"Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

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"Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by drjohncarpenter »

It's been about a year since we lost two members of the original Sweet Inspirations, the beautiful and talented Sylvia Shemwell and Myrna Smith, who provided terrific backing vocals for Elvis, in concerts from 1969 to 1977.




681203_Sweet Inspirations_Heathrow.jpg
Sweet Inspirations at Heathrow Airport in London, Tuesday, December 3, 1968
L-R:
Cissy Houston, Myrna Smith, Sylvia Shemwell and Estelle Brown
Photo: Ian Showell





I recently uncovered an Associated Press story that hit the newswires the same day as Elvis' penultimate Memphis concert!




740320_Lumberton Robesonian_p04.jpg

THE NASHVILLE SOUND:

Trio Wonders Why Their Style Needed For Elvis Presley Tour

By MARIAN FOX
Associated Press Writer


MEMPHIS (AP) -- When The Sweet Inspirations got an offer five years ago to tour with Elvis Presley, they were astonished.

"I said, 'Elvis Presley! What does he want us for?' " said Myrna Smith, one of the three slender, pretty black women in the group.

The trio was worried that their singing style -- rhythm and blues and soul -- wouldn't fit into a show starring the Mississippi-born entertainer, who appeals to a predominately white audience more accustomed to country and rock than to soul.

"We needn't have worried," said Estlle Brown. "The first minute we met him, we liked him and he liked us."

"We've never had another doubt," echoed Sylvia Shamwell. "He's a wonderful person and he doesn't care what color you are."

Presley wanted The Sweet Inspirations because they are an asset. They are lively, attractive and, above all, talented. The only thing wrong with their part of the show is that they sing just four songs.

"We've never had a problem being accepted by a white audience," said Myrna. "And Elvis won't tolerate any type of discrimination. To him and to us and to most entertainers, people are people. Not blacks and whites."

The group did, however, adjust their material for the Presley show.

"We did heavy soul and rhythm and blues numbers that black audiences wanted to hear," said Estelle. "Not many people recognized or identified with the songs. We had to add more rock and pop songs."

On the current Presley tour, The Sweet Inspirations sing "Life is a Song," "Can, Can," "Dirty Tricks" and "The Last Time I Saw Him."

"Dirty Tricks," a forthcoming single, was written by Myrna.

"I got the idea from the Watergate scandal," she said. "It t may be the best thing to come out of that mess."

The group got together seven years ago through' singing in the choir at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N. J.

"We met and got to be friends by singing," said Sylvia.

They sang as the Gospel Airs with Dionne and Dede Warwick, Sylvia, Myrna and Myrna's brother. After winning a talent contest at the Apollo Club in New York, the group began doing background work for artists like Aretha Franklin, Solomon Burke, Wilson Pickett, and Presley.

By 1967 Estelle had joined the group, the Warwick sisters and Myrna's brother had left and The Sweet Inspirations had their name. "People would tell us that we inspired them to sing better," said Sylvia.

In 1968, the group recorded their namesake song and life's been good to them since.

"We have our fights," said Sylvia, "but really we're like sisters. When we get on each other's nerves, we shout and hollar. Then we're friends again. It's worked that way for us seven years now."

After the Presley tour closes in Memphis March 20, The Sweet Inspirations will take a two-week break before opening in Las Vegas.


Lumberton Robesonian - Wednesday, March 20, 1974
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/43318918/


Love their graciousness: "Elvis won't tolerate any type of discrimination."

I also found the "forthcoming single" mentioned in the article. Written in part by Myrna, and inspired by the Watergate scandal, "Dirty Tricks," was released by Stax in late April.

It's pretty good, in fact better than some of the material Elvis was recording at the time at Stax. Of course, for a number of reasons, Myrna's tune would never have made his shortlist for the sessions.




740504_Sweet Inspirations_Stax 0203.jpg




Sweet Inspirations, "Dirty Tricks" (Stax 0203, April 27, 1974)





What a time it was!

