It’s been quiet over the last few months, but 2010 has claimed at least one more Soul singer with the death of Myrna Smith of the Sweet Inspirations.

As a member of the “Sweets,” Smith sang backup for Elvis Presley and took part is several great tunes released by the group on Atlantic Records.

Smith was rushed to a London hospital in March after she developed pneumonia and kidney problems while on tour with Elvis: The Concert. She later suffered from kidney failure and a severe stroke. Myrna spent her last weeks and died on Christmas day at the Canyon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California.

The Sweet Inspirations evolved from the Gospelaires, which included Myrna’s cousins Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, Doris Troy and Judy Guions (later known as Stax’s Judy Clay). The group’s session work included backing vocals for Solomon Burke, Wilson Pickett and the Drifters. Myrna replaced Dee Dee in 1965 after she left to pursue a solo career. Estelle Brown also joined around that time. Dionne and Doris were later replaced by Cissy Houston and Sylvia Shemwell, respectively.

In 1967, the group was signed to Atlantic as the Sweet Inspirations. Their first release was a cover of Why (Am I Treated So Bad), a top-40 hit on the R&B charts.

The Sweet Inspirations continued to work as sessions singers during this period, appearing on classic cuts by artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin (Chain of Fools), Dusty Springfield (Son of a Preacher Man), Van Morrison (Brown Eyed Girl) and Jimi Hendrix (Burning of the Midnight Lamp).

In 1969, Elvis Presley chose the Sweet Inspirations as his opening act and backing singers for gigs at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. The group appeared with Elvis in more than 1,000 concerts, as well as the television specials Aloha from Hawaii and Elvis in Concert.

Sadly, Smith is the second Sweet Inspiration to pass this year. In February, Sylvia Shemwell succumbed to the affects of an earlier stroke.

R.I.P. Myrna

[Edited 12/28/10 14:37pm]