You can also hear Estelle's voice on the records of Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Wilson Picket, Van Morrison and Dionne Warwick. She added: And he continues to. 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. Emily Drinkard, 30th September 1933, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.) (above) The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. At that point, Brown had had enough and walked off the stage. However, that didnt stop the King from showing Smith love and affection. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. 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. Unlike the king, Schilling never stopped pursing Schilling and he eventually won her over. 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. $8.99. Neal Matthews died on April 21, 2000. The original line-up comprised of group leader Emily "Cissy" Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. He was very thoughtful. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. 'Songs of Faith and Inspiration' by 'Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations' would be released in the summer of 1968, right in between 'Tighten Up' by Archie Bell & the Drells and The Midnight Mover by Wilson Pickett. Sweets For My Sweet. When Elvis heard that sound he just had to have them sing with him. 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 Sweet Inspirations', four girls from New York, are in Britain to promote their latest recording hit, What the World Needs Now. This material may not be reproduced without permission. shrimp, mushrooms, red onions, parmesan and feta cheese. The Sweet Inspirations (Estelle Brown, Smith, and Shemwell) got back together again in 1994, with new member Portia Griffin. 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. ", 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 Inspirations are a professional Southern Gospel quartet from Bryson City, NC. 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). Sausage And Cheese. You can unsubscribe at any time. [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". 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. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Preliminary Round is June 25-26. We were all touched by the same angel: Elvis Presley. 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. 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). Doctors said he died of a heart attack, likely brought on by his addiction to prescription barbiturates. Keep up with the group by coming back often. Myrna Smith is one of the original Sweet Inspirations, the backing group who sang with Elvis in concert from 1969 until the end. 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. Elvis Presley Grave Who is Buried at Graceland? 568-573). Shawn Klush returns to Scranton, PA with The Sweet Inspirations! 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. In 1951, they would appear with Jackson, Clara Ward, and Rosetta Tharpe at a sold-out Carnegie Hall, after which they would record a few singles for Savoy, in addition to broadcasting live from Symphony Hall in New Jersey every Sunday. The Inspirations announced a monumental change in their group, as founder/pianist/group co-owner Martin Cook resigned all of his roles last Wednesday. Jerry Schilling and Elvis Presley were close friends who reportedly both were attracted to Myrna Smith. 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. Despite their touring success, Houston longed for the comforts of home. 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. 96 were here. She then went on to describe how she believes Elvis is an angel and still with us. It will be a night to remember and a chance to meet these Legends! Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. 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. 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. The Sweet Inspirations; Browse 172,747 the sweet inspirations stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. In March 2010, while on a European tour for Elvis: The Concert, Smith developed pneumonia. 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. [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. Smith dispels those rumors with her open and candid conversation about the love she shared for Elvis. It was clear that Elvis loved his background vocalists. Sweet Inspiration; Give My Love to Somebody; You Roam When You Don't Get It At Home; Blues Stay Away from Me; Let It Be Me; When Something Is Wrong With My Baby; I'm Blue; But You Know I Love You; Chained; Why Am I Treated So Bad; Unchained Melody; It's Not Easy; Get A Little Order; What The World Needs Now Is Love; Don't Go; It's Worth It All . 1 Hot Cake Or French Toast With One Egg And Bacon Or Sausage Links. Shemwell died on February 13, 2010. 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. Dozens of tribute artists grace the outdoor stages, which are set around the picturesque Okanagan Lake, along with special guests Friends Of Elvis. I don't know how you can do it all. 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. Small Pecan Pie Bites w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 8 oz. 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) 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,. The Sweet Inspirations were hired by Elvis Presley in 1969 without an audition, due to Elvis being very familiar with The Sweet Inspirations. 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". chocolates shopping sweet inspirations. 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." Rank. She stood on stage with Elvis for over 1000 performances. Sweet Inspirations is where my ~Dream~ comes alive and lets me be creative as my heart allows. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. I do feel his spirit is here, yes. In 1994, original members Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia reformed 'The Sweet Inspirations', adding a fourth singer, Portia Griffin. In 2001, Sylvia suffered a stroke which left her unable to perform. Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. The Sweet Inspirations were one of the premier female harmony groups of the 1960s, supporting Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and Wilson Pickett. A conversation about Aretha can only lead to discussion of The Sweet Inspirations. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. Related Playlists. See a video below where Elvis is having a conversation with The Sweet Inspirations and Myrna is featured in the video. 8. _taboola.push({ 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. 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. You couldnt sing the devils music because if you did you were going to hell., READ MORE:Elvis Presley had 'HUGE heart, Graceland like living at Disneyland'. Movies. As long as we stay inspired, the sign will stay upand we have a long list to explore!". Myrna Yvonne Smith (May 28, 1941 - December 24, 2010) [1] was an American songwriter and singer. While performing on the "Elvis: The Concert" European tour in March 2010, Smith developed pneumonia which eventually led to kidney failure and a stroke. The Sweet Inspirations, Soundtrack: Deadpool. The Sweets provided his shows with some much-needed soul, and I think he appreciated that. Cissy Houston left in 1969 to pursue her own solo career but the Sweet Inspirations remained loyal to the king of rock & roll. 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 . According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. target_type: 'mix' 11 talking about this. " The original song was made for the new film SCREAM VI, and even comes with a music video. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. . The group sang backup for many stars, including Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Esther Phillips. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. This is an excellent release no fan should be without it. 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. Tragically, Smith died at the age of 69 on December 24, 2010 from kidney failure. 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. 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 3-day Festival is an annual event taking place in the picturesque city of Penticton, British Columbia, Canada in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. Direct from the USA, the world's most successful Elvis tribute artist of all time returns to the UK by popular demand. Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, UK. 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!! Originally from Savannah, Georgia, the Drinkards moved to New Jersey in the early fifties. 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. Taking over for Cook is another fouding member of the group, former tenor Archie Watkins. However, following Elvis' tragic death, they backed Frankie Valli on his number one single 'Grease'. 2021 will soon be with us and hopefully have Sweet performing at a Venue near you. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1999. 3362. It seems like 2 years flew by just like that. 24; Mary says: May 16, 2011 at 10:12 am . Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive? 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. 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 ladies of Sweet Inspiration worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours, and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. Keep the Faith. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album - a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. He was replaced by new lead Curtis Young. 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 were an American gospel/R&B girl group founded by Emily "Cissy" Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston. Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. click here for contact information. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', 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. Liverpool Echo Arena Auditorium, Liverpool, UK. 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. Elvis stated to his musical associates and entourage that he must otain The Sweet Inspirations. The 1970s saw the Inspirations rise to national attention with a number of hit songs. Elvis Presley and Racism: The Ultimate, Definitive Guide, 1967 : Sweet Inspirations : Atlantic 1968 : Songs of Faith & Inspiration : Atlantic 1969 : Sweets for my Sweet : Atlantic 1969 : What the World Needs Now is Love : Atlantic 1970 : Sweet Sweet Soul : Atlantic 1973 : The Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia : Stax 1979 : Hot Butterfly : RSO, #12 : The Sweet Inspirations :Black albums : 1968 #90 The Sweet Inspirations : Pop albums :1968, #13 : Let It Be Me : R&B|Black singles : 1967 #94 : Let It Be Me Pop singles : 1967 #36 : Why (Am I Treated so Bad) : Black singles : 1967 #57 : Why (Am I Treated so Bad) : Pop singles : 1967 #5 : Sweet Inspiration : Black singles : 1968 #18 : Sweet Inspiration : Pop singles : 1968 #30 : To Love Somebody : Black singles : 1968 #74 : To Love Somebody : Pop singles : 1968 #41 : Unchained Melody : Black singles : 1968 #73 : Unchained Melody : Pop singles 1968 #42 Crying in the Rain Black singles : 1969 #25 : A Brand New Lover : Black singles : 1970 #44 : Evidence : Black singles : 1971 #26 : Love is on the Way : Club Play singles : 1979 #34 : Celebration : Hot Dance music/Club Play : 2005, Interview with Myrna Smith Cissy Houston Remembers Elvis Presley. Estelle Brown, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. Gordon Stoker died at 88 at his Brentwood, Tennessee, home on March 27, 2013, after a long illness. 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. Elvis dear friend, Jerry Schilling, loved Smith too. 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 (. I get the feeling needlework in general is still alive and well in Europe. History. 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. The session produced the group's biggest R&B hit in some time. Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. But he was really upset about it. The Penticton Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival Society is a not-for-profit society whose main goal is to celebrate the life and music of the greatest entertainer ever known Elvis Presley. 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. Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive?