She died on December 24, 2010, in Canoga Park, California, after an illness, five months short of her 70th birthday.[1]. Despite their touring success, Houston longed for the comforts of home. 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. Cissy Houston (born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933) is a gospel and soul singer. TVs great but Shawn is happy to be back doing what he loves and that is keeping the memory alive. If you have Closed Captioning issues or have disabilities and have issues and require assistance accessing the KTBS or KPXJ Public File, Stay safe. 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. They would also overdub their unbelievable background vocals in New York that summer when Atlantic brought back the tapes that they had recorded with Dusty Springfield at American in Memphis. American singer and songwriter (19412010), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Myrna_Smith&oldid=1133798944, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 January 2023, at 15:48. Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. 9. Despite her financial struggles, she was determined tokeep her career and her friendships with her group mates going for as long as she could. Cissy Houston left in 1969 to pursue her own solo career but the Sweet Inspirations remained loyal to the king of rock & roll. Dozens of tribute artists grace the outdoor stages, which are set around the picturesque Okanagan Lake, along with special guests Friends Of Elvis. We hope to see you all there to celebrate the one and only Elvis Presley. When Elvis glowered at the remaining singers and said, "Sorry for any embarrassment I might have caused, but if you can't take it, get off the pot," another Inspiration, Sylvia Shemwell, walked out, followed by Westmoreland. [3] She died on December 24, 2010.[8]. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. The Sweet Inspirations, Soundtrack: Deadpool. Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. In 1978, the group sang backing vocals on Frankie Valli's No.1 hit "Grease" from the film of the same name. Elvis loved gospel and soul music. 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. Over the years, Elvis Presley had a number of backing singers, including 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". Re-released in 1991, it is still . After years apart, the Sweet Inspirations reformed in 1994 and continued to perform up until recently. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive? As a backup group, the Sweet Inspirations was in high demand among producers, publishers, artists, and songwriters in the early 1960s. A link to the news story can be found here. Both Troy and Dionne Warwick enjoyed solo careers with hits in 1963, "Just One Look" and "Don't Make Me Over" respectively, on which the Sweet Inspirations can be heard. Myrna Smith is one of the original Sweet Inspirations, the backing group who sang with Elvis in concert from 1969 until the end. Fontana Interview with Charlie Hodge Interview with Ernst Jorgensen Elvis Presley & the TCB Band, Copyright 2022 by www.elvis.com.au & www.elvispresley.com.au, https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/the-sweet-inspirations.shtml. The original line-up comprised of group leader Emily "Cissy" Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. Small Pecan Pie Bites w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 8 oz. Today Rick visits with Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations who were background singers for Elvis Presley KTBS 3 Public File | KPXJ 21 Public File. Buy it Interview with Myrna Smith Cissy Houston Remembers Elvis Presley. The Gospelaires began appearing publicly with The Drinkard Singers, and their talents were soon recognized by the local record companies, who began using the girls as background vocalists on sessions, the first being the Burt Bacharach penned Mexican Divorce with 'The Drifters' in 1961. 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 . Saturday, 4th March 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Almost motherly Then it became obvious to me that there were other women.. Shawn returns once again to a favorite destination. The tragic pattern of Elvis' final years are familiar to nearly everyone. In a documentary called, This Time, Smith admitted that Elvis tried to pursue a relationship with her. The Sweet Inspirations had evolved from the Gospelaires group. He could have chosen anybody to sing with him, but he chose The Sweet Inspirations. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. When they were unable to come to Vegas because of prior commitments, Elvis didn't hesitate; he signed the 'Sweets' with no audition required. In March 2010, while on a European tour for Elvis: The Concert, Smith developed pneumonia. He was very thoughtful. 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. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Walters Choir. 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. The Sweet Inspirations had success with R&B, gospel and pop. Friday, June 24, 2016 Sunday, June 26, 2016Fri, Jun 24, 2016 Sun, Jun 26, 2016, Penticton Elvis Fest, 5902 Lakeshore Rd, Penticton, British Columbia. 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,. 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. The 1970s saw the Inspirations rise to national attention with a number of hit songs. The Jordanaires worked with Elvis The song also caught Elvis Presley's attention. 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. Until Now! Myrna Smith began singing at the age of five she when she sang Jesus Loves Me with her father's gospel group, on 'The Sons of Harmony Radio Show'. 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'. [7] They also backed Dusty Springfield on her album Dusty in Memphis.[3]. 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. Gordon Stoker died at 88 at his Brentwood, Tennessee, home on March 27, 2013, after a long illness. This article about a United States songwriter is a stub. Large Pecan Pie Bites Jar w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 16 oz. People who have been here have said that.. We welcome all of our South American fans to see the show once again! Emily Drinkard, 30th September 1933, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.) (above) 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. Doing what I love to do. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. The original lineup included Doris Troy and the two Warwick sisters Dionne & Dee Dee. Highly recommended. Inspirations magazines. The session produced the group's biggest R&B hit in some time. When Emily 'Cissy' Drinkard was five years old, she began singing in a family Gospel group called The Drinkard Singers. The Sweet Inspirations recorded by themselves for the first time in April 1967 for Atlantic Records. They would sing behind him for the rest of his life. 