Sausage And Cheese. 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. 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 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'. Until Now! There was one person in particular who had sent the message. Despite her financial struggles, she was determined tokeep her career and her friendships with her group mates going for as long as she could. Elvis stated to his musical associates and entourage that he must otain The Sweet Inspirations. . The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. He and the rest of the cast are happy to be back in one of the original homes of this concert tour. Rank. KTBS 3 Public File | KPXJ 21 Public File. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', 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. 9. Originally formed with Philly vocalists Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick and Doris Troy and Emily "Cissy&q read more. Large Pecan Pie Bites Jar w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 16 oz. Myrna Smith, a member of the group, The Sweet Inspirations, sang back up for rock & roll legend, Elvis Presley. ISBN 0-316-33297-6 (pp. The tragic pattern of Elvis' final years are familiar to nearly everyone. Inspirations magazines. 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 Complete Atlantic Singles Plus. 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. Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. 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. A Gamble & Huff composition, "Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover" appeared on the group's fifth album Sweet Sweet Soul. UPI, 21 July 1975. 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 . See a video below where Elvis is having a conversation with The Sweet Inspirations and Myrna is featured in the video. Which is just what he did, producing their first sessions for the company himself, just a week after they finished up work on the Aretha album. The King is coming. His engagement that christened The International Hotel in Vegas that July would mark his first appearance in over eight years. Keep up with the group by coming back often. HOT CAKE AND FRENCH TOAST. When Emily 'Cissy' Drinkard was five years old, she began singing in a family Gospel group called The Drinkard Singers. Hugh Jarrett died at 78 on May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in March. 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. Estelle Brown Obituary. [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". So Elvis always made sure he got even. In March 2010, while on a European tour for Elvis: The Concert, Smith developed pneumonia. 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. If you have Closed Captioning issues or have disabilities and have issues and require assistance accessing the KTBS or KPXJ Public File, Popular music icon Elvis Presley dies in Memphis, Tennessee. Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, UK. Cissy Houston (born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933) is a gospel and soul singer. Award-winning entertainer and recipient of the Heart of the King Award Ted Torres Martin in conjunction with KWICK Productions is proud to bring the live stage production of Back to Live to El Portal. Their sound was defined by the piercing tenor vocals of Archie Watkins and the booming bass of Mike Holcomb. Doctors said he died of a heart attack, likely brought on by his addiction to prescription barbiturates. Ed Enoch, The Stamps Quartet, still active. Back to Live is a show unlike any other because it shows you Elvis human side. Steve Priest, the bassist and co-founder of glam rock band Sweet, has died at the age of 72. 96 were here. [2] The record was on the chart for ten weeks and peaked at number 18. Myrna Smithalso backed Elvis up during his 1976 Graceland recordings, both in February of that year and in the October/November sessions, resulting in two albums. 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 (. The Inspirations performed at the next night's show in Greensboro, North Carolina, after Elvis apologized, but Kathy Westmoreland did not. 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 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 . 1 albums ('56-'59). "2 Backup Singers Walk Out on Elvis Presley During Performance." [4] In October 2007, Morrison was awarded a Million-Air certificate by BMI for 8 million air plays of "Brown Eyed Girl".[5]. Today Rick visits with Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations who were background singers for Elvis Presley The Sweet Inspirations join Shawn Klush on his World Tour throughout the UK. The Sweet Inspirations 345fans Top tracks Playlists News headlines delivered at 7:00 am Monday - Friday. I could SWAP places with a doppelgnger, Brian May on Queens influences: The Beatles 'built our bible', Rolling Stones: Brian Jones would call Bob Dylan EVERY day, Elvis Presley had 'HUGE heart, Graceland like living at Disneyland', Elvis Presley's WALKOUT after awkward meeting with Brian Wilson, Elvis: It was INTENSE The King watching 1968 special with Priscilla, Elvis: Colonel Parker's telegram Ive NEVER shared this Priscilla, Elvis Presley's HILARIOUS response to Graceland street named after him, Elvis didn't want to be old on stage, hed be BLOWN AWAY by legacy'. Myrna was a great soul singer whose voice was featured on some of the finest records of the second half of the 20th century. Jerry Schilling and Elvis Presley were close friends who reportedly both were attracted to Myrna Smith. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. Estelle Brown sang with Elvis from 1969 until his untimely passing in 1977. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. 1970 The Sweet Inspirations were one of the premier female harmony groups of the 1960s, supporting Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and Wilson Pickett. 1 Oh! The concert will feature backup singers Estelle Brown and Portia Griffin of the legendary Sweet Inspirations" who backed Elvis on several nationwide tours. In 1994, original members Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia reformed 'The Sweet Inspirations', adding a fourth singer, Portia Griffin. Smith even married Schilling briefly from 1982-1987. She added: And he continues to. 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. Myrna Yvonne Smith (May 28, 1941 December 24, 2010)[1] was an American songwriter and singer. Error! She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley's backing group. 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. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA. Atlanta Elvis fans, the wait is over. We hope to see you all there to celebrate the one and only Elvis Presley. Its surreal, but theres an energy here. "Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground." Theodore Roosevelt. Pat Hodges & The Sweet Inspirations. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, the Drinkards moved to New Jersey in the early fifties. Cissy, meanwhile, was also the director of the Gospelaires, the young people's choir at her church, New Hope Baptist, in Newark. 