(21 and over only) Phone: (888) 226-7711 The "King" recorded and toured with the all-male Stampsas well as the female vocal group Sweet Inspirationsfor the remainder of his . Presley's on-stage behavior became increasingly bizarre, and, on the final night of the tour, he took requests, threw his guitar into the crowd, and gave away a $6,500 ring to an audience member. 2021 will soon be with us and hopefully have Sweet performing at a Venue near you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlNCvAFptM0. In a documentary called, This Time, Smith admitted that Elvis tried to pursue a relationship with her. Hugh Jarrett died at 78 on May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in March. Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. Thanks for visiting our page! Today Rick visits with Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations who were background singers for Elvis Presley. I don't think they've received nearly enough credit for that. 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. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. . This isnt too surprising, as their have been rumors that Elvis was very fond of the ladies. 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). 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. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. 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 Top Songs #1: "Sweet Inspiration" #2: "Why (Am I Treated So Bad)" #3: "Let It Be Me" #4: "To Love Somebody" #5: "Unchained . Tragically, Smith died at the age of 69 on December 24, 2010 from kidney failure. Cissy Houston, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. 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. '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. Its a wonderful weekend of remembering Elvis through his extensive musical library, and touching stories from those who knew him about how he touched their lives. Direct from the USA, the world's most successful Elvis tribute artist of all time returns to the UK by popular demand. Elvis' retinue of backup singers in 1975 consisted of soprano Kathy Westmoreland, who had joined Presley's concert ensemble in 1969; the Sweet Inspirations, a quartet of Black female gospel singers who had also been with Elvis' touring group since 1970; and J.D. Sausage And Cheese. 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. Re-released in 1991, it is still . Two more singles released from the LP failed to chart, however, and Cissy Houston left the group shortly after that. While speaking with The Today Show around the 40th anniversary of his death,Priscilla was adamant that she still felt his presence at Graceland. I'm sure he said, 'And I want your daughter to drive them'. As long as we stay inspired, the sign will stay upand we have a long list to explore!". The group at this point was composed of Houston, Brown, Shemwell, and Smith. [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. So Elvis always made sure he got even. Buy it Interview with Myrna Smith Cissy Houston Remembers Elvis Presley. The Sweet Inspirations had evolved from the Gospelaires group. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', Elvis Musicians Elvis band who backed Elvis Presley that are still alive and performing today? The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. Shawn does an intimate show like no other that is free to the public. Doing what I love to do. [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. Aside from them working together, Smith had a boyfriend, Gregory, that was apart of the band as well. The group's distinct sound is instantly recognizable and has changed little across 57 years of recordings no matter who was singing. 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 . A founding member of the group was Dionne Warwick, who was later replaced by her aunt, Cissy Houston. 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. [2], In a recording session on March 28, 1967, the Sweet Inspirations provided the backup vocals for Van Morrison on his classic hit "Brown Eyed Girl". 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,. While performing on the "Elvis: The Concert" European tour in March 2010, Smith developed pneumonia which eventually led to kidney failure and a stroke. Almost motherly Then it became obvious to me that there were other women.. (4-pk) $ 40.00 Quantity: Product Type: Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. REDISCOVER The '60s: Soul Love. ), which had been written and produced by Barry Gibb and released on RSO records. 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'. Myrna Smith is one of the original Sweet Inspirations, the backing group who sang with Elvis in concert from 1969 until the end. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. They are, left to right: Cissy Drinkard Houston, Myrna Smith, Sylvia Shemwell and Estelle Brown. Movies. 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. 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. 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. Myna Smith: Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. Myrna Smith, a member of the group, The Sweet Inspirations, sang back up for rock & roll legend, Elvis Presley. 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. 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. 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". In 1978, The Sweet Inspirations sang background on Frankie Valli's number one smash, Grease (! However, following Elvis' tragic death, they backed Frankie Valli on his number one single 'Grease'. Unbowed, they would sign with Stax (a company where it was still okay to be Black) as a trio in 1973. We were all touched by the same angel: Elvis Presley. Advertising | EEO Public File | 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. 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. Esteemed Actor Ted Torres Martin to Perform Multimedia Musical Stage Production Show Based on the Life and Career of Elvis Presley. Another famous piece . 