The Sweet Inspirations
The Sweet Inspirations Atlantic Records (1967) Includes “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.
The Sweet Inspirations was founded by Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston and sister of Lee Warrick, (herself the mother of well-known sisters Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick). The group at the time of this first Atlantic recording session also included Myra Smith and Estelle Brown
In a recording session in 1967, The Sweet Inspirations provided the back up vocals for Van Morrison on his classic hit “Brown Eyed Girl” In 1968, the group did studio work on Jimi Hendrix’s 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”
In 1969, The Sweet Inspirations began working with Elvis Presley as both background singers and his warm-up act, as well as doing occasional ‘live’ dates with Aretha Franklin.
November 16th, 2009 at 7:34 am
Don’t leave out their sweet super hit “Sweet Inspiration”, Matt!
What a great blend of Rhythm And Blues with a mixture of Gospel And Soul!
Makes you feel kind of like being at church… “ELECTRIC CHURCH”!
November 16th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Gotta have that “Sweet Inspiration”!
April 20th, 2012 at 6:37 pm
This is so great!! I thought of being a star when cissy houston came to my church, Brentwood Baptis in Missouri City, Texas some years back, she hugged me and had a “C” necklace embedded in diamonds. No way would I have missed her with the Morehouse Boys choir..did not know all of these details about her…she is a beautiful reflection of the drinkard family and of course our beloved whitney..thanks so much for your research and rembering the great musical soul seeds of inspiration that have been implanted for all future generations..oh i mean past and present..regards
gretchen denise gant hollingsworth (beany/isis) god is love
April 20th, 2012 at 6:44 pm
Aretha