R.I.P., Sylvia and Myrna.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_Inspirations
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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by promiseland »

These Beautiful women were the only vocal backups that Elvis should have had or needed in concert . They were part of Elvis in the 70's and the only real vocal inspiration Elvis had as with the TCB Band.

I consider "The Sweet Inspirations" and "The Blossoms" to be the best female vocal backup harmony soul groups of the century.

Sylvia and Myrna will always be missed two beautiful special ladies gone too soon.
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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by londonflash »

They were cool.

And hot too! :wink:

Thanks Doc.


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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by Hans »

Thanks Doc - nice stuff and interesting article.

Not a bad song either..



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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by paulsweeney »

Thanks for sharing the article and single Doc - Great ladies.



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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by Mitch »

Great job as usual Doc!

Thank you. :)

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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by elvisjock »

Great finds, Doc. Article is a good addition to the "Elvis was not racist" file.


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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by jeremylr »

Also check out their song, "Why Marry," which appeared in 1973 on their only Stax LP, entitled Estelle, Myrna & Sylvia. It's appeared on a few compilations through the years. This 6:30 minute song is a gorgeous production that deserved much more attention that it got. The two weaving electric guitars & rhythm section stand out, and it has a breakdown in middle with spoken word part, then features a reprisal.



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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by James27 »

Fitting tribute to this great group, the sound on this single reminds me of The Staple Singers and of Curtis Mayfield, very groovy.


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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by elvis-fan »

Nice post and interesting article about the ladies. Also, that's the first time I've ever heard Elvis referred to as "the Mississippi-born entertainer"...



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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by stayawayjoe001 »

very nice Doc thank you



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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by YDKM »

:lol: Thanks Doc great article + post and great ;Ladies!` :roll: :lol:


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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by Lennart »

Thanks for sharing Doc, very nice to read about these talented ladies.
I understand why Elvis wanted them to back him, they had soul.

Lennart




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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by epf »

Thank you, doc! This is such an important find and article. Many thanks. Some may think i may go overboard with this statement but i feel i do not do that. Let me try to explain.

In the first place, the interview itself is very cool and it showcases the Sweet Inspirations, which they thoroughly deserve.

Secondly, the fact that they discuss their own music so openly and how they had to adept it to the Presley audience... i found that a very honest and important statement.

Because, despite of all the groundbreaking work Elvis had done in the 50's and was continuing to do in the late 60's and early 70's, i found it heartbreaking to read that there was indeed a Presley audience as such. And that that audience was predominantly white. Therefore the Sweet Inspirations were kind of forced to change their material.
It seems like all parties involved in the Presley show had to give up something of their own identity (even Elvis himself heard himself sing oldies he did not like to do so often anymore).
The cussing and the swearing must have been difficult for the religious groups Elvis brought along with him, let alone his ad libs and the other worldly things that happened during a tour or a concert or a Vegas gig.
The TCB-band were able to play such wonderful and delicate music, yet they were forced to carry the Presley show, which by many accounts was not a love fest anymore, starting somewhere in 1973.

The democratic musical vision Elvis had was fantastic. And most certainly in the Sun years he was able to display his wide vision and open mind, not to mention his willing and ability to think out of the box.

During the time the Sweets and Elvis worked together, all parties on the Presley stage had to corrupt themselves to be able to bring the sound that the audience wanted, not the sound that Presley was capable of (almost on his own at that, see the Sun era).

After the water of Vegas damped the fire of Elvis, what was left of the Presley show was the lowest common divisor. (If i am not mistaken, David Briggs said something to the same extent, about this incredibly talented ensemble on the Presley stage, being forced into a musical bodice.)

Thirdly, the mention of Elvis not tolerating any kind of racism is a very nice (and true) thing to read. Somehow this needs to be stressed again and again, even to this day. This shows how much we really know about the man, his background and his beliefs.

And what i found very characteristic, this song was a negative statement about a POTAS, one that Elvis adored (Elvis was neither Democratic nor Republican, Elvis was Elvis). If i am not mistaken, Elvis sought contact with Nixon after his resignation and when Nixon was hospitalized. So.. on a personal level Nixon meant something to Elvis (could be genuine, could be a badge connection, could be both).

