The Sweet Inspirations recorded by themselves for the first time in April 1967 for Atlantic Records. 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. Starring world renowned Elvis Tribute artist Shawn Klush, and boasting a supporting cast of the finest the industry has to offer, Heart of the King is truly a must see for all Elvis fans, and fans of rock alike. Sweets For My Sweet. 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. Myrna was a great soul singer whose voice was featured on some of the finest records of the second half of the 20th century. 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). Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. We were all touched by the same angel: Elvis Presley. 2021 will soon be with us and hopefully have Sweet performing at a Venue near you. 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. Really, really, like it. 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 worked with Presley until his death in 1977. 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. 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 (21 and over only) Phone: (888) 226-7711 We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. ISBN 0-316-33297-6 (pp. 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). 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 Sweets provided his shows with some much-needed soul, and I think he appreciated that. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. Keep the Faith. 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. 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. 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 . They performed at Elvis Presley tribute shows,[2] and released new material in 2005. add strawberry, blackberry or blueberry topping with whipped cream for additional - $2. Once back in the U.S., her condition continued to deteriorate, as she suffered kidney failure, further complicated by a severe stroke. Spirits Having Flown Tour singing backup. 24; Mary says: May 16, 2011 at 10:12 am . The 1970s saw the Inspirations rise to national attention with a number of hit songs. News headlines delivered at 7:00 am Monday - Friday. 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. He could have chosen anybody to sing with him, but he chose The Sweet Inspirations. Kathy explained: I dated him for about six months on a regular basis it was fun. When Emily 'Cissy' Drinkard was five years old, she began singing in a family Gospel group called The Drinkard Singers. Menu. 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. 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. So Elvis always made sure he got even. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. 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. [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". 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. More info. 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. The group was also invited to be part of the regular cast on the Gospel Singing Jubilee television program. Hes still here because as long as were here and were keeping him going, hes here. Speaking with Spa Guy in Nashville, Tennessee, Estelle spoke of how at first she thought the opposite of Elvis. We look forward to seeing Sylvia Shemwell, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. While speaking with The Today Show around the 40th anniversary of his death,Priscilla was adamant that she still felt his presence at Graceland. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1999. 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." Part of our South American tour, don't miss our first time ever at the 5,000 seat Teatro Caupolican! Elvis Australia was founded in 1996 www.elvis.com.au was literally born from the concept of wanting to represent 'Elvis in Australia', so www.elvis.com.au Read more. Today Rick visits with Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations who were background singers for Elvis Presley The band backed Elvis on everything from his rock tunes to gospel numbers, from Christmas songs to his movie soundtracks. She added: And he continues to. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. 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. Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive? Estelle Brown Obituary. Female vocal group, formed 1967 in New York, New York. Despite her financial struggles, she was determined tokeep her career and her friendships with her group mates going for as long as she could. 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). Ultimate Elvis tribute Artists Shawn Klush and Cody Ray Slaughter with Images of the King Champion Michael Chambliss with special guests Elvis' Sweet Inspirations. Clockwise from top. I'm sure he said, 'And I want your daughter to drive them'. Over the years, Elvis Presley had a number of backing singers, including The Sweet Inspirations. The comparison between the old and new is obvious as they are both a compilation of the best of Sweet's recordings, satisfaction guaranteed. Movies. Thanks for visiting our page! The Sweet Inspirations. The Sweet Inspirations. 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. Come and meet them May 15thin Scranton at a special Concert inShawn's hometown. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. I do feel his spirit is here, yes. Through the use of multimedia film sequences, live stage acting and concert segments featuring back up singers Estelle Brown and Portia Griffin of the legendary "Sweet Inspirations" and Southern California's own tribute band, TCB Flash Band, Back to Live creates an entertainment experience like no other. 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. 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. The Inspirations are a professional Southern Gospel quartet from Bryson City, NC. 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'. And now another former member Estelle Brown has revealed in a new interview how she believes Elvis is still around as an angel. (4-pk) $ 40.00 Quantity: Product Type: Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. 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. Presley's behavior during a July 1975 performance in Norfolk, Virginia, was one of the low points in his long decline from superb entertainer to drug-sodden corpse. Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. 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.