Posted on 12/29/2010 4:47:15 AM PST by lowbridge
Myrna Smith sadly passed away yesterday from kidney failure, she was 69 (1941-2010). Myrna was a member of the Sweet Inspirations, who were best known for their work with Elvis Presley & Aretha Franklin. Myrna is the second of the Sweet Inspirations to pass away this year. Sylvia Shemwell died on February 13.
Myrna passed approx. 1:45 PM Pacific (California) time December 24, 2010.
Elvis Australia was lucky enough to spend some time with Myrna when she was in Australia on several occasions. She was an absolute delight to socialise with, always full of life, happiness and a wonderful positive person to be around. Myrna Smith was a key member of the group 'The Sweet Inspirations'.
Myrna Smith is one of the original Sweet Inspirations, the backing group who sang with Elvis in concert from 1969 until the end. The Sweet Inspirations had success with R&B, gospel and pop recordings of their own, most notably their first hit single Sweet Inspiration, which gave the group their name in the late sixties and earned them a Grammy nomination. It was that song that caught the attention of Elvis Presley, who signed them to provide backing vocals and be an opening act for his record-breaking 1969 Las Vegas engagement, his official return to the live concert stage after his triumphant '68 TV special and the end of his Hollywood movie contract obligations. No audition was required. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. Myrna also backed Elvis up during his 1976 Graceland recordings, both in February of that year, and in the October/November sessions, resulting in two albums.
(Excerpt) Read more at elvis.com.au ...
Everybody is dying lately.
Yogi
If you don’t go to their funeral, they won’t come to yours.
Yogi
I enjoyed the look back, Lowbridge. Thanks for posting it, even though it is a sad occasion.....May Myrna Smith rest in peace, singing with the chorus of heavenly angels.
Condolences to the family and friends of Myrna Smith.
RIP.
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