Anyhow.... The Sweets apparently did sing this song during the pre show of an Elvis concert, probably on on more than one occasion.

It was a bold statement by the Sweets. Similarly, it was a bold statement by Presley. He had to know this song was out there. Around this time he still had his antennas working.

To allow the Sweets to sing this song during the Presley show... It says something very positive and intriguing about both the Sweets and Elvis.

The Sweets made a clear political statement with this song. Elvis must have been aware of it. On the other hand, the Sweets must have been aware of the feelings Elvis had for Nixon. A very peculiar situation.

Elvis obviously practiced what he preached, even if it meant that he had to allow things that went against his own beliefs or personal feelings. (And that happened all too often, leading the singer to seek escapism. Even Red acknowledged that Elvis had no real comfort zone, so Elvis sought his own one).

In other words.... when put in context.... this particular song and interview are a very important part of the Presley Puzzle. So easy to overlook, but then again, the obvious answers are almost always just in front of you.

Thank you, Doc, for adding another piece of the puzzle.



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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by rjm »

Thanks, Doc. Very sad anniversary time.
Interesting post, epf. The question of "feelings" and Nixon is actually a very complex one: I am obviously not a conservative, but I felt genuinely sorry for him then, and in some ways, more complex ways, still sorta do. I mean, compared to Dubya's actions, it really was just a third-rate burglary and a ridiculous coverup. And he taped HIMSELF. Even as a young kid, that struck me as pathological considering he was taping himself while commanding the coverup! I thought then he must be crazy, and I swear, I felt sad about it. When he left, one of the last things he said was "and then, you destroy yourself." I just thought it was very sad and unfortunate. Elvis was such a compassionate person, that badge-hunt aside, even if that never happened and he never gave Nixon a first thought, I think he would have felt compassion for him. And maybe even made the call.

In "Mystery Train," Marcus speaks of Charlie Rich's singing of "Feel Like Goin Home" and saying "I want to dedicate this to the president of the United States." It was at the time he was going downhill, fast, but not yet resigned office. Marcus said he "felt a compassion I never, never wanted to feel." Elvis didn't have to struggle that hard cause he was, well, he was Elvis.

As for "Dirty Tricks," one thing we'll never know is what songs they had fun singing when Elvis was in their dressing room, which he did often, just to talk, gossip, etc. Most of the Sweets refused to go upstairs to the partying in his suite, with all the guys, and all the girls, and the general atmosphere, so Elvis went to their digs and would hang out for a while. Myrna's gone and cannot be asked, if she would even tell everything they shared there, which I seriously doubt. Elvis was loyal about Nixon's apparent kindness in giving him his badge (I get the impression that Nixon was nervous: "I will be here for as long as it takes to get the federal credentials." From The Letter that somehow got Elvis inside. Elvis gave off much the same vibe in the Oval Office. 'Want to help, yes, yes, but now let's talk about my need for The Federal Credentials.') But, whatever. Elvis wanted it SO badly, and he gave it to him, and he was very appreciative. I just don't think that's why he called. Or politics, either. I think he felt like a lotta people: he felt bad for him. I did.
..

rjm




epf

Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by epf »

rjm wrote:Thanks, Doc. Very sad anniversary time.
Interesting post, epf. The question of "feelings" and Nixon is actually a very complex one: I am obviously not a conservative, but I felt genuinely sorry for him then, and in some ways, more complex ways, still sorta do. I mean, compared to Dubya's actions, it really was just a third-rate burglary and a ridiculous coverup. And he taped HIMSELF. Even as a young kid, that struck me as pathological considering he was taping himself while commanding the coverup! I thought then he must be crazy, and I swear, I felt sad about it. When he left, one of the last things he said was "and then, you destroy yourself." I just thought it was very sad and unfortunate. Elvis was such a compassionate person, that badge-hunt aside, even if that never happened and he never gave Nixon a first thought, I think he would have felt compassion for him. And maybe even made the call.

