the sweet inspirations

Biography

The Sweet Inspirations are an American R&B girl group from Newark, New Jersey, founded by Cissy Houston (mother of Whitney Houston) in the early 1960s. The group's origins trace back to the late 1950s at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, where Emily "Cissy" Drinkard served as Minister of Music, mentoring young singers including her nieces Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, along with Sylvia Shemwell and Doris Troy. By 1958, these young vocalists formed the Gospelaires, an offshoot of the Drinkard Singers, and began their professional career as session vocalists after being discovered at the Apollo Theater in 1959. The classic lineup solidified when Cissy Houston joined in 1961, with Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown completing the nucleus by 1963.

From 1963 to 1967, the group operated informally as "The Group," becoming among the most prolific and in-demand backup singers in the soul, pop, and rock genres. They provided backing vocals for an impressive roster of artists including Aretha Franklin, Solomon Burke, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Van Morrison, Dusty Springfield, and Elvis Presley. In February 1967, they formally adopted the name Sweet Inspirations and signed with Atlantic Records, achieving both critical and commercial success. Their biggest hit, aptly titled "Sweet Inspiration," reached the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and earned them a Grammy Award nomination, making them just the third all-female vocal group in history to receive such recognition. Their B-side "I'm Blue" would later gain renewed fame when sampled by Salt-N-Pepa for their hit "Shoop."

After Cissy Houston left the group following their early performances with Elvis Presley in Las Vegas to raise her family and pursue a solo career, the remaining members continued performing with Presley from 1969 to 1977 and maintained their recording career. The group evolved through various incarnations, recording for labels including Atlantic, Stax, and RSO through the 1970s disco era. Their influence on American soul music was formally recognized when they were inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. The Sweet Inspirations' legacy extends beyond their own recordings to the countless iconic tracks they helped shape as session vocalists during the golden age of soul music.

Fun Facts

• According to Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler, the group's name originated when he turned to Cissy Houston and said he had an inspiration, to which she promptly replied, 'oh, sweet!'
• The group made them just the third all-female vocal group in history to earn a Grammy Award nomination with their hit 'Sweet Inspiration'
• Cissy Houston was the Minister of Music at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, where she mentored the young singers who would become founding members, including her own nieces Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick
• The Drinkard Singers, which included future Sweet Inspirations members, had the distinction of recording the first gospel album to appear on a major label with their live recording from the Newport Jazz Festival in 1959

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• The Drinkard Singers - Family gospel group that included Cissy Houston and her sister Lee, served as the foundation and training ground for the Sweet Inspirations (First gospel album on a major label from Newport Jazz Festival 1959) [1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Aretha Franklin - Long tenure as primary backing vocalists on numerous recordings (Chain of Fools, (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman, (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone, Ain't No Way, Think, I Say a Little Prayer) [1960s]
• Elvis Presley - Served as his backing vocal group for live performances and tours (Las Vegas residency and touring performances) [1969-1977]
• Van Morrison - Provided backing vocals on hit single (Brown Eyed Girl) [1967]
• Dusty Springfield - Backing vocals on critically acclaimed album (Dusty in Memphis) [1968]
• Jimi Hendrix - Studio work and backing vocals (Burning of the Midnight Lamp on Electric Ladyland album) [1968]
• Solomon Burke - Session backing vocals (Cry to Me) [Early 1960s]
• Dionne Warwick - Backed her debut recording as the Gospelaires before formal group name (Don't Make Me Over) [Early 1960s]
• Doris Troy - Backed her only hit single, Troy was also an original member of the Gospelaires (Just One Look) [Early 1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Salt-N-Pepa - Sampled the Sweet Inspirations' recording for a major hit (Shoop sampled I'm Blue) [1990s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Sweet Inspiration (The Sweet Inspirations)
2. I'm Blue (The Sweet Inspirations)
3. That's How Strong My Love Is (What The World Needs Now)
4. Here I Am - Take Me (The Sweet Inspirations)
5. Why Marry (Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia)
6. What the World Needs Now Is Love (What The World Needs Now)
7. What the World Needs Now Is Love (100 Greatest Love Songs)
8. Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday (Sweets For My Sweet)
9. Let It Be Me (The Sweet Inspirations)
10. Why (Am I Treated so Bad) - Single Version (The Sweet Inspirations)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia