are any of the sweet inspirations still alive

The session produced the group's biggest R&B hit in some time. 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. The group sang backup for many stars, including Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Esther Phillips. Despite their touring success, Houston longed for the comforts of home. "We've been on Elvis' last six albums and done almost 400 shows with him," explains Sumner. "Elvis and his doctors told me how ill he really was." Shockingly, Kathy says . 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). In 1979, after Estelle Brown left the group, they were asked by The Bee Gees to go on tour with them and signed by Robert Stigwood to RSO. 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 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 band backed Elvis on everything from his rock tunes to gospel numbers, from Christmas songs to his movie soundtracks. Bacharach, of course, would go on to make history with Dionne at Scepter, while Dee Dee and Judy Clay embarked on solo careers themselves shortly thereafter. Hes still here because as long as were here and were keeping him going, hes here. ), and would become closely allied with her for the rest of her tenure at Atlantic. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. In 1978, the group sang backing vocals on Frankie Valli's No.1 hit "Grease" from the film of the same name. In 1994, original members Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia reformed 'The Sweet Inspirations', adding a fourth singer, Portia Griffin. [3] It was released in June 1967 and rose to No. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. They performed at Elvis Presley tribute shows,[2] and released new material in 2005. When they were unable to come to Vegas because of prior commitments, Elvis didn't hesitate; he signed the 'Sweets' with no audition required. Today Rick visits with Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations who were background singers for Elvis Presley All members of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young formed in 1968 are still alive Formed in 1967 by five Charterhouse pupils including Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel and Anthony Phillips and later joined by Phil Collins, all the members of Genesis are still alive, as is original drummer and fifth founding member Chris Stewart. Shawn has been busy on the road, with a particularly special stop last year on The Late Show, with David Letterman, however this year Shawn has taken his talents to Hollywood, with a feature role on the HBO hit series Vinyl. 2021 will soon be with us and hopefully have Sweet performing at a Venue near you. Elvis demonstrated his desire for racial reconciliation in the musicians he chose, and in the treatment they received. Walters Choir. The Sweet Inspirations had success with R&B, gospel and pop. Despite her financial struggles, she was determined tokeep her career and her friendships with her group mates going for as long as she could. Friday, September 2, 2016Fri, Sep 2, 2016, Friday, August 26, 2016 Saturday, August 27, 2016Fri, Aug 26, 2016 Sat, Aug 27, 2016, NYCB Theater at Westbury, NY, Westbury, NY, Back by Overwhelming Popular Demand, The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular returns to one of our favorite venues for 1 night only. We look forward to seeing He could have chosen anybody to sing with him, but he chose The Sweet Inspirations. 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. The session produced the group's biggest R&B hit in some time. Back to Live is a show unlike any other because it shows you Elvis human side. 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. The original lineup included Doris Troy and the two Warwick sisters Dionne & Dee Dee. The groups most successful song was Sweet Inspiration, which was cut during a two-day session at American Sound in Memphis in August 1967. However, following Elvis' tragic death, they backed Frankie Valli on his number one single 'Grease'. 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. Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive? Menu. There was an error processing your request. The original line-up comprised of group leader Emily "Cissy" Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. 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. And now another former member Estelle Brown has revealed in a new interview how she believes Elvis is still around as an angel. 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!! In 2001, Sylvia suffered a stroke which left her unable to perform. Early in the show, according to a UPI report, Elvis told theaudience that "he smelled green peppers and onions and that his backup singers, the Sweet Inspirations, had probably been eating catfish. In fact, she gets it from the whole band." Browse 172,747 the sweet inspirations stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. 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. Welcome to the Official website of The Sweet Inspirations! Later they began traveling around the area and singing at various venues. 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. click here for contact information. '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. Super motivational quotes. Direct from the USA, the world's most successful Elvis tribute artist of all time returns to the UK by popular demand. Marion Keiske Who Discovered Elvis Presley? 1 albums ('56-'59). [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. Dee Dee left in 1965, when her solo career began to take off. No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. [4] In October 2007, Morrison was awarded a Million-Air certificate by BMI for 8 million air plays of "Brown Eyed Girl".[5]. 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. Keep up with the group by coming back often. This isnt too surprising, as their have been rumors that Elvis was very fond of the ladies. No wonder that he used to have them open his concerts. $2.99. In 1979, the group toured with The Bee Gees during their U.S. A Gamble & Huff composition, Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover. 