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. Originally formed with Philly vocalists Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick and Doris Troy and Emily "Cissy" Houston.

With burgeoning solo careers Dionne and Doris soon left, but Cissy found the group new voices including Sylvia Shemwell , Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown and they ended up on records by Wilson Pickett, Garnet Mimms, Aretha Franklin and others.

According to the liner notes of their self titled debut album their name originated when Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler turned to Cissy Houston ( mother of Whitney Houston) and told her he had an inspiration, to which she promptly replyed, "oh, sweet!"

In 1968, the group did studio work for Jimi Hendrix during sessions for his Electric Ladyland album, performing backing vocals for the track "Burning of the Midnight Lamp". They also backed Dusty Springfield on her album Dusty in Memphis.

Eventually even Cissy Houston left the group and in 1969 Ann Williams was brought in to replace her and the group toured with Elvis Presley, warming up audiences, and appearing during his show as backing vocalists.

The group had some chart success covering hits by other acts on Atlantic throughout the late 60's, and into the 1970's disco era they recorded for Stax and Robert Stigwood's RSO label.

From the Queen of Soul, to the King of Rock and Roll, The Sweet Inspirations have provided the background vocals on more platinum singles than any other group and in 2013 will be touring with Ben Portsmouth on the Ultimate Elvis World Tour.

Unsurpassed in the industry, they were the most sought after background vocalists by producers to inspire their artists to do their best work. In addition to their work on some of Aretha Franklin's greatest recordings in the late 60's (including Son of a Preacher Man), their numerous recordings and live performances with Elvis Presley (from 1969 until his untimely passing in 1967), their work with Jimi Hendricks (on his Electric Ladyland recordings), to their work on most of Dionne Warwick's recordings produced by Burt Bacarach (including Say a Little Prayer) The Sweet Inspirations are a legendary force in the record industry with many of their own hits.

In 1967 Cissy Houston, Myrna Smith, Estelle Brown & Sylvia Shemwell were offered their own recording contract at Atlantic Records where they ultimately released five albums and numerous singles, leading off with their 1968 chart topper, "SWEET INSPIRATION" which reached number 5 on the R&B chart and number 18 on the Pop chart.

The Sweet Inspirations became even more in demand for background sessions as their popularity climbed. Shuffling between recordings and live performances with Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Elvis Presley as well as their own commitments.

Though Cissy Houston left the group after their last Atlantic Recording, the original members Myrna Smith, Estelle Brown & Sylvia Shemwell recorded an excellent album for Stax Records in Memphis in 1973. After this - their final recording - the girls went their separate ways to pursue individual careers.

In 1978 The Sweet Inspirations were asked to record backing vocals for Frankie Valli on the hit theme song to the major motion picture Grease. In 1979 the group hit the road with The Bee Gees on their Spirits Having Flown Tour.

Reunited in 1994 to perform on selected shows (including a tribute to Elvis Presley), the original trio of Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia were joined by Portia Griffin who previously had sung with Herbie Hancock, Bobbie Brown, Jeffrey Osborne (for 18 years) and most recently The Black Crows.

Today they continue to tour with the Elvis Live show in the States as well as numerous engagements in Europe. They were also recently featured heavily on background vocals on the Pat Hodges Billboard Top Ten Club Hit, "LOVE REVOLUTION". In 2004 they were featured on The Killers hit album Hot Fuss.

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