In "Mystery Train," Marcus speaks of Charlie Rich's singing of "Feel Like Goin Home" and saying "I want to dedicate this to the president of the United States." It was at the time he was going downhill, fast, but not yet resigned office. Marcus said he "felt a compassion I never, never wanted to feel." Elvis didn't have to struggle that hard cause he was, well, he was Elvis.

As for "Dirty Tricks," one thing we'll never know is what songs they had fun singing when Elvis was in their dressing room, which he did often, just to talk, gossip, etc. Most of the Sweets refused to go upstairs to the partying in his suite, with all the guys, and all the girls, and the general atmosphere, so Elvis went to their digs and would hang out for a while. Myrna's gone and cannot be asked, if she would even tell everything they shared there, which I seriously doubt. Elvis was loyal about Nixon's apparent kindness in giving him his badge (I get the impression that Nixon was nervous: "I will be here for as long as it takes to get the federal credentials." From The Letter that somehow got Elvis inside. Elvis gave off much the same vibe in the Oval Office. 'Want to help, yes, yes, but now let's talk about my need for The Federal Credentials.') But, whatever. Elvis wanted it SO badly, and he gave it to him, and he was very appreciative. I just don't think that's why he called. Or politics, either. I think he felt like a lotta people: he felt bad for him. I did.
..

rjm
Wonderful post, RJM.
As a European i think we are being taught things from a different perspective. One one hand, Nixon is portrayed as the bad gay, who discredited the position of the POTUS. On another hand we are being taught things about how great his foreign policy was. How he eased the tensions between China and the US. He obviously had an understanding of the complete world we were all living in.
And i agree: Elvis felt bad for him.



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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by rjm »

Thanks, epf.

I guess everything looks different from the other side of The Pond, but to see it live: the guy was IN PAIN. And I don't mean the vascular condition. Pain. Elvis hated for people to suffer.

And he was not a terrible president, although the tapes reveal some serious personal faults and lapses. In fact, he actually implemented programs - good programs that worked, that LBJ only promised. The WIC program for pregnant and nursing mothers would have saved Jesse Garon's life had it been implemented by FDR. For that alone, he should be given credit. But that is not really why Elvis called. A lot of people are called "great humanitarians"; Elvis actually was one.

rjm




epf

Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by epf »

rjm wrote:Thanks, epf.

I guess everything looks different from the other side of The Pond, but to see it live: the guy was IN PAIN. And I don't mean the vascular condition. Pain. Elvis hated for people to suffer.

And he was not a terrible president, although the tapes reveal some serious personal faults and lapses. In fact, he actually implemented programs - good programs that worked, that LBJ only promised. The WIC program for pregnant and nursing mothers would have saved Jesse Garon's life had it been implemented by FDR. For that alone, he should be given credit. But that is not really why Elvis called. A lot of people are called "great humanitarians"; Elvis actually was one.

rjm
I agree totally, he was that to a fault almost.



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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by drjohncarpenter »

jeremylr wrote:Also check out their song, "Why Marry," which appeared in 1973 on their only Stax LP, entitled Estelle, Myrna & Sylvia. It's appeared on a few compilations through the years. This 6:30 minute song is a gorgeous production that deserved much more attention that it got. The two weaving electric guitars & rhythm section stand out, and it has a breakdown in middle with spoken word part, then features a reprisal.


It's on YouTube, and you are right! It's a beautiful piece of work, produced by the same guys who handled the 1974 single, David Porter and Ronnie Williams. "Why Marry" closes out Side 2 of the album. Betcha Elvis might have liked this one. Maybe he heard it!





Sweet Inspirations "Why Marry" Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia (Stax STS 3017, September 15, 1973)


730915_Stax STS 3017_01.jpg

730915_Stax STS 3017_02.jpg


It looks like the back cover photo may have been taken in Lake Tahoe.

Beautiful ladies, all!
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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by elvisjock »

This album was in the stacks at my college radio station. Great record.


