The Sweet Inspirations Facts

Publish date: 2024-05-19

The Sweet Inspirations: The Unsung Heroes of Soul Music

Table of Contents

The Sweet Inspirations were the unsung heroes of soul music. This legendary girl group broke barriers and set new standards in the music industry. From backing vocals for Elvis Presley to their hit songs, the Sweet Inspirations captivated audiences all over the world with their incredible vocals and performances. Here’s a closer look at the facts about the Sweet Inspirations.

Singer’s Bio

The Sweet Inspirations started as a trio composed of Cissy Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, and Myrna Smith. They all met in a church choir in New Jersey and decided to form their own group. Later, Estelle Brown and Ann Williams joined the band, making it a quintet.

Cissy Houston, the lead singer of the group, was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1933. She started singing in church and quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice. Cissy later married Freddie Garland and had three children, one of them being Whitney Houston.

Myrna Smith was born in 1941 in Mississippi. She began her singing career in a gospel group before joining the Sweet Inspirations.

Age

Cissy Houston, the oldest member of the group, was born in 1933, making her 88 years old as of 2021. Myrna Smith, the youngest member, was born in 1941, making her 80 years old.

Relationships and Children

Cissy Houston had three children: Gary Garland, Michael Houston, and Whitney Houston. Whitney Houston, who became one of the most successful singers of all time, passed away in 2012.

Height

There’s no information available about the exact height of the Sweet Inspirations members. However, it’s safe to say that they weren’t particularly tall since they were a group of female singers.

Career

The Sweet Inspirations started their career as a backing group for artists such as Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick. They later became Elvis Presley’s backup singers and performed on his ’68 Comeback Special. They also opened for Presley during his Las Vegas shows.

The Sweet Inspirations released their first album, Sweet Inspirations, in 1967. It featured their hit single “Sweet Inspiration,” which peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. They released several more albums throughout the 70s, including Sweets for My Sweet and Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia.

The Sweet Inspirations continued to tour and perform well into the 2000s. They also received recognition for their contributions to the world of music. In 2014, they were inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame.

Top Songs

The Sweet Inspirations had many great songs throughout their career. Here are some of their most popular:

– “Sweet Inspiration”
– “Why Did You Do It”
– “Crying in the Rain”
– “To Love Somebody”
– “Let It Be Me”
– “Unchained Melody”

Net Worth

There’s no exact net worth information available for the Sweet Inspirations. However, they were well-respected and highly regarded in the music industry. They were paid well for their performances and also earned royalties from their recordings.

FAQs

Who wrote “Sweet Inspiration”?

“Sweet Inspiration” was written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham. The song was originally recorded by the group The Sweet Inspirations backed by The Van Dykes in 1967. The song was later covered by many other artists, including Johnny Nash and Barbara Lewis.

Did the Sweet Inspirations ever record with Aretha Franklin?

Yes, the Sweet Inspirations were famous for their collaborations with Aretha Franklin. They sang backup vocals on many of her hits, including “Respect” and “Chain of Fools.” They also toured with Franklin as her backup singers.

How did the Sweet Inspirations meet Elvis Presley?

The Sweet Inspirations met Elvis Presley in 1969 when they were performing in Las Vegas. Presley saw their show and was impressed by their vocals. He invited them to join his backing group, and they toured with him for several years.

What was Whitney Houston’s relationship with the Sweet Inspirations?

Whitney Houston was the daughter of Cissy Houston, the lead singer of the Sweet Inspirations. She grew up around the group and was heavily influenced by their music. Whitney also performed with the Sweet Inspirations on several occasions.

Did the Sweet Inspirations have any hit songs on their own?

Yes, the Sweet Inspirations had several hits of their own, including “Sweet Inspiration,” “Why Did You Do It,” and “Crying in the Rain.”

What other artists did the Sweet Inspirations work with?

In addition to Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, the Sweet Inspirations worked with many other famous artists, including Dusty Springfield, Wilson Pickett, and Van Morrison.

What awards has the Sweet Inspirations received?

The Sweet Inspirations received several awards and honors throughout their career. They were inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2014 and received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1999.

What was the Sweet Inspirations’ impact on the music industry?

The Sweet Inspirations broke barriers and set new standards for female singers and groups. They paved the way for future girl groups and demonstrated that women could be just as powerful and talented as men in the music industry.

Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive?

As of 2021, two members of the Sweet Inspirations are still alive: Estelle Brown. Sylvia Shemwell passed away in 2010, from complications caused by her stroke in 2001.

What was the Sweet Inspirations’ signature sound?

The Sweet Inspirations’ signature sound was their tight harmonies and soulful vocals. They were known for their ability to blend their voices together seamlessly and create a powerful sound that captivated audiences.

Did the Sweet Inspirations ever perform in other countries?

Yes, the Sweet Inspirations toured and performed all over the world, including in Europe and Australia.

What made the Sweet Inspirations unique?

The Sweet Inspirations were unique because they were a group of all-female backing singers in a predominantly male-dominated industry. They were trailblazers and pioneers who set new standards for female musicians.

What inspired the name “Sweet Inspirations”?

The name “Sweet Inspirations” was inspired by the gospel song “Sweet Inspiration,” which the group frequently performed. The name perfectly encapsulated the group’s soulful sound and positive message.

Did the Sweet Inspirations ever reunite?

Yes, the Sweet Inspirations reunited several times throughout the years, including for the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death in 2007.

What was the Sweet Inspirations’ legacy?

The Sweet Inspirations’ legacy is their contributions to the world of music and their role in paving the way for future female singers and groups. They were pioneers who left an indelible mark on the music industry.

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