are any of the sweet inspirations still alive

Although they would hit the R&B chart twice more for the label, by 1971, with Wexler now merely an employee and the Warner owned company's focus shifting to acts like Led Zeppelin, Derek & the Dominoes and Crosby, Stills and Nash, they chose not to renew The Sweets' contract in 1972. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. The Sweet Inspirations. Sweet Inspiration is a sweet sexy tale of the eldest son of Santa Claus and how Lucy's sweet treats and unique style drew him in changing the course of his path forever. Rank. In addition to the work they were doing at Atlantic (basically taking the place of The Cookies who, as The Raelettes, had moved on when Brother Ray did in 1960), they would also back folks like Chuck Jackson and Maxine Brown for Wand, and become an integral part of the 'session scene' in town. Popular music icon Elvis Presley dies in Memphis, Tennessee. 'The Sweet Inspirations', four girls from New York, are in Britain to promote their latest recording hit, What the World Needs Now. She became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. This isnt too surprising, as their have been rumors that Elvis was very fond of the ladies. Re-released in 1991, it is still . 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. Myrna Smith is one of the original Sweet Inspirations, the backing group who sang with Elvis in concert from 1969 until the end. Cissy's last recording session with 'The Sweet Inspirations' was in October 1969, since she wanted to pursue a solo career and concentrate on her family. Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. shrimp, mushrooms, red onions, parmesan and feta cheese. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Elvis in Person at the International Hotel, "Elvis Presley Estelle Brown Sweet Inspirations Backup Singer Interview The Spa Guy", "The Dead Rock Stars Club 2010 July to December", "Peter Gabriel Receives Top Honor at BMI London Awards", "The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland", "Myrna Smith - Interview - Elvis Information Network", From Memphis to Vegas / From Vegas to Memphis, Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas, From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee, Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Performances, Command Performances: The Essential 60s Masters II, Suspicious Minds: The Memphis 1969 Anthology, The King of Rock 'n' Roll: The Complete 50's Masters, From Nashville to Memphis: The Essential '60s Masters, Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Essential '70s Masters, Peace in the Valley: The Complete Gospel Recordings, The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Sweet_Inspirations&oldid=1141321166, Articles needing additional references from December 2010, All articles needing additional references, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Articles containing potentially dated statements from March 2011, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Sylvia Shemwell mezzo-soprano/2nd soprano (1966?1979, 19942001; died 2010), Estelle Brown contralto/2nd alto (19651979, 1994present), Ann Williams soprano/1st soprano (19691970), Kelly Jones mezzo soprano/soprano (2010present), This page was last edited on 24 February 2023, at 13:22. Welcome to the Official website of The Sweet Inspirations! The Sweet Inspirations 1969:Sylvia Shemwell, Cissy Houston, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. The follow-up, Let It Be Me, which had been recorded at those same New York sessions, did even better, just missing the R&B top ten. . Come and meet them May 15thin Scranton at a special Concert inShawn's hometown. An all female American soul quartet, these ladies were some of the most prolific backing vocalists in 60's R&B, literally singing on dozens of hit records for other artists. No he hasnt! I really, really want to get their other studio albums. Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Read More. 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. This original backup group that was so in demand among producers, publishers, artists, and songwriters in the early '60s included Myrna's cousins, With both Doris and Dionne enjoying solo careers with hits (. The Sweet Inspirations had a close, playful and well-respected friendship with Elvis Presley. Today Rick visits with Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations who were background singers for Elvis Presley Tragically, Smith died at the age of 69 on December 24, 2010 from kidney failure. The late April session produced a version of The Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody", which became the group's fourth R&B chart hit, and a version of The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody," which gave the group a charted, though minor hit. You don't have to bring them'. