Elvis demonstrated his desire for racial reconciliation in the musicians he chose, and in the treatment they received. The Sweet Inspirations. A Gamble & Huff composition, "Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover" appeared on the group's fifth album Sweet Sweet Soul. Estelle Brown Obituary. However, it might surprise you that Presley loved black women as he was a rumored racist. 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. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Despite her financial struggles, she was determined tokeep her career and her friendships with her group mates going for as long as she could. The original line-up comprised of group leader Emily "Cissy" Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. 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. container: 'taboola-right-rail-thumbnails', [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. 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. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. Portia Griffin who has been with the group for 19 years sang with Jeffery Osborne, the Killers and many more. It was released in 1968 under the name "Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations. Movies. Bill Baize, The Stamps Quartet, still active. By the time she was 8 years old, she was singing in a youth group called C.H. After years apart, the Sweet Inspirations reformed in 1994 and continued to perform up until recently. When did Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley start singing together? Cissy Houston (born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933) is a gospel and soul singer. The Sweet Inspirations was an R&B gospel group comprised of four members: Cissy Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston, Sylvia Shernwell, Myrna Smith, and Estelle Brown. ", 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.". Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. A Gamble & Huff composition, Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover. Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. Meanwhile, The Kings ex-wife Priscilla has spoken of how she senses his spirit at Graceland. The Sweet Inspirations recorded by themselves for the first time in April 1967 for Atlantic Records. As stated above, the song Sweet Inspiration caught Elvis' attention, however it was the group, The Blossoms, who backed Elvis onhis '68 Comeback Special that was first choice forhis 1969 return to the stage in Las Vegas. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Estelle Brown in Jacksonville, Florida, born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, who passed away on January 24, 2021, at the age of 80, leaving to mourn family and friends. 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. Doing what I love to do. The Inspirations performed at the next night's show in Greensboro, North Carolina, after Elvis apologized, but Kathy Westmoreland did not. [3] It was released in June 1967 and rose to No. Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. She was replaced by Myrna Smith. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. 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. Sumner and the Stamps, a white male quintet that had replaced the Imperials, a similar quintet, back in 1971. REDISCOVER The '60s: Soul Love. His engagement that christened The International Hotel in Vegas that July would mark his first appearance in over eight years. [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. While performing on the "Elvis: The Concert" European tour in March 2010, Smith developed pneumonia which eventually led to kidney failure and a stroke. [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. 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. Guralnick, Peter. Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. Elvis Musicians Elvis band who backed Elvis Presley that are still alive and performing today? 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: albums, songs, playlists | Listen on Deezer Sign up for Deezer for free and listen to The Sweet Inspirations: discography, top tracks and playlists. We were all touched by the same angel: Elvis Presley. They would provide the background vocals that June as they were recording Aretha's 'Lady Soul' (that's them on Chain Of Fools!! 1970 The group was also invited to be part of the regular cast on the Gospel Singing Jubilee television program. 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) 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. Esteemed Actor Ted Torres Martin to Perform Multimedia Musical Stage Production Show Based on the Life and Career of Elvis Presley. Aside from them working together, Smith had a boyfriend, Gregory, that was apart of the band as well. Myrna Smith, a member of the group, The Sweet Inspirations, sang back up for rock & roll legend, Elvis Presley. 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. The singer said: Have you ever seen the movie Touched By An Angel? 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'. Read More. And there were times Smith provided backing vocals alone, minus her group. Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. Myrna also backed Elvis up during his 1976 Graceland recordings, both in February of that year, and in the October/November sessions, resulting in two albums. We love being here and connecting with peopleeverything starts with customer service! 