The Sweet Inspirations

The Sweets can be heard on numerous CDs including,"Elvis Aloha from Hawaii" and "Elvis Recorded Live at Madison Square Garden."

They can be seen, as well as heard, on the documentary, "Elvis on Tour," as well as "Elvis: That's the way it is," both the 1970 edition and the new revised 2001 "Special Edition."

Before working with Elvis, The Sweets Inspirations sang as the background group for Aretha Franklin.

The original members were of the group were: Emily (Cissy) Houston, (mother of superstar Whitney Houston), Myrna Smith, Estelle Brown and Sylvia Shemwell.

They recorded such songs as "Let it be Me" in 1967 and "Unchained Melody" in 1968. Both were later recorded by Elvis. Their diversity had made them known to the music industry in R&B, gospel and pop circles.

In the meantime Elvis' movie contract was coming to an end and he was planning his return to the stage with a concert in Las Vegas.

In 1969 the Sweets hit the top of the charts with "Sweet Inspiration." The moment Elvis heard it, he knew they were exactly what he'd been looking for. Even though he'd never seen them perform, he knew the soul sound of the Sweets would blend beautifully with his male group, The Imperials.

On January 14, 1969 Elvis made his official return to the stage with "The Sweet Inspirations" as his opening act. Their songs on that first night were reportedly "Born Free," "The Impossible Dream" and "How High the Moon."

Cissy left to go solo after that first that stint with Elvis in 1969, but Myrna, Estelle and Sylvia remained until his death in 1977.

Elvis reportedly once gave each member of the group a $5,000 ring as an apology for an on-stage incident involving something he said.

Since Elvis' death the Sweets have worked with such greats as Carole King, Burt Bacharach, Wilson Pickett, the Bee Gees and Rick Nelson.

They appeared in the 1979 TV movie "Elvis," and the 1980 movie "The Idolmaker".

The Sweets went there separate ways for a few years as solo artists but reunited in the 90s.

Portia Griffin joined Estelle Brown, Sylvia Shemwell, Myrna Smith in the mid-90s.

Today "The Sweet Inspirtations" can be enjoyed once again performing together at "Elvis the Concert," currently touring the country.

On February 23 we'll take a closer look at the lives of Estelle, Sylvia, Myrna and Portia.

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