Original Sweet Inspirations Singer Passes Away!

Original Sweet Inspirations Singer Passes Away!


It is with deep sadness that Elvis Unlimited breaks the news of Sylvia Shemwell's death. Sylvia passed away on February 13, 2010. Sylvia was an original member of The Sweet Inspirations. She stopped touring with the group in 2001 due to a stroke. Sylvia's sister, Judy Clay was a great gospel and soul singer. She worked with Billy Vera in the 60's. They were the first racially integrated duo in the US. Billy Vera gave this exclusive comment to elvisunlimited.com about the passing of Sylvia, " This is the first I heard of Sylvia's death. Her sister, Judy Clay and I were singing partners in the late 60s. We made hit records of "Storybook Children" and "Country Girl-City Man." Sylvia and her group, the Sweet Inspirations, also sang on our album on Atlantic Records. Sylvia was a very talented and nice person, and I liked her very much." Elvis Unlimited sends our condolences to the family and friends of Sylvia Shemwell.

Source: ElvisUnlimited, 15.03.2010

Thats terrible news.

Thanks for posting this danusia by the way.

Sylvia Shemwell


Less and less "people Elvis", all follow him to the Lord..
And we will go them there to meet all together...

Very sad to hear this. I remember seeing Sylvia during the first couple of "Elvis The Concert" tours at Wembley and somewhere I have a close up picture of her I took as the show was ending.

Then of course she had that stroke and had too pull out of all future tours. In 2005 she was well enough to provide some backing vocals on a new Sweet Inspirations CD, but this is really sad news and I'm sure Myrna and Estelle must be very upset.

Another part of Elvis history has gone.

And im sure Cissy Houston is equally devastated by this news.

Estelle, Sylvia and Myrna singing "Black Sunday" during an Elvis performance in June 1977

R.I.P
Sylvia was a beautiful woman, great singer and if you've see as many outtakes as I have you'll know just how much fun she was around Elvis and the band.

Very sad news

That is really sad. Thanks for letting us know huni xxx

Aww this is so sad , i was lucky enough to meet her a few times and she was a very sweet lady.

so sad , rip Sylvia

Very sad news . I am sure they are both singing away together.

what very very sad news - but what a wonderful life this lovely lady was blessed with she had and i am sure enjoyed every minute...