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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by elvisjock »

rjm wrote:Thanks, Doc. Very sad anniversary time.
Interesting post, epf. The question of "feelings" and Nixon is actually a very complex one: I am obviously not a conservative, but I felt genuinely sorry for him then, and in some ways, more complex ways, still sorta do. I mean, compared to Dubya's actions, it really was just a third-rate burglary and a ridiculous coverup. And he taped HIMSELF. Even as a young kid, that struck me as pathological considering he was taping himself while commanding the coverup! I thought then he must be crazy, and I swear, I felt sad about it. When he left, one of the last things he said was "and then, you destroy yourself." I just thought it was very sad and unfortunate. Elvis was such a compassionate person, that badge-hunt aside, even if that never happened and he never gave Nixon a first thought, I think he would have felt compassion for him. And maybe even made the call.

In "Mystery Train," Marcus speaks of Charlie Rich's singing of "Feel Like Goin Home" and saying "I want to dedicate this to the president of the United States." It was at the time he was going downhill, fast, but not yet resigned office. Marcus said he "felt a compassion I never, never wanted to feel." Elvis didn't have to struggle that hard cause he was, well, he was Elvis.

As for "Dirty Tricks," one thing we'll never know is what songs they had fun singing when Elvis was in their dressing room, which he did often, just to talk, gossip, etc. Most of the Sweets refused to go upstairs to the partying in his suite, with all the guys, and all the girls, and the general atmosphere, so Elvis went to their digs and would hang out for a while. Myrna's gone and cannot be asked, if she would even tell everything they shared there, which I seriously doubt. Elvis was loyal about Nixon's apparent kindness in giving him his badge (I get the impression that Nixon was nervous: "I will be here for as long as it takes to get the federal credentials." From The Letter that somehow got Elvis inside. Elvis gave off much the same vibe in the Oval Office. 'Want to help, yes, yes, but now let's talk about my need for The Federal Credentials.') But, whatever. Elvis wanted it SO badly, and he gave it to him, and he was very appreciative. I just don't think that's why he called. Or politics, either. I think he felt like a lotta people: he felt bad for him. I did.
..

rjm
I've listened to many hours of the Nixon tapes, particularly those that were not Watergate-related. The taping system was installed to take the place of the stenographer that would typically attend meetings. LBJ and JFK had similar setups. They were to be used as reference material for his memoirs.


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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by paulsweeney »

I got to say hello to Estelle this past November in Quebec City Image




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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by fn2drive »

Great post Doc. And lots of great comments. The girls making the point about Elvis and race is impt and noteworthy. America in 1974 was hardly the America of today. Elvis' views were still very progressive for a white Southerner of his day. George Wallace ran for President for all intents and purposes as a segregationist in 68. Maybe it all goes to prove the point that art is the great equalizer. Maybe it was easy for Elvis to be magnamous. He was discriminated against because of his poverty, surely because of his Father's criminal conviction and his music. Despite all the attempts to paint him as a racist, i suspect he felt similar stains and was very empathic. For me, i concluded the reports were bs when i first listened to him describing Jackie Wilson's performance and the words he choose on Million Dollar quartet.

Having black singers share a stage at 100s of concerts throughout the south in early 70s was never acknowledged as what it was-helping to break down barriers. He should have recd more credit. While it was no big deal in NY and LA, it was in Mobile and Birmingham and Atlanta.


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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by jeremylr »

The revival of this thread by Doc prompted me to revisit my "'Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia' — The Perfect Sweet Inspirations Playlist" feature, originally published in 2013 back when Examiner.com was still among the living, and touch it up a bit for Medium.com. I welcome your feedback.

https://medium.com/@jeremylr/estelle-myrna-and-sylvia-the-perfect-sweet-inspirations-playlist-69d6c8f09358#.k8bmr8ft5




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Re: "Dirty Tricks" --> Remembering Sylvia and Myrna

Post by AndrewJ »

The Sweets were fantastic - really adding to the soulfulness of Elvis' sound.

Thanks for these links Doc - to be honest, it leaves me frustrated; Elvis was clearly surrounded by a group of crack musicians and singers in the TCB band/Sweet Inspirations, with their roots firmly linked to Elvis' and the ability to produce contemporary material in the rock/country/soul genres. If only he had sat down and collaborated with these guys - would've blown My Boy out the water that's for sure!