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. The Inspirations Set to Release New Live Album in April Staff March 8, 2021 Arden, NC (March 8, 2021) Formed in 1964, The Inspirations are one of Gospel music's longest-standing quartets. It will be a night to remember and a chance to meet these Legends! Direct from the USA, the world's most successful Elvis tribute artist of all time returns to the UK by popular demand. 308. 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. Elvis dear friend, Jerry Schilling, loved Smith too. 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. Cissy, meanwhile, was also the director of the Gospelaires, the young people's choir at her church, New Hope Baptist, in Newark. [4] In October 2007, Morrison was awarded a Million-Air certificate by BMI for 8 million air plays of "Brown Eyed Girl".[5]. Smith dispels those rumors with her open and candid conversation about the love she shared for Elvis. Elvis Birthday Elvis Born January 8, 1935. [2] They group broke up shortly thereafter. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. The group started with the superstar in the fall of 1973. Shemwell suffered a stroke in 2001 that has kept her from performing with the group. We thought it didnt fit. 568-573). News headlines delivered at 4:00 pm Monday - Friday. The tragic pattern of Elvis' final years are familiar to nearly everyone. It will leave audiences with knowledge of not only how great of an entertainer he was, but also a kindhearted, down-to-earth human being.. The Sweet Inspirations had a close, playful and well-respected friendship with Elvis Presley. Bill Baize, The Stamps Quartet, still active. He was replaced by new lead Curtis Young. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album - a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. Unbowed, they would sign with Stax (a company where it was still okay to be Black) as a trio in 1973. KTBS 3 Public File | KPXJ 21 Public File. Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, Elvis' Sweet Inspirations and Elvis' original drummer DJ Fontana. I'm sure he said, 'And I want your daughter to drive them'. 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). 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. Popular music icon Elvis Presley dies in Memphis, Tennessee. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Error! 4/14/2020. The Sweet Inspirations were one of the first Gospel groups to have an album released on a major record label, which was a live recording (released in 1959), of their performance at the Newport Jazz Festival. 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. 7. So Elvis always made sure he got even. Soon after, Shawn was also crowned the first ever Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion' in Memphis, Tennessee. 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'. The Festival Brings Elvis Fans From Far And Wide To The Perfect Holiday Haven Penticton, British Columbia. The King is coming. Estelle Brown, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. History. Smith even married Schilling briefly from 1982-1987. In a documentary called, This Time, Smith admitted that Elvis tried to pursue a relationship with her. When they were unable to come to Vegas because of prior commitments, Elvis didn't hesitate; he signed the 'Sweets' with no audition required. Simply put, The Sweet Inspirations is essential listening for anyone with an interest in late-'60s soul music. "The hard days are what make you stronger." Aly Raisman. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. She said: Oh absolutely. Elvis stated to his musical associates and entourage that he must otain The Sweet Inspirations. Shemwell died on February 13, 2010. The session produced the group's biggest R&B hit in some time. New York, New York, United States. In 1994, original members Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia reformed 'The Sweet Inspirations', adding a fourth singer, Portia Griffin. The Sweet Inspirations did a great job of blending their voices to make a soulful sound that Elvis couldnt get enough of. 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. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. Myrna Yvonne Smith (May 28, 1941 December 24, 2010)[1] was an American songwriter and singer. She died on December 24, 2010, in Canoga Park, California, after an illness, five months short of her 70th birthday.[1]. [6], In 1967, the group did backing vocals for the Jimi Hendrix single "Burning of the Midnight Lamp" which was later featured on the album Electric Ladyland in 1968. He was known for his playful humour and outrageous costumes when Sweet played hits like Blockbuster and . 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. 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'. The Sweet Inspirations had success with R&B, gospel and pop. 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. 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. I am still missing a few and would be interested in buying some of them once you get organized. We look forward to seeing Part of our South American tour, don't miss our first time ever at the 5,000 seat Teatro Caupolican! 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. Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. 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. Pat Hodges & The Sweet Inspirations. However, following Elvis' tragic death, they backed Frankie Valli on his number one single 'Grease'. Shawn returns to Memphis on Elvis Tribute Week for the very 1st concert of the event. Despite their touring success, Houston longed for the comforts of home. If you have Closed Captioning issues or have disabilities and have issues and require assistance accessing the KTBS or KPXJ Public File, . But he was really upset about it. ISBN 0-961-86220-3. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images), Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley, 2 Backup Singers Walk Out on Elvis Presley During Performance. 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 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). Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. TVs great but Shawn is happy to be back doing what he loves and that is keeping the memory alive. Large Pecan Pie Bites Jar w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 16 oz. The Sweet Inspirations. Deep down inside, he knew the deal. Cissy Houston, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. Almost motherly Then it became obvious to me that there were other women.. 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. However, that didnt stop the King from showing Smith love and affection. He once again criticized Westmoreland during the summer 1975 tour, telling audiences, among other things, that she would "take affection from anybody, anyplace, anytime. The group continued on, however, and recorded their first album in 25 years, 'In'the Right Place', in 2005. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/02004E599D9C46E7?brand=scrantoncc&camefrom=CFC_SCC_SCCCAL_ShawnKlush05152015. The multimedia stage production will take audiences on an astounding musical journey through the life and career of The King of Rock n Roll himself Elvis Presley. Myrna Smith is one of the original Sweet Inspirations, the backing group who sang with Elvis in concert from 1969 until the end. This place is the perfect spot to grab something delicious to satisfy your morning sweet tooth. 3362. No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. The Sweet Inspirations 1969:Sylvia Shemwell, Cissy Houston, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 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. I don't know how you can do it all. Keep the Faith. The ladies of Sweet Inspiration worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours, and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. The Sweet Inspirations worked with Presley until his death in 1977. Sweet Inspirations on tour now throughout the UK! Browse 172,747 the sweet inspirations stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Even after singing and performing in concerts, they allegedly would continue to sing and jam all night. . Stay safe. A conversation about Aretha can only lead to discussion of The Sweet Inspirations. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1999. The Sweet Inspirations (1969 - 1977) Emily (Cissy) Houston; Myrna Smith; Estelle Brown Sylvia Shemwell In the mid-to-late-Sixties, these ladies could be heard backing up Aretha Franklin, Gene Pitney and Wilson Pickett, among others, but they didn't have a name until singer Chuck Jackson suggested they call themselves The Inspirations. Ed Enoch, The Stamps Quartet, still active. 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. Add to Cart. Her protestations only seemed to increase Presley's determination to embarrass her. 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. 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. Glendale, CA: Glendale House, 1987. 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. 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. Smith later married Jerry Schilling, a friend and associate of Elvis who subsequently also managed the Beach Boys at one point. 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. Sylvia Shinwell was the sister of Judy Clay of "Private Number" fame. The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. The cover artwork tips a hat to Desolation Boulevard, 1975 and the band's first Headline Tours. iloveoldschoolmusic.com. 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!! The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. This material may not be reproduced without permission. It was beautiful and it stayed that way. 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. (4-pk) 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." Until Now! Female vocal group, formed 1967 in New York, New York. Spirits Having Flown Tour singing backup. "I thought it was funny," was the only explanation Elvis offered for his strange and insulting behavior the night before. All members of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young formed in 1968 are still alive Formed in 1967 by five Charterhouse pupils including Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel and Anthony Phillips and later joined by Phil Collins, all the members of Genesis are still alive, as is original drummer and fifth founding member Chris Stewart. The group sang backup for many stars, including Aretha Franklin . News headlines delivered at Noon Monday - Friday. Highly recommended. _taboola.push({ In March 2010, while on a European tour for Elvis: The Concert, Smith developed pneumonia. She then went on to describe how she believes Elvis is an angel and still with us. 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. The Sweet Inspirations were one of the premier female harmony groups of the 1960s, supporting Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and Wilson Pickett. Estelle Brown joined the team soon after, and the line-up that was to become an Atlantic recording group was set. 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. 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.