My love and respect for him and his music have kept me focused as a tribute artist for all of these years. This isnt too surprising, as their have been rumors that Elvis was very fond of the ladies. Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. The group started with the superstar in the fall of 1973. The Inspirations Set to Release New Live Album in April We were all touched by the same angel: Elvis Presley. 308. 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'. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. Shawn returns once again to a favorite destination. Myrna was a great soul singer whose voice was featured on some of the finest records of the second half of the 20th century. He was known for his playful humour and outrageous costumes when Sweet played hits like Blockbuster and . 1 Oh! shrimp, mushrooms, red onions, parmesan and feta cheese. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. The group, at various times, comprised of: Cissy Houston (a.k.a. There was an error processing your request. The Sweet Inspirations - IMDb Doctors said he died of a heart attack, likely brought on by his addiction to prescription barbiturates. placement: 'Right Rail Thumbnails', "2 Backup Singers Walk Out on Elvis Presley During Performance." 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. I'm sure he said, 'And I want your daughter to drive them'. Stay safe. 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. The group at this point was composed of Houston, Brown, Shemwell, and Smith. In 1978, The Sweet Inspirations sang background on Frankie Valli's number one smash, Grease (! She died on December 24, 2010, in Canoga Park, California, after an illness, five months short of her 70th birthday.[1]. 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. New York, New York, United States. Cissy Houston, Estelle Brown, Sylvia Shemwell and Myrna Smith made up the group that arranged and performed background vocals on countless recordings for a wide range of artistsfrom Wilson Pickett to Yusef Lateef to Jimi Hendrix to Elvis Presley and, of course, The Queen of Soul. Myrna Smith - Wikipedia The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. The Inspirations announced a monumental change in their group, as founder/pianist/group co-owner Martin Cook resigned all of his roles last Wednesday. The Sweet Inspirations were hired by Elvis Presley in 1969 without an audition, due to Elvis being very familiar with The Sweet Inspirations. 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. Luke Combs recently took to social media to share a moving tribute to his paternal and maternal grandfathers. Widely known for their extensive work behind Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley, the group is also what links Top Ten pop hits by Van Morrison, Dusty Springfield, and Frankie Valli. 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. Keep the Faith. Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Sylvia Shemwell, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. 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. SWEET INSPIRATIONS - 26 Photos & 38 Reviews - 531 N Market Blvd - Yelp 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. 10 Things That Happened in Music the Week of March 3, 2023 An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. She stood on stage with Elvis for over 1000 performances. The "King" recorded and toured with the all-male Stampsas well as the female vocal group Sweet Inspirationsfor the remainder of his . 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. 400+ Motivational Quotes to Inspire You Today (2022) - Oberlo Despite their touring success, Houston longed for the comforts of home. At any rate, I supposed my husband dead, and felt rather anxious to know what he might think of me while still alive. Doing what I love to do. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Judy joined the group, along with Ann Moss and Marie Epps, and their appearances at the Newport Jazz Festival introduced them to a wider audience. 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. Interview with Myrna Smith | Elvis Articles 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). This material may not be reproduced without permission. 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!! Local breaking news delivered as it happens. "Elvis and his doctors told me how ill he really was." Shockingly, Kathy says . '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. Sumner and the Stamps, a white male quintet that had replaced the Imperials, a similar quintet, back in 1971. The Sweet Inspirations. The Sweet Inspirations music, videos, stats, and photos | Last.fm It was clear that Elvis loved his background vocalists. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. Aside of Sweet Inspirations, Smith sang back up for Elvis in his Graceland recordings as well. Buy it Interview with Myrna Smith Cissy Houston Remembers Elvis Presley. 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. The song also caught Elvis Presley's attention. It was that song that caught the attention of Elvis Presley, who signed them to provide backing vocals and be an opening act for his record-breaking 1969 Las Vegas engagement, his official return to the live concert stage after his triumphant '68 TV special and the end of his Hollywood movie contract obligations. One more single that didn't do much would follow in 1974 and, when Stax went under the following year, they took their contract with them.Through this, they were still performing with Elvis. And there were times Smith provided backing vocals alone, minus her group. Also included from that set are "Thats The Way My Baby Is", and "Flash In The Pan". He was very thoughtful. Shawn Klush returns to Scranton, PA with The Sweet Inspirations! The original line-up comprised of group leader Emily "Cissy" Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. Jerry Schilling and Elvis Presley were close friends who reportedly both were attracted to Myrna Smith. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. KTBS 3 Public File | KPXJ 21 Public File. 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'. 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. 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. By mutual agreement, the girls broke up later that year. 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. Portia Griffin who has been with the group for 19 years sang with Jeffery Osborne, the Killers and many more. This original backup group that was so in demand among producers, publishers, artists, and songwriters in the early '60s included Myrna's cousins Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, Doris Troy and Judy Guions (later Judy Clay). Friday, June 17, 2016 Saturday, June 18, 2016Fri, Jun 17, 2016 Sat, Jun 18, 2016, Tulsa Performing Arts Center Chapman Hall, Tulsa, OK. Shawn Klush, Elvis' Sweet Inspirations, Elvis' original Drummer DJ Fontana and introducing sensational new 50's Elvis Jake Rowley. Rank. It simply doesn't get any closer than this! 8. The ladies of Sweet Inspiration worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours, and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. She added: And he continues to. I don't know how you can do it all. Read More. If you don't believe it'll work out, you'll see obstacles." Wayne Dyer. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Finding . I really, really want to get their other studio albums. 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 Sweet Inspirations join Shawn Klush on his World Tour throughout the UK. (4-pk) 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994. Come and meet them May 15thin Scranton at a special Concert inShawn's hometown. The Sweet inspirations were an American gospel/R&B girl group founded by Emily "Cissy" Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. 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. 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. However, following Elvis' tragic death, they backed Frankie Valli on his number one single 'Grease'. They say Elvis has left the building. Bill Baize, The Stamps Quartet, still active. They are, left to right: Cissy Drinkard Houston, Myrna Smith, Sylvia Shemwell and Estelle Brown. 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. It will be a night to remember and a chance to meet these Legends! She was married previously to Jerry Schilling from 1982-1987. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. They would sing behind him for the rest of his life. But he was really upset about it. Really, really recommend it. [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. Pen-portraits of literary women, vol. 2 | Project Gutenberg Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA. Atlanta Elvis fans, the wait is over. Deep down inside, he knew the deal. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 1970 The Sweet Inspirations - - http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/02004E599D9C46E7?brand=scrantoncc&camefrom=CFC_SCC_SCCCAL_ShawnKlush05152015. No wonder that he used to have them open his concerts. [3] She died on December 24, 2010.[8]. Highly recommended. 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). Sweet Inspiration (Klaus Brothers, #1) by Penny Watson - Goodreads Smith even married Schilling briefly from 1982-1987. Berns would go on to use them on just about every record he cut from then on, most notably on the subsequent string of hits he produced on Solomon Burke for Atlantic. Keep up with the group by coming back often. 'Elvis knew he would die at 42' Girlfriend and singer Kathy says