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). He was very thoughtful. Menu. They say Elvis has left the building. It was released in 1968 under the name "Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations. News headlines delivered at Noon Monday - Friday. 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. 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. 9. However, that didnt stop the King from showing Smith love and affection. A Gamble & Huff composition, Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover. If you have Closed Captioning issues or have disabilities and have issues and require assistance accessing the KTBS or KPXJ Public File, By October 2010, she was a patient at the Canyon Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The Sweet inspirations had a hit record on the Pop, Soul and R and B charts in 1969. " The original song was made for the new film SCREAM VI, and even comes with a music video. Finding . Elvis Birthday Elvis Born January 8, 1935. Saturday, 4th March 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. 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. 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 Welcome to the Official website of The Sweet Inspirations! Cissy'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. In 1969, the group recorded their fourth album, Sweets for my Sweet. 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. Lee, who was the mother of Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, had also adopted another daughter named Judy Guions (who would later become known as Judy Clay). After years apart, the Sweet Inspirations reformed in 1994 and continued to perform up until recently. ISBN 0-961-86220-3. [2] They group broke up shortly thereafter. But he was really upset about it. Small Pecan Pie Bites w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 8 oz. I really, really want to get their other studio albums. 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. And now another former member Estelle Brown has revealed in a new interview how she believes Elvis is still around as an angel. Elvis loved gospel and soul music. They Come To Celebrate The King Of Rock & Roll Elvis Presley! 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. 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. She was replaced by Myrna Smith. Large Pecan Pie Bites Jar w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 16 oz. Latest Audio (and video) updates:Video courtesy of Elvis Presley MP3 Audio Central. The Sweet Inspirations were an all-female gospel/soul quartet consisting of Cissy Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston, Sylvia Shernwell, Myrna Smith, and Estelle Brown. target_type: 'mix' Friday, September 30, 2016 Saturday, October 1, 2016Fri, Sep 30, 2016 Sat, Oct 1, 2016, The El Portal Theatre, North Hollywood, CA. . "Elvis and his doctors told me how ill he really was." Shockingly, Kathy says . She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley's backing group. In 1994, original members Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia reformed 'The Sweet Inspirations', adding a fourth singer, Portia Griffin. You don't have to bring them'. [3] She died on December 24, 2010.[8]. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. The comparison between the old and new is obvious as they are both a compilation of the best of Sweet's recordings, satisfaction guaranteed. Inspirations magazines. 1 Oh! 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. But he was really upset about it. After being included on a 'Newport Spiritual Stars' compilation in 1954, their performances at the festival were always well attended. Ed Enoch, The Stamps Quartet, still active. Add to Cart. 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. 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. The group who sung with The King, including his Las Vegas residencies, featured Whitney. The group was also invited to be part of the regular cast on the Gospel Singing Jubilee television program. By mutual agreement, the girls broke up later that year. Estelle Brown joined the team soon after, and the line-up that was to become an Atlantic recording group was set. Soon after, Shawn was also crowned the first ever Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion' in Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis Gold Piano Elvis Piano at Graceland. Matters came to a head during an evening performance in Norfolk. "2 Backup Singers Walk Out on Elvis Presley During Performance." The group sang backup for many stars, including Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Esther Phillips. 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. Smith later married Jerry Schilling, a friend and associate of Elvis who subsequently also managed the Beach Boys at one point. He was replaced by new lead Curtis Young. He was 42. 4/14/2020. 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. 9. She added: And he continues to. The Sweet Inspirations recorded by themselves for the first time in April 1967 for Atlantic Records. The Sweet inspirations were an American gospel/R&B girl group founded by Emily "Cissy" Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston. The line-up included Judy Guions (who later became Judy Clay), Marie Epps, Larry Drinkard, Nicholas Drinkard, Ann Moss, Lee and Emily. [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". Keep up with the group by coming back often. 308. 1131. When Emily 'Cissy' Drinkard was five years old, she began singing in a family Gospel group called The Drinkard Singers. When he made his first appearance in texas at the Astrodome, according to Myrna Smith, Elvis was told, 'Well, you can leave the black girls home. 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. News headlines delivered at 7:00 am Monday - Friday. Guralnick, Peter. Nicholas is a Master Baker and Lucy's delectable sugar cookies fired up his tastebuds as well as his lusty desires.