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album - a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. The Inspirations | Tickets Concerts and Tours 2023 2024 - Wegow REDISCOVER The '60s: Soul Love. In the early 1980s, she co-wrote all of the songs on Carl Wilson's 1981 solo album Carl Wilson, as well as a few of the songs on his 1983 solo album Youngblood, and Wilson's contributions to The Beach Boys' self-titled 1985 album. The 3-day Festival is an annual event taking place in the picturesque city of Penticton, British Columbia, Canada in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. The Sweet Inspirations: albums, songs, playlists | Listen on Deezer Sign up for Deezer for free and listen to The Sweet Inspirations: discography, top tracks and playlists. Wexler had been one of Chips Moman's first customers and had already cut Esther Phillips, King Curtis and Wilson Pickett at the studio. In 1951, they would appear with Jackson, Clara Ward, and Rosetta Tharpe at a sold-out Carnegie Hall, after which they would record a few singles for Savoy, in addition to broadcasting live from Symphony Hall in New Jersey every Sunday. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. I'm sure he said, 'And I want your daughter to drive them'. The Sweet Inspirations, Soundtrack: Deadpool. The Sweet Inspirations recorded by themselves for the first time in April 1967 for Atlantic Records. Featuring Elviss original backing singers The Sweet Inspirations who toured with Elvis from 1969-1977 and featured in concert movies Thats The way It Is, Elvis On Tour and TV special Aloha From Hawaii. Estelle Brown, Myrna Smith, and Sylvia Shemwell begun performing with Elvis in Las Vegas in 1969 and they continued to perform at every concert with Elvis all the way through the year of 1977 until Elvis' passing. Elvis death: The King's pilot I thought Vernon Presley had died, Elvis Presley bodyguard says King'different'person in private, Elvis Presley Vegas backing singer: I believe The King is an ANGEL and he is still here, Elvis performing in Las Vegas with The Sweet Inspirations, Elvis Presley ALIVE? 'Songs of Faith and Inspiration' by 'Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations' would be released in the summer of 1968, right in between 'Tighten Up' by Archie Bell & the Drells and The Midnight Mover by Wilson Pickett. Clockwise from top. And now another former member Estelle Brown has revealed in a new interview how she believes Elvis is still around as an angel. Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, Elvis' Sweet Inspirations and Elvis' original drummer DJ Fontana. Both Troy and Dionne Warwick enjoyed solo careers with hits in 1963, "Just One Look" and "Don't Make Me Over" respectively, on which the Sweet Inspirations can be heard. Taking over for Cook is another fouding member of the group, former tenor Archie Watkins. Cissy Houston left in 1969 to pursue her own solo career but the Sweet Inspirations remained loyal to the king of rock & roll. Within a month of their chart climb, the group began work on their second album a gospel record entitled Songs Of Faith & Inspiration. You can also hear Estelle's voice on the records of Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Wilson Picket, Van Morrison and Dionne Warwick. 308. He once again criticized Westmoreland during the summer 1975 tour, telling audiences, among other things, that she would "take affection from anybody, anyplace, anytime. If you don't believe it'll work out, you'll see obstacles." Wayne Dyer. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. The Sweet Inspirations were hired by Elvis Presley in 1969 without an audition, due to Elvis being very familiar with The Sweet Inspirations. Elvis' retinue of backup singers in 1975 consisted of soprano Kathy Westmoreland, who had joined Presley's concert ensemble in 1969; the Sweet Inspirations, a quartet of Black female gospel singers who had also been with Elvis' touring group since 1970; and J.D. The Sweet inspirations had a hit record on the Pop, Soul and R and B charts in 1969. However, it might surprise you that Presley loved black women as he was a rumored racist. Chosen as their first Atlantic release, their phenomenal version of Pops Staples' 1965 Civil Rights anthem Why (Am I treated So Bad) would break into the R&B top 40 (and even hit #57 on the Hot 100) during the Summer of Love. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Already a group of session backing vocalists for years, they only formally became a band when they started recording singles in 1967. Elvis Presley's songs are unforgettable - they have stood the test of time, especially his singles of the 1950s, a decade in which he had a song at No. Just listen to Son of a Preacher Man sometimeand you get the idea of how important the Sweet Inspirations were to the Atlantic Sound. The Sweet Inspirations - Wikipedia [4] In October 2007, Morrison was awarded a Million-Air certificate by BMI for 8 million air plays of "Brown Eyed Girl".[5]. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. The Sweet Inspirations music, videos, stats, and photos | Last.fm Elvis Presley Grave Who is Buried at Graceland? When they brought down the house at the 1957 festival, they were signed to RCA on the spot, and they released the critically acclaimed 'A Joyful Noise' the following year. Sylvia Shemwell, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. There was an error processing your request. Are any of the Sweet Inspirations still alive? The King is coming. My love and respect for him and his music have kept me focused as a tribute artist for all of these years. [6], In 1967, the group did backing vocals for the Jimi Hendrix single "Burning of the Midnight Lamp" which was later featured on the album Electric Ladyland in 1968. They would provide the background vocals that June as they were recording Aretha's 'Lady Soul' (that's them on Chain Of Fools!! Demi Lovato Is Back and Better Than Ever With ' Still Alive ' If you ' re a fan of the iconic Scream movies, you need to give a listen to Demi Lovato ' s new song " Still Alive. Large Pecan Pie Bites Jar w/Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Filling 16 oz. Over the years, Elvis Presley had a number of backing singers, including The Sweet Inspirations. 