I am still missing a few and would be interested in buying some of them once you get organized. [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". 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. Myna Smith: Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. He once again criticized Westmoreland during the summer 1975 tour, telling audiences, among other things, that she would "take affection from anybody, anyplace, anytime. You can unsubscribe at any time. Success! The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. Movies. The Sweet Inspirations are an American R&B girl group mostly known for their work as backup singers on studio recordings for other R&B and rock artists. 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. Elvis demonstrated his desire for racial reconciliation in the musicians he chose, and in the treatment they received. The group who sung with The King, including his Las Vegas residencies, featured Whitney Houstons mother Cissy. Dee Dee left in 1965, when her solo career began to take off. 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? Elvis Musicians Elvis band who backed Elvis Presley that are still alive and performing today? KTBS 3 Public File | KPXJ 21 Public File. Estelle Brown, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. 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. $2.99. But U. S. magazines are disappearing. 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 And now another former member Estelle Brown has revealed in a new interview how she believes Elvis is still around as an angel. A Gamble & Huff composition, Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover. They are, left to right: Cissy Drinkard Houston, Myrna Smith, Sylvia Shemwell and Estelle Brown. Steve Priest, the bassist and co-founder of glam rock band Sweet, has died at the age of 72. 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. I don't know how you can do it all. 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. In 1978, the group sang backing vocals on Frankie Valli's No.1 hit "Grease" from the film of the same name. 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. We welcome all of our South American fans to see the show once again! 1 Oh! After being included on a 'Newport Spiritual Stars' compilation in 1954, their performances at the festival were always well attended. target_type: 'mix' 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. Matters came to a head during an evening performance in Norfolk. 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. 8. The line-up included Judy Guions (who later became Judy Clay), Marie Epps, Larry Drinkard, Nicholas Drinkard, Ann Moss, Lee and Emily. 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. His engagement that christened The International Hotel in Vegas that July would mark his first appearance in over eight years. The King is coming. 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. _taboola.push({ Welcome to the Official website of The Sweet Inspirations! 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). ", 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.". 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. This entire property is amazing! 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. 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. Add to Cart. The comparison between the old and new is obvious as they are both a compilation of the best of Sweet's recordings, satisfaction guaranteed. You don't have to bring them'. The Sweet Inspirations 345fans Top tracks Playlists Estelle Brown joined the team soon after, and the line-up that was to become an Atlantic recording group was set. Rare Original '67 The SWEET INSPIRATIONS Atlantic Records Premiere Self Titled Stereo Vintage U.S Vinyl Press Lp Near MINT Sixties Funk Soul IsWhatIGot (1,123) $24.00 FREE shipping sweet sixteen svg / sweet 16 svg / sixteen svg / digital download CaffeinatedArtStudio (3,451) $1.30 $1.45 (10% off) Even after singing and performing in concerts, they allegedly would continue to sing and jam all night. Hugh Jarrett died at 78 on May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in March. 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. UPI, 21 July 1975. Shawn returns once again to a favorite destination. This place is the perfect spot to grab something delicious to satisfy your morning sweet tooth. 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. 1 albums ('56-'59). Speaking with Spa Guy in Nashville, Tennessee, Estelle spoke of how at first she thought the opposite of Elvis. Houston's last recording session with The Sweet Inspirations was in October 1969, since she wanted to pursue a solo career and concentrate on her family. At that point, Brown had had enough and walked off the stage. (4-pk) The Jordanaires worked with Elvis 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. However, it might surprise you that Presley loved black women as he was a rumored racist. But he was really upset about it. The Sweet Inspirations recorded by themselves for the first time in April 1967 for Atlantic Records. 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. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. Sweet Inspirations is open daily at Zero India Street. More info. 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'. 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. 9. He was replaced by new lead Curtis Young. 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. [4] In October 2007, Morrison was awarded a Million-Air certificate by BMI for 8 million air plays of "Brown Eyed Girl".[5]. 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. She said: Oh absolutely. It simply doesn't get any closer than this! 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. Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. The group sang backup for many stars, including Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Esther Phillips. 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. Sumner and the Stamps, a white male quintet that had replaced the Imperials, a similar quintet, back in 1971. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. 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. Tragically, Smith died at the age of 69 on December 24, 2010 from kidney failure. Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive? Despite her financial struggles, she was determined tokeep her career and her friendships with her group mates going for as long as she could. HOT CAKE AND FRENCH TOAST. Elvis loved gospel and soul music. Really, really recommend it. 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. Ed Enoch, The Stamps Quartet, still active. Friday, June 24, 2016 Sunday, June 26, 2016Fri, Jun 24, 2016 Sun, Jun 26, 2016, Penticton Elvis Fest, 5902 Lakeshore Rd, Penticton, British Columbia. The Sweet Inspirations join Shawn Klush on his World Tour throughout the UK. Sylvia Shemwell, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. Direct from the USA, the world's most successful Elvis tribute artist of all time returns to the UK by popular demand. 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 session produced the group's biggest R&B hit in some time. 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. [2] They group broke up shortly thereafter. By October 2010, she was a patient at the Canyon Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California. 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'. [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. 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. A link to the news story can be found here. Joe Guercio, conductor, died in 2015. You can also hear Estelle's voice on the records of Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Wilson Picket, Van Morrison and Dionne Warwick. 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". Later they began traveling around the area and singing at various venues. The Inspirations are a professional Southern Gospel quartet from Bryson City, NC. I don't think they've received nearly enough credit for that. Presley reportedly called the ladies his church sisters. Smith had many fond memories of Elvis in which she reflected on his love for music as well as his love for black women, particularly her. Sausage And Cheese. Cissy Houston left in 1969 to pursue her own solo career but the Sweet Inspirations remained loyal to the king of rock & roll. Presumably, Elvis' decision to have The Sweet Inspirations join him as part of his band must have been based partly on the strength of this album. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1999. Cissy Houston (born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933) is a gospel and soul singer. Thanks for visiting our page! We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. The group, at various times, comprised of: Cissy Houston (a.k.a. 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 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. Meanwhile, The Kings ex-wife Priscilla has spoken of how she senses his spirit at Graceland. 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. 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. News headlines delivered at 7:00 am Monday - Friday. Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. Elvis Birthday Elvis Born January 8, 1935. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. A conversation about Aretha can only lead to discussion of The Sweet Inspirations. (21 and over only) Phone: (888) 226-7711 Nicholas is a Master Baker and Lucy's delectable sugar cookies fired up his tastebuds as well as his lusty desires. We look forward to seeing "2 Backup Singers Walk Out on Elvis Presley During Performance." The event also stars hometown celebrity, Philadelphia Freedom (Live at the Las Vegas Hilton), Sweets are headed to the UK for unprecedented Fall Tour starts Nov 3rd. 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 The concert will feature backup singers Estelle Brown and Portia Griffin of the legendary Sweet Inspirations" who backed Elvis on several nationwide tours. Marion Keiske Who Discovered Elvis Presley? 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. . Cissy Houston, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. Sweet Inspiration is a sweet sexy tale of the eldest son of Santa Claus and how Lucy's sweet treats and unique style drew him in changing the course of his path forever. Doctors said he died of a heart attack, likely brought on by his addiction to prescription barbiturates. The Sweet Inspirations : Female vocal group, formed 1967 in New York, New York. Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. Re-released in 1991, it is still . The Gospelaires began appearing publicly with The Drinkard Singers, and their talents were soon recognized by the local record companies, who began using the girls as background vocalists on sessions, the first being the Burt Bacharach penned Mexican Divorce with 'The Drifters' in 1961.