'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. 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. "If you believe it'll work out, you'll see opportunities. (4-pk) She said: Oh absolutely. 4/14/2020. Hugh Jarrett died at 78 on May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in March. History. Emily Drinkard, 30th September 1933, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.) (above) No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. Highly recommended. News headlines delivered at 4:00 pm Monday - Friday. Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. Although they would hit the R&B chart twice more for the label, by 1971, with Wexler now merely an employee and the Warner owned company's focus shifting to acts like Led Zeppelin, Derek & the Dominoes and Crosby, Stills and Nash, they chose not to renew The Sweets' contract in 1972. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlNCvAFptM0. Hes still here because as long as were here and were keeping him going, hes here. 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. 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. Dozens of tribute artists grace the outdoor stages, which are set around the picturesque Okanagan Lake, along with special guests Friends Of Elvis. When they were unable to come to Vegas because of prior commitments, Elvis didn't hesitate; he signed the 'Sweets' with no audition required. I don't know how you can do it all. '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. Myrna was a great soul singer whose voice was featured on some of the finest records of the second half of the 20th century. She died on December 24, 2010, in Canoga Park, California, after an illness, five months short of her 70th birthday.[1]. Ed Enoch, The Stamps Quartet, still active. The Sweet Inspirations did a great job of blending their voices to make a soulful sound that Elvis couldnt get enough of. Weather forecast delivered at 9:00 am daily. Lucy and Nicholas are both dedicated to their work, putting . 11 talking about this. 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. 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. News headlines delivered at 7:00 am Monday - Friday. 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. Estelle Brown, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. [3] It was released in June 1967 and rose to No. The Sweet Inspirations. By October 2010, she was a patient at the Canyon Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California. 'I don't know if the road was really for me', she says. Elvis dear friend, Jerry Schilling, loved Smith too. They dated for a while but remained close after it ended and Elvis continued to ask her to share his bed as friends for comfort. The Jordanaires worked with Elvis 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. Buy it Interview with Myrna Smith Cissy Houston Remembers Elvis Presley. They say Elvis has left the building. 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." 1970 Soon after, Shawn was also crowned the first ever Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion' in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. A conversation about Aretha can only lead to discussion of The Sweet Inspirations. Despite excellent songwriting and production from David Porter and Ronnie Williams, 'Slipped and Tripped', the 45 released from Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia failed to dent the charts. David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994. The ladies of Sweet Inspiration worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours, and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. Kathy explained: I dated him for about six months on a regular basis it was fun. The group started with the superstar in the fall of 1973. Welcome to the Official website of The Sweet Inspirations! Estelle Brown Obituary. 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. It was beautiful and it stayed that way. 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. Another famous piece . Its surreal, but theres an energy here. They would sing behind him for the rest of his life. The Sweet inspirations were an American gospel/R&B girl group founded by Emily "Cissy" Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston. Unbowed, they would sign with Stax (a company where it was still okay to be Black) as a trio in 1973. I do feel his spirit is here, yes. We love being here and connecting with peopleeverything starts with customer service! This place is the perfect spot to grab something delicious to satisfy your morning sweet tooth. Re-released in 1991, it is still . Direct from the USA, the world's most successful Elvis tribute artist of all time returns to the UK by popular demand. The session produced the group's biggest R&B hit in some time. Bacharach, of course, would go on to make history with Dionne at Scepter, while Dee Dee and Judy Clay embarked on solo careers themselves shortly thereafter. However, it might surprise you that Presley loved black women as he was a rumored racist. Add to Cart. Later they began traveling around the area and singing at various venues. You can also hear Estelle's voice on the records of Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Wilson Picket, Van Morrison and Dionne Warwick. 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. In a documentary called, This Time, Smith admitted that Elvis tried to pursue a relationship with her. After years apart, the Sweet Inspirations reformed in 1994 and continued to perform up until recently. 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. Walters Choir. It simply doesn't get any closer than this! Stay safe. I get the feeling needlework in general is still alive and well in Europe. Elvis demonstrated his desire for racial reconciliation in the musicians he chose, and in the treatment they received. Bill Baize, The Stamps Quartet, still active. The group's distinct sound is instantly recognizable and has changed little across 57 years of recordings no matter who was singing. 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'. 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 . Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. 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. If you don't believe it'll work out, you'll see obstacles." Wayne Dyer. But he was really upset about it. Local breaking news delivered as it happens. 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. 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). In 1969, the group recorded their fourth album, Sweets for my Sweet. 9. Finding . Liverpool Echo Arena Auditorium, Liverpool, UK. 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. It was released in 1968 under the name 'Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations'. 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. 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 track hit number five on the R&B chart and was a top 20 pop hit. Friday, June 24, 2016 Sunday, June 26, 2016Fri, Jun 24, 2016 Sun, Jun 26, 2016, Penticton Elvis Fest, 5902 Lakeshore Rd, Penticton, British Columbia. 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. 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. He and the rest of the cast are happy to be back in one of the original homes of this concert tour. Success! 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. Sweet Inspirations is where my ~Dream~ comes alive and lets me be creative as my heart allows. Doing what I love to do. So Elvis always made sure he got even. The Inspirations announced a monumental change in their group, as founder/pianist/group co-owner Martin Cook resigned all of his roles last Wednesday. 1. for 59 weeks and 4 No. The group who sung with The King, including his Las Vegas residencies, featured Whitney Houstons mother Cissy. 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. Cissy Houston (born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933) is a gospel and soul singer. Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound. [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". [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. So Elvis always made sure he got even. This material may not be reproduced without permission. Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. In 1951, they would appear with Jackson, Clara Ward, and Rosetta Tharpe at a sold-out Carnegie Hall, after which they would record a few singles for Savoy, in addition to broadcasting live from Symphony Hall in New Jersey every Sunday. No audition was required. The group who sung with The King, including his Las Vegas residencies, featured Whitney. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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 don't have to bring them'. The singer said: Have you ever seen the movie Touched By An Angel? 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. 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. Myrna Yvonne Smith (May 28, 1941 - December 24, 2010) [1] was an American songwriter and singer. 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. Rank. By the time she was 8 years old, she was singing in a youth group called C.H. Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. In 1978, The Sweet Inspirations sang background on Frankie Valli's number one smash, Grease (! 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. Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. My love and respect for him and his music have kept me focused as a tribute artist for all of these years. ), and would become closely allied with her for the rest of her tenure at Atlantic. Presley reportedly called the ladies his church sisters. Elvis loved gospel and soul music. ", 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.". add strawberry, blackberry or blueberry topping with whipped cream for additional - $2. Today Rick visits with Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations who were background singers for Elvis Presley. 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'. Once back in the U.S., her condition continued to deteriorate, as she suffered kidney failure, further complicated by a severe stroke. 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. Shawn does an intimate show like no other that is free to the public. Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. 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. A link to the news story can be found here. 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 . Latest Audio (and video) updates:Video courtesy of Elvis Presley MP3 Audio Central. $8.99. She became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. 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. After being included on a 'Newport Spiritual Stars' compilation in 1954, their performances at the festival were always well attended. 3362. Smith even married Schilling briefly from 1982-1987. 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. Shortly after cutting the gospel set, the Sweet Inspirations were back in Atlantic's studios to record their third album, What the World Needs Now is Love,[2] recorded in February 1968 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. Back to Live is a show unlike any other because it shows you Elvis human side. While still singing with the Blackwood Brothers in 1962, Sumner took on the added responsibilities of managing the Stamps Quartet, developing them into one of the top gospel groups in the country. The Inspirations are a professional Southern Gospel quartet from Bryson City, NC. In the video, Demi attends a screening of the movie, only to be haunted . When Elvis heard that sound he just had to have them sing with him. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. One of the people who loved that song so much was allegedly Elvis himself. The follow-up, Let It Be Me, which had been recorded at those same New York sessions, did even better, just missing the R&B top ten. A final Atlantic session in June 1970 brought the group (now a trio with Brown, Smith, and Shemwell) its last two singles for the label; "This World" (from the musical The Me Nobody Knows), and "Evidence". More info. Even after singing and performing in concerts, they allegedly would continue to sing and jam all night. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio. Ultimate Elvis tribute Artists Shawn Klush and Cody Ray Slaughter with Images of the King Champion Michael Chambliss with special guests Elvis' Sweet Inspirations. She was married previously to Jerry Schilling from 1982-1987. Portia Griffin who has been with the group for 19 years sang with Jeffery Osborne, the Killers and many more. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. Pilgrims of Sorrow (1968) was sampled in Hollywood Briggs by Asun Eastwood (2017) And then from how we were raised church-wise, that was the devils music. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Myrna Smith, a member of the group, The Sweet Inspirations, sang back up for rock & roll legend, Elvis Presley. Aside from them working together, Smith had a boyfriend, Gregory, that was apart of the band as well. 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. Sweet Inspirations is open daily at Zero India Street. [2] They group broke up shortly thereafter. The line-up included Judy Guions (who later became Judy Clay), Marie Epps, Larry Drinkard, Nicholas Drinkard, Ann Moss, Lee and Emily. 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) 8. 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. 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,. The Sweet Inspirations join Shawn Klush on his World Tour throughout the UK. She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley's backing group. A Gamble & Huff composition, "Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover" appeared on the group's fifth album Sweet Sweet Soul. 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. Shawn returns to Memphis on Elvis Tribute Week for the very 1st concert of the event. Small Pecan Pie Bites w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 8 oz. 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. Bill Baize, The Stamps Quartet, still active. Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. I don't think they've received nearly enough credit for that. The "King" recorded and toured with the all-male Stampsas well as the female vocal group Sweet Inspirationsfor the remainder of his . Tragically, Smith died at the age of 69 on December 24, 2010 from kidney failure. ), which had been written and produced by Barry Gibb and released on RSO records. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. Clockwise from top. [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". 568-573). Perhaps the most striking example of their contributions during this period is their uncredited mind-blowing appearance behind Garnet Mimms on Cry Baby in 1963. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1999. 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. It was released in 1968 under the name "Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations. 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. 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. 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!! Almost motherly Then it became obvious to me that there were other women.. Myrna also backed Elvis up during his 1976 Graceland recordings, both in February of that year and in the October/November sessions. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album - a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. 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 original backup group that was so in demand among producers, publishers, artists, and songwriters in the early '60s included Myrna's cousins, With both Doris and Dionne enjoying solo careers with hits (. Justly acknowledged as the groundbreaking, chart-topping tour de force it is, it's hard to imagine what this legendary Bert Berns and Jerry Ragavoy production would sound like without the girls from Newark. [3] She died on December 24, 2010.[8]. 1 albums ('56-'59). In the video, Smith shared that she and Elvis were often flirty with each other, however, they worked together. Sweet Inspirations on tour now throughout the UK! The Sweet Inspirations (Estelle Brown, Smith, and Shemwell) got back together again in 1994, with new member Portia Griffin. TVs great but Shawn is happy to be back doing what he loves and that is keeping the memory alive. Popular music icon Elvis Presley dies in Memphis, Tennessee. 7. And now another former member Estelle Brown has revealed in a new interview how she believes Elvis is still around as an angel. "2 Backup Singers Walk Out on Elvis Presley During Performance." [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. 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'.