172,747 The Sweet Inspirations Premium High Res Photos SWEET Official | New Album "Isolation Boulevard" The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. Myrna Smith - Wikipedia Myrna Yvonne Smith (May 28, 1941 December 24, 2010)[1] was an American songwriter and singer. ), and would become closely allied with her for the rest of her tenure at Atlantic. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio. Elvis was said to have loved the singers -especially Myrna Smith and he loved their hit song so much that he hired the group of four Black female singers to do backing vocals for him. When did Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley start singing together? Sweet Inspiration; Give My Love to Somebody; You Roam When You Don't Get It At Home; Blues Stay Away from Me; Let It Be Me; When Something Is Wrong With My Baby; I'm Blue; But You Know I Love You; Chained; Why Am I Treated So Bad; Unchained Melody; It's Not Easy; Get A Little Order; What The World Needs Now Is Love; Don't Go; It's Worth It All . window._taboola = window._taboola || []; Sylvia Shemwell, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. News headlines delivered at Noon Monday - Friday. [3] It was released in June 1967 and rose to No. The Elvis association in particular assured them regular work, including touring with the 'Elvis: The Concert' show, which featured Elvis on screen and his original backing band playing live. Over the years, Elvis Presley had a number of backing singers, including The Sweet Inspirations. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', 1970 The Inspirations - Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Aside from them working together, Smith had a boyfriend, Gregory, that was apart of the band as well. CAFE SWEET INSPIRATIONS - 72 Photos & 16 Reviews - Coffee & Tea - 311 Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines - Restaurant Reviews - Phone Number - Yelp Cafe Sweet Inspirations 16 reviews Unclaimed Coffee & Tea, Mongolian, Filipino Open 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM See 72 photos Victorino's Kanto Freestyle Breakfast The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Inspirations & Organization - NeedlenThread.com As it is reported, Johns, one of the most famous artists and painters who are alive today, holds the title for the creator of the most expensive painting by a living artist. Myrna Smith, a member of the group, The Sweet Inspirations, sang back up for rock & roll legend, Elvis Presley. Menu. The Sweet Inspirations - The Whole World Is Out from Estelle, Myrna Deep down inside, he knew the deal. This place is the perfect spot to grab something delicious to satisfy your morning sweet tooth. The lineup was completed by Estelle Brown, Sylvia Shemwell and Myrna Smith. She then went on to describe how she believes Elvis is an angel and still with us. The remainder of the album was recorded in November 1970, with Shemwell, Brown, Smith, and new member Ann Williams, a friend of Brown's who stayed for what turned out to be the group's last full Atlantic album. It was Wexler who dubbed them 'The Sweet Inspirations' and, as he said in the book, 'Rhythm and the Blues', they 'they became one of the pillars of the Atlantic Church of Sixties Soul ultimately it was only a matter of common decency to put them under contract as a featured group'. I am still missing a few and would be interested in buying some of them once you get organized. Portia Griffin who has been with the group for 19 years sang with Jeffery Osborne, the Killers and many more. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Estelle Brown in Jacksonville, Florida, born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, who passed away on January 24, 2021, at the age of 80, leaving to mourn family and friends. Estelle Brown sang with Elvis from 1969 until his untimely passing in 1977. All of which kind of makes Atlantic's decision to cut a Gospel album on them at the height of their success kind of strange. The pop-rock-gospel trio of Don Sumner, Sean Nielsen and Tim Beaty is The Voice, which has being the opening act and backup group for Elvis Presley. A link to the news story can be found here. The Sweet Inspirations: albums, songs, playlists | Listen on Deezer When I used to work down in this area we would order in from here all time time for business events and their pastries were always well received. The group's distinct sound is instantly recognizable and has changed little across 57 years of recordings no matter who was singing. More info. Sweet Inspirations is where my ~Dream~ comes alive and lets me be creative as my heart allows. We thought it didnt fit. Born in Newark, New Jersey. (4-pk) $ 40.00 Quantity: Product Type: Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. Sweet Inspiration by The Sweet Inspirations - Songfacts By October 2010, she was a patient at the Canyon Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California. The Jordanaires worked with Elvis [2] When she joined, the lead singer of the Sweet Inspirations was Cissy Houston, the mother of Whitney Houston and dynamic soprano featured on Aretha Franklin's "Ain't No Way". The Sweet Inspirations - Shows Emily Drinkard, 30th September 1933, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.) (above) This first-of-its-kind musical performance tells the story of Presleys modest beginnings, rise to fame and return to live performing while featuring some of his greatest hits including Blue Suede Shoes and Hound Dog and even a few rare and classic tunes. What connection did the Jordanaires have with Elvis? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. In 1979, after Estelle Brown left the group, they were asked by The Bee Gees to go on tour with them and signed by Robert Stigwood to RSO. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. Sweet Inspirations on tour now throughout the UK! Also included from that set are "Thats The Way My Baby Is", and "Flash In The Pan". The infamous "catfish" incident that resulted in several of Elvis Presley's backup singers walking off stage in the middle of a concert was not merely a matter of their taking offense at a racist remark, but a reaction to the singer's increasingly bizarre behavior. 8. It was beautiful and it stayed that way. Sylvia Shemwell died February 13, 2010. Myrna Smith died December 24, 2010. Sweet Inspirations - Etsy ISBN 0-316-33297-6 (pp. She led a successful career as a backup singer for such artists as Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson, and Aretha Franklin, and is now primarily a solo artist. After being included on a 'Newport Spiritual Stars' compilation in 1954, their performances at the festival were always well attended. Elvis Musicians Elvis band who backed Elvis Presley that are still alive and performing today? Presley's behavior during a July 1975 performance in Norfolk, Virginia, was one of the low points in his long decline from superb entertainer to drug-sodden corpse. From suffragist Susan B. Anthony to civil rights activist Rosa Parks, they helped to shape the lives of not only the women who came after them but the world at large. "2 Backup Singers Walk Out on Elvis Presley During Performance." As stated above, the song Sweet Inspiration caught Elvis' attention, however it was the group, The Blossoms, who backed Elvis onhis '68 Comeback Special that was first choice forhis 1969 return to the stage in Las Vegas. Its surreal, but theres an energy here. The singer who has performed with Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix and Dusty Springfield said: He was a Rock and Roll singer and we were gospel singers, so it did not coincide, it didnt fit. Unbowed, they would sign with Stax (a company where it was still okay to be Black) as a trio in 1973. Cissy Houston Elvis Presley and Racism: The Ultimate, Definitive Guide, 1967 : Sweet Inspirations : Atlantic 1968 : Songs of Faith & Inspiration : Atlantic 1969 : Sweets for my Sweet : Atlantic 1969 : What the World Needs Now is Love : Atlantic 1970 : Sweet Sweet Soul : Atlantic 1973 : The Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia : Stax 1979 : Hot Butterfly : RSO, #12 : The Sweet Inspirations :Black albums : 1968 #90 The Sweet Inspirations : Pop albums :1968, #13 : Let It Be Me : R&B|Black singles : 1967 #94 : Let It Be Me Pop singles : 1967 #36 : Why (Am I Treated so Bad) : Black singles : 1967 #57 : Why (Am I Treated so Bad) : Pop singles : 1967 #5 : Sweet Inspiration : Black singles : 1968 #18 : Sweet Inspiration : Pop singles : 1968 #30 : To Love Somebody : Black singles : 1968 #74 : To Love Somebody : Pop singles : 1968 #41 : Unchained Melody : Black singles : 1968 #73 : Unchained Melody : Pop singles 1968 #42 Crying in the Rain Black singles : 1969 #25 : A Brand New Lover : Black singles : 1970 #44 : Evidence : Black singles : 1971 #26 : Love is on the Way : Club Play singles : 1979 #34 : Celebration : Hot Dance music/Club Play : 2005, Interview with Myrna Smith Cissy Houston Remembers Elvis Presley. The original lineup included Doris Troy and the two Warwick sisters Dionne & Dee Dee. Latest Audio (and video) updates:Video courtesy of Elvis Presley MP3 Audio Central. Thanks for visiting our page! The Sweet Inspirations originally did When Something Is Wrong with My Baby, But You Know I Love You, Do Right Woman - Do Right Man, Blues Stay Away from Me and other songs. 3362. New York, New York, United States. And there were times Smith provided backing vocals alone, minus her group. The Sweet Inspirations - IMDb When they were unable to come to Vegas because of prior commitments, Elvis didn't hesitate; he signed the 'Sweets' with no audition required. The Sweet Inspirations Top Songs - Music VF Weather forecast delivered at 9:00 am daily. Smith was replaced with Los Angeles-based singer Kelly Jones; as of March 2011[update], the Sweet Inspirations are continuing to perform backup vocals with Elvis: The Concert and continue to do many concerts worldwide with Elvis Presley Enterprises' first ever "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist", Shawn Klush,[9] sometimes as a duo and other times as a trio. Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. We love being here and connecting with peopleeverything starts with customer service! The Sweet bassist Steve Priest dies aged 72 - BBC News The Sweet Inspirations was founded by former members of The Drinkard Singers, a long-running Gospel singing group whose membership included Cissy Houston (ne Drinkard), mother of Whitney Houston, and Lee Warwick, who was Cissy's sister and the mother of Sweet Inspirations members Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick.. As a backup group, the Sweet Inspirations was in high demand among . They would also overdub their unbelievable background vocals in New York that summer when Atlantic brought back the tapes that they had recorded with Dusty Springfield at American in Memphis. Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, UK. The Inspirations describe themselves as "an enthusiastic, sincere, clean-cut group of fundamental conservative Christian gentlemen with a desire and an objective to witness to a needful and sinful world through the medium of Gospel Music." They have sold more than one million copies of their sixty albums. They also toured with the Bee Gees and released the disco album 'Hot Butterfly' in this period, but with the record achieving limited success the group decided to break up. Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. She died on December 24, 2010, in Canoga Park, California, after an illness, five months short of her 70th birthday.[1]. By the time she was 8 years old, she was singing in a youth group called C.H. In 1963 she and three other singers formed a backup group that became known as the Sweet Inspirationsand performed around the country with various headliners. David Mikkelson founded the site now known as snopes.com back in 1994. They dated for a while but remained close after it ended and Elvis continued to ask her to share his bed as friends for comfort. Pat Hodges & The Sweet Inspirations. Despite her financial struggles, she was determined tokeep her career and her friendships with her group mates going for as long as she could. In 1969, the group recorded their fourth album, Sweets for my Sweet. It was released in 1968 under the name "Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations. I don't think you can say enough about the importance of these ladies' vocals to the phenomenal 'New York Soul' records that were being produced in and around the city in the early sixties. Bill Baize, The Stamps Quartet, still active. You can unsubscribe at any time. The 1970s saw the Inspirations rise to national attention with a number of hit songs. The Sweet Inspirations : Female vocal group, formed 1967 in New York, New York. While they were successful in their own right as a group with many hit recordings, the one song that stood out the song was their song, Sweet Inspiration. Back in the 60s, that song had many people bopping their heads and tapping their feet. Elvis responded with, 'Well if they don't come, I don't come'. The Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville would like to take a moment to wish Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations a very Happy 70th Birthday!! Let It Be Me: The Atlantic Recordings (1967-1970) The Sweet Inspirations. He was known for his playful humour and outrageous costumes when Sweet played hits like Blockbuster and . Myrna Smithalso backed Elvis up during his 1976 Graceland recordings, both in February of that year and in the October/November sessions, resulting in two albums. He and the rest of the cast are happy to be back in one of the original homes of this concert tour. [2] Shemwell died on February 13, 2010. Luke Combs recently took to social media to share a moving tribute to his paternal and maternal grandfathers. Myrna was a great soul singer whose voice was featured on some of the finest records of the second half of the 20th century. Keep up with the group by coming back often. (4-pk) Even after singing and performing in concerts, they allegedly would continue to sing and jam all night. According to Elvis.com, Elvis loved the song so much that he contacted the group to have them sing back up for him. Artist: The Sweet Inspirations | SecondHandSongs However, she added: Ive learned better than that but we just didnt think it would work. Sweet Inspirations Page At that point, Brown had had enough and walked off the stage. Estelle Brown will be attending a few events in Memphis, Portia Griffin will be singing on these both shows! When Emily 'Cissy' Drinkard was five years old, she began singing in a family Gospel group called The Drinkard Singers. Elvis FAQ: Elvis' Backup Singers " The original song was made for the new film SCREAM VI, and even comes with a music video. Sweet Inspiration (Klaus Brothers, #1) by Penny Watson - Goodreads It was released in 1968 under the name 'Cissy Drinkard & The Sweet Inspirations'. As the story goes, Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham got up off the couch, wrote a song for The Sweets, and cut it themselves while Dowd and the rest of the Atlantic crew went to lunch. Which is just what he did, producing their first sessions for the company himself, just a week after they finished up work on the Aretha album. The Sweet Inspirations is known for Deadpool (2016), Something Borrowed (2011) and Sandy Wexler (2017). No wonder that he used to have them open his concerts.