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. It was beautiful and it stayed that way. We thought it didnt fit. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. They would sing behind him for the rest of his life. Two more singles released from the LP failed to chart, however, and Cissy Houston left the group shortly after that. The original lineup included Doris Troy and the two Warwick sisters Dionne & Dee Dee. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; New York, New York, United States. 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. She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley 's backing group. If you don't believe it'll work out, you'll see obstacles." Wayne Dyer. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. 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. Elvis Musicians Elvis band who backed Elvis Presley that are still alive and performing today? The group sang backup for many stars, including Aretha Franklin . In a lengthy note shared to Instagram, the country artist said that both were the inspiration behind his unreleased new song "See Me Now," from his upcoming fourth studio album, "Gettin' Old." In the post, Combs included a photo of . 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 . 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. 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". 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. It was released in 1968 under the name "Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations. 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. 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. Super motivational quotes. 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. When they were unable to come to Vegas because of prior commitments, Elvis didn't hesitate; he signed the 'Sweets' with no audition required. 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. The "King" recorded and toured with the all-male Stampsas well as the female vocal group Sweet Inspirationsfor the remainder of his . Dee Dee left in 1965, when her solo career began to take off. Browse 172,747 the sweet inspirations stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Cissy Houston 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. But he was really upset about it. Sweets For My Sweet. 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. 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 a backup group, the Sweet Inspirations was in high demand among producers, publishers, artists, and songwriters in the early 1960s. They would provide the background vocals that June as they were recording Aretha's 'Lady Soul' (that's them on Chain Of Fools!! Elvis demonstrated his desire for racial reconciliation in the musicians he chose, and in the treatment they received. You don't have to bring them'. 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." When I used to work down in this area we would order in from here all time time for business events and their pastries were always well received. The group who sung with The King, including his Las Vegas residencies, featured Whitney Houstons mother Cissy. Welcome to the Official website of The Sweet Inspirations! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Estelle Brown Sweet Inspirations In Las Vegas Sweets are headed to the UK for unprecedented Fall Tour starts Nov 3rd Visit http://www.elvisworldtour.co.uk/ for all the information Nov3 Shawn Klush Fall UK Tour Thursday, November 3Thu, Nov 3 Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, UK Stay safe. The Sweets provided his shows with some much-needed soul, and I think he appreciated that. The ladies of Sweet Inspiration worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours, and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. Small Pecan Pie Bites w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 8 oz. News headlines delivered at Noon Monday - Friday. (4-pk) $ 40.00 Quantity: Product Type: Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. Elvis dear friend, Jerry Schilling, loved Smith too. Welcome to the Official website of The Sweet Inspirations! [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. 9. Once back in the U.S., her condition continued to deteriorate, as she suffered kidney failure, further complicated by a severe stroke. 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 Elvis association in particular assured them regular work, including touring with the 'Elvis: The Concert' show, which featured Elvis on screen and his original backing band playing live. Because of Smiths memories, we learned two things about the King of Rock and Roll: he loved black women and he was possibly not racist. Simply put, The Sweet Inspirations is essential listening for anyone with an interest in late-'60s soul music. Another famous piece . The Sweet inspirations were an American gospel/R&B girl group founded by Emily "Cissy" Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston. Myrna Smith is one of the original Sweet Inspirations, the backing group who sang with Elvis in concert from 1969 until the end. I really, really want to get their other studio albums. This entire property is amazing! Pilgrims of Sorrow (1968) was sampled in Hollywood Briggs by Asun Eastwood (2017) 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. 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". Ultimate Elvis tribute Artists Shawn Klush and Cody Ray Slaughter with Images of the King Champion Michael Chambliss with special guests Elvis' Sweet Inspirations. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Nicholas is a Master Baker and Lucy's delectable sugar cookies fired up his tastebuds as well as his lusty desires. The Sweet Inspirations (1969 - 1977) Emily (Cissy) Houston; Myrna Smith; Estelle Brown Sylvia Shemwell In the mid-to-late-Sixties, these ladies could be heard backing up Aretha Franklin, Gene Pitney and Wilson Pickett, among others, but they didn't have a name until singer Chuck Jackson suggested they call themselves The Inspirations. 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. 2021 will soon be with us and hopefully have Sweet performing at a Venue near you. 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). Web and phone order services : 508-228-5814 Nantucketchocolatier.com. She then went on to describe how she believes Elvis is an angel and still with us. This article about a United States songwriter is a stub. 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. 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. 1 Hot Cake Or French Toast. 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlNCvAFptM0. click here for contact information. add strawberry, blackberry or blueberry topping with whipped cream for additional - $2. Smith dispels those rumors with her open and candid conversation about the love she shared for Elvis. 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.