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. No audition was required. Friday, June 17, 2016 Saturday, June 18, 2016Fri, Jun 17, 2016 Sat, Jun 18, 2016, Tulsa Performing Arts Center Chapman Hall, Tulsa, OK. Shawn Klush, Elvis' Sweet Inspirations, Elvis' original Drummer DJ Fontana and introducing sensational new 50's Elvis Jake Rowley. It simply doesn't get any closer than this! Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. Cissy Houston, Estelle Brown, Sylvia Shemwell and Myrna Smith made up the group that arranged and performed background vocals on countless recordings for a wide range of artistsfrom Wilson Pickett to Yusef Lateef to Jimi Hendrix to Elvis Presley and, of course, The Queen of Soul. 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. Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. The "King" recorded and toured with the all-male Stampsas well as the female vocal group Sweet Inspirationsfor the remainder of his . 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. (4-pk) $ 40.00 Quantity: Product Type: Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. Highly recommended. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Preliminary Round is June 25-26. Buy it Interview with Myrna Smith Cissy Houston Remembers Elvis Presley. Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. In 1963 she and three other singers formed a backup group that became known as the Sweet Inspirationsand performed around the country with various headliners. She stood on stage with Elvis for over 1000 performances. Presley reportedly called the ladies his church sisters. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. The Sweet Inspirations worked with Presley until his death in 1977. Guralnick, Peter. Related Playlists. Her protestations only seemed to increase Presley's determination to embarrass her. Add to Cart. }); Copyright 2015 . 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 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. 7. Unrivaled Mac notes apps for fuss-free note-taking, 6 Actionable Tips for Improving Your Websites SEO, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes. Esteemed Actor Ted Torres Martin to Perform Multimedia Musical Stage Production Show Based on the Life and Career of Elvis Presley. Ultimate Elvis tribute Artists Shawn Klush and Cody Ray Slaughter with Images of the King Champion Michael Chambliss with special guests Elvis' Sweet Inspirations. 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. Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com, Elvis Presley's backup singers walked out on a concert after he remarked that their breath "smelled like catfish. 96 were here. Reply. 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. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', Meanwhile, The Kings ex-wife Priscilla has spoken of how she senses his spirit at Graceland. 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. Also included from that set are "Thats The Way My Baby Is", and "Flash In The Pan". 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. 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." 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 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). Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. By the way, I'm writing this with the album playing away. The Sweet Inspirations were top-tier background singers and an accomplished recording act in their own right. This is an excellent release no fan should be without it. UPI, 21 July 1975. Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. 4/14/2020. The Sweets provided his shows with some much-needed soul, and I think he appreciated that. She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley's backing group. My love and respect for him and his music have kept me focused as a tribute artist for all of these years. History. 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? Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. . He was 42. 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. Finding . Web and phone order services : 508-228-5814 Nantucketchocolatier.com. 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". 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. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. In March 2010, while on a European tour for Elvis: The Concert, Smith developed pneumonia. I get the feeling needlework in general is still alive and well in Europe. 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." 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. The Sweet Inspirations; The track hit number five on the R&B chart and was a top 20 pop hit. 'The Sweet Inspirations', four girls from New York, are in Britain to promote their latest recording hit, What the World Needs Now. 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. See a video below where Elvis is having a conversation with The Sweet Inspirations and Myrna is featured in the video. In the video, Demi attends a screening of the movie, only to be haunted . 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 (. Error! Elvis loved gospel and soul music. Welcome to the Official website of The Sweet Inspirations! 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. Really, really recommend it. 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. The Sweet Inspirations had a close, playful and well-respected friendship with Elvis Presley. 1131. And musicians who back Elvis and are no longer with us but left their legacy of great rock n roll music for over 3 decades from the mid 1950s mid 1970s, Elvis Musician Bill Black died died 1965. 1 Hot Cake Or French Toast With One Egg And Bacon Or Sausage Links. After years apart, the Sweet Inspirations reformed in 1994 and continued to perform up until recently. 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. Dozens of tribute artists grace the outdoor stages, which are set around the picturesque Okanagan Lake, along with special guests Friends Of Elvis. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. But he was really upset about it.

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