together, Smith had a boyfriend, Gregory, that was apart of the band as well. Its surreal, but theres an energy here. 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. Its still that way.. [3] It was released in June 1967 and rose to No. The line-up included Judy Guions (who later became Judy Clay), Marie Epps, Larry Drinkard, Nicholas Drinkard, Ann Moss, Lee and Emily. Despite her financial struggles, she was determined tokeep her career and her friendships with her group mates going for as long as she could. Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. Unbowed, they would sign with Stax (a company where it was still okay to be Black) as a trio in 1973. The 3-day Festival is an annual event taking place in the picturesque city of Penticton, British Columbia, Canada in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Pilgrims of Sorrow (1968) was sampled in Hollywood Briggs by Asun Eastwood (2017) Glendale, CA: Glendale House, 1987. [2] They group broke up shortly thereafter. Elvis, emboldened by his own American Studio recordings that had put him back in the top ten in 1969, Elvis decided to return to performing in public. Stay safe. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1999. The group started with the superstar in the fall of 1973. $8.99. Portia Griffin who has been with the group for 19 years sang with Jeffery Osborne, the Killers and many more. "I thought it was funny," was the only explanation Elvis offered for his strange and insulting behavior the night before. We are proud to announce that Heart of the King , A Tribute to Elvis is back and better than ever June 10th for one night only. As the story goes, Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham got up off the couch, wrote a song for The Sweets, and cut it themselves while Dowd and the rest of the Atlantic crew went to lunch. 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. 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. . "Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground." Theodore Roosevelt. 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. The Sweet Inspirations were top-tier background singers and an accomplished recording act in their own right. 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. It seems like 2 years flew by just like that. Shawn Klush returns to Scranton, PA with The Sweet Inspirations! In a documentary called, This Time, Smith admitted that Elvis tried to pursue a relationship with her. Just listen to Son of a Preacher Man sometimeand you get the idea of how important the Sweet Inspirations were to the Atlantic Sound. 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. 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. I always say, God I thank you and Elvis I thank you too!. 11 talking about this. Finding . Emily and Lee were members of The Drinkard Singers, a family group that had the distinction of recording the first Gospel album to appear on a major label: A live recording from The Newport Jazz Festival in 1959. 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. But he was really upset about it. 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 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. I don't think they've received nearly enough credit for that. You can also hear Estelle's voice on the records of Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Wilson Picket, Van Morrison and Dionne Warwick. "Elvis and his doctors told me how ill he really was." Shockingly, Kathy says . 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). In 2001, Sylvia suffered a stroke which left her unable to perform. 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 Smith even married Schilling briefly from 1982-1987. And now another former member Estelle Brown has revealed in a new interview how she believes Elvis is still around as an angel. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. Luke Combs recently took to social media to share a moving tribute to his paternal and maternal grandfathers. They would provide the background vocals that June as they were recording Aretha's 'Lady Soul' (that's them on Chain Of Fools!! 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 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). 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!! 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. They performed at Elvis Presley tribute shows,[2] and released new material in 2005. Elvis stated to his musical associates and entourage that he must otain The Sweet Inspirations. Esteemed Actor Ted Torres Martin to Perform Multimedia Musical Stage Production Show Based on the Life and Career of Elvis Presley. It was beautiful and it stayed that way. http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/02004E599D9C46E7?brand=scrantoncc&camefrom=CFC_SCC_SCCCAL_ShawnKlush05152015. 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'. Smith dispels those rumors with her open and candid conversation about the love she shared for Elvis. The Sweets provided his shows with some much-needed soul, and I think he appreciated that. 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. She died on December 24, 2010, in Canoga Park, California, after an illness, five months short of her 70th birthday.[1]. We welcome all of our South American fans to see the show once again! 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. I'm sure he said, 'And I want your daughter to drive them'. Part of our South American tour, don't miss our first time ever at the 5,000 seat Teatro Caupolican! I get the feeling needlework in general is still alive and well in Europe. One more single that didn't do much would follow in 1974 and, when Stax went under the following year, they took their contract with them.Through this, they were still performing with Elvis. The group was also invited to be part of the regular cast on the Gospel Singing Jubilee television program. Popular music icon Elvis Presley dies in Memphis, Tennessee. The Inspirations describe themselves as "an enthusiastic, sincere, clean-cut group of fundamental conservative Christian gentlemen with a desire and an objective to witness to a needful and sinful world through the medium of Gospel Music." They have sold more than one million copies of their sixty albums. Doctors said he died of a heart attack, likely brought on by his addiction to prescription barbiturates. Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, UK. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA. Atlanta Elvis fans, the wait is over. 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. Over the years, Elvis Presley had a number of backing singers, including The Sweet Inspirations. The track hit number five on the R&B chart and was a top 20 pop hit. 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 group's distinct sound is instantly recognizable and has changed little across 57 years of recordings no matter who was singing. The original line-up comprised of group leader Emily "Cissy" Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. Ed Enoch, The Stamps Quartet, still active. Myrna Yvonne Smith (May 28, 1941 - December 24, 2010) [1] was an American songwriter and singer. 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. Menu. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him.
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