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. When they brought down the house at the 1957 festival, they were signed to RCA on the spot, and they released the critically acclaimed 'A Joyful Noise' the following year. They Come To Celebrate The King Of Rock & Roll Elvis Presley! 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. 11 talking about this. http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/02004E599D9C46E7?brand=scrantoncc&camefrom=CFC_SCC_SCCCAL_ShawnKlush05152015. Let It Be Me: The Atlantic Recordings (1967-1970) The Sweet Inspirations. 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. It was released in 1968 under the name "Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations. The Sweet Inspirations : Female vocal group, formed 1967 in New York, New York. Error! "If you believe it'll work out, you'll see opportunities. She added: And he continues to. He was replaced by new lead Curtis Young. 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). Smith dispels those rumors with her open and candid conversation about the love she shared for Elvis. '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. 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'. According to the documentary This Time, The Sweet Inspirations were hoping to resurrect their fortunes with the help of producer Peitor Angell, however, their fame would never be the same without the original King being alive and well. 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 band backed Elvis on everything from his rock tunes to gospel numbers, from Christmas songs to his movie soundtracks. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. The group sang backup for many stars, including Aretha Franklin . The track hit number five on the R&B chart and was a top 20 pop hit. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. Estelle Brown sang with Elvis from 1969 until his untimely passing in 1977. Bill Baize, The Stamps Quartet, still active. The comparison between the old and new is obvious as they are both a compilation of the best of Sweet's recordings, satisfaction guaranteed. 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. 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 pop-rock-gospel trio of Don Sumner, Sean Nielsen and Tim Beaty is The Voice, which has being the opening act and backup group for Elvis Presley. Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. And musicians who back Elvis and are no longer with us but left their legacy of great rock n roll music for over 3 decades from the mid 1950s mid 1970s, Elvis Musician Bill Black died died 1965. 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. 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 Sweet inspirations were an American gospel/R&B girl group founded by Emily "Cissy" Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston. 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. 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'. 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. Another famous piece . Unlike the king, Schilling never stopped pursing Schilling and he eventually won her over. add strawberry, blackberry or blueberry topping with whipped cream for additional - $2. Over the years, Elvis Presley had a number of backing singers, including The Sweet Inspirations. Sylvia Shemwell, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. Taking over for Cook is another fouding member of the group, former tenor Archie Watkins. 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. 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. A founding member of the group was Dionne Warwick, who was later replaced by her aunt, Cissy Houston. Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. Sweet Inspirations on tour now throughout the UK! The lineup was completed by Estelle Brown, Sylvia Shemwell and Myrna Smith. Cissy, meanwhile, was also the director of the Gospelaires, the young people's choir at her church, New Hope Baptist, in Newark. By October 2010, she was a patient at the Canyon Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California. 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. 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. Spirits Having Flown Tour singing backup. The groups most successful song was Sweet Inspiration, which was cut during a two-day session at American Sound in Memphis in August 1967. Sumner and the Stamps, a white male quintet that had replaced the Imperials, a similar quintet, back in 1971. Myrna Smith, a member of the group, The Sweet Inspirations, sang back up for rock & roll legend, Elvis Presley. Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. The Complete Atlantic Singles Plus. Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, Elvis' Sweet Inspirations and Elvis' original drummer DJ Fontana. Elvis death: The King's pilot I thought Vernon Presley had died, Elvis Presley bodyguard says King'different'person in private, Elvis Presley Vegas backing singer: I believe The King is an ANGEL and he is still here, Elvis performing in Las Vegas with The Sweet Inspirations, Elvis Presley ALIVE? 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. 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). 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. Ultimate Elvis tribute Artists Shawn Klush and Cody Ray Slaughter with Images of the King Champion Michael Chambliss with special guests Elvis' Sweet Inspirations. "Elvis and his doctors told me how ill he really was." Shockingly, Kathy says . The Sweet Inspirations were top-tier background singers and an accomplished recording act in their own right. Weather forecast delivered at 9:00 am daily. Estelle spoke of how after Las Vegas shows the backing singers would be invited up to Elvis suite where they would sing gospel tunes until seven oclock in the morning. ELVIS PRESLEY told girlfriend and backing singer of seven years, Kathy Westmoreland, that he knew he would die soon. Sweet Inspirations is where my ~Dream~ comes alive and lets me be creative as my heart allows. 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 . This isnt too surprising, as their have been rumors that Elvis was very fond of the ladies. One of the people who loved that song so much was allegedly Elvis himself. Aside from them working together, Smith had a boyfriend, Gregory, that was apart of the band as well. 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. When did Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley start singing together? The Sweet Inspirations 1969:Sylvia Shemwell, Cissy Houston, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. Shrimp And Mushroom. 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." 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. I really, really want to get their other studio albums. While performing on the "Elvis: The Concert" European tour in March 2010, Smith developed pneumonia which eventually led to kidney failure and a stroke. So Elvis always made sure he got even. She then went on to describe how she believes Elvis is an angel and still with us. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. Glendale, CA